88 Indigenous Knowledge and Ethics Linda Scarangella Department 0/ Anthopology McMaster University Abstract Academics. corporations. and governmelll agencies have begun to take greater interest in conducting Indigenous Knowledge (lK) research in response to environmental issues and failures of "develop me III projects." Indigenous scholars and communities, however, are concerned about how these research projects may affect their communities and goals towards autonomy. In order to protect their IK and minimize the possibility for misrepreselllation and/or misuse. some communities insist on equal control and participation in the entire research project. This article examines the debates surrounding the definition and use oflK. Ithen explore a research framework based on "relatiollships" as one possible model that may address indigenous concerns about contro!' authorship. ownership. and benefits. I discuss two variations ofa relationship model: one based on"reciprocity'" the other on "covenants" I conclude that a collaboratil'e rel(f/iollship research model complements indigenous expectations and conceptions of research and begins to address indigenous concerns. Introduction In both the physical and social sciences, researchers have steadily been moving towards collaborative research projects, which are dependant on the cooperation of indigenous peoples as well as scientists and academics across disciplines. Indigenous knowledge in particular is increasingly viewed as possibly providing alternative sources of knowledge, for medical research and the study of plants and herbs for example, and as providing answers to global concerns, such as environmental issues. Often called upon to act as "cultural brokers" between indigenous and Western worldviews, anthropologists are embroiled in these research projects. They participate as collaborators in larger projects, or they may pursue their own research projects. Given the sense of urgency and the prominence of some of these medical and environmental research projects involving the collection and use of Indigenous NEXUS: Volume 17 (2004)