Lancer teaching students.

I tell people that I might work for the University, but I am Native first. I let them know that I work for the benefit of the Tribes, not only in what I say, but what I do. People know that if the research doesn’t have a strong benefit for the Tribes, I will not ask them to participate. People deserve to have a clear understanding of how participating in research will benefit the Tribe and future generations.

Lancer Stephens

Associate Professor
University of Oklahoma

When Lancer Stephens, an Associate Professor in the College of Public Health, began working for the University of Oklahoma in 2011, the number of American Indian and Alaska Native people participating in clinical research was low. At times, large studies would have one maybe two Native people. However, after extensive outreach and relationship building, this slowly started to shift.

Being of service

Initially Lancer hit the road getting to know Tribal leadership and staff. In the first year alone in his new position, Lancer noted that he put over 20,000 miles on his car. “Almost every day I was at one of Oklahoma’s Tribal communities, getting to know people and letting them get to know me,” he said.

Lancer attended conferences, community health fairs, and other Tribal events. There, he set up a folding table and chatted with passersby. Of this he said, “I loved it. The University was basically allowing me to just be present and offer my time and the University’s resources. I didn’t come in with a particular agenda other than being of service. I would just introduce myself and my role. It was probably 8 months or so before any research was discussed.”

While visiting a community, Lancer would try to listen and learn about the Tribe, understand their health priorities, and see if there were any things that the University or he could help with. As an experienced reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies, he offered his help with grant writing. “Grant writing is one of those exercises that takes time to learn,” said Lancer. “Many Tribes only need another set of eyes to review and offer comments. Others needed more help.” If a Tribe requested a letter of support for their project, Lancer would make sure to either write it himself or request support from colleagues within the university.

Book learning only takes you so far

When Lancer did begin sharing information about research, he was clear about what the research was, why it is important, and why Tribes deserve to be an active partner in it. He did this all without using any academic jargon. “I broke things down into everyday language,” he said. “I always tell my students to just speak plainly. Tribal people care about who you are as a person and whether you are genuine about helping them. As Native people we can smell insincerity a mile away. Respect, honestly, and clear communication can go a long way.”

More than research papers and money – creating real benefits for Tribes

Lancer, a member of the Wichita Tribe and also half Muskogee (Creek) Nation, credits being Native, in part, for successes the University experienced engaging Tribes. “I tell people that I might work for the University, but I am Native first. I let them know that I work for the benefit of the Tribes, not only in what I say, but what I do.” said Lancer. “People know that if the research doesn’t have a strong benefit for the Tribes, I will not ask them to participate. People deserve to have a clear understanding of how participating in research will benefit the Tribe and future generations.”

Upholding Tribal sovereignty and Tribal data sovereignty

According to Lancer, the journey to engaging Tribes has not been without bumps. “At one time, the University and our Institutional Review Board (IRB) didn’t fully understand Tribal sovereignty. For example, they thought that anything the University discovered during research was free reign, but we have since gotten on the same page. The University and our IRB now understand that Tribal data belongs to the Tribes and that they have the right to review and approval any papers and presentations that arise from it. They also understand now that the Tribes have the right to stop research any research at any time they see fit… and, on occasion, research has been delayed until changes were made to the process. The University has needed to learn that trust built with Tribal communities can be fragile. As such, it requires constant tending and reaffirmation of Tribal sovereignty and Tribal data sovereignty.”

Building relationships before all else

Engaging Tribes, Lancer believes, “comes down to whether or not you have a good relationship. And the relationship has got to be built before anything else. You treat your friends nice, and your friends have your back. Treating people with respect and honesty is something I strive for in my relationships. It’s something we learn as children, and it shouldn’t change as we become adults.”

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