Mission
The current mission of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Research Office is to enhance the tribal research infrastructure by continuing to build the research review capacity, education through community engagement, and exercising tribal sovereignty through research data management. The main objective of the Tribal Research Office is to improve the overall status of all Tribal members through relevant, tailored, and culturally sensitive research as outlined in in the SWO Code Chapter 77 – “SWO Research Code.”
About Us
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Council saw the need for a Tribal Research Office due to the number of research projects that were ongoing within the Lake Traverse Reservation. Tribal Council passed Resolution SWO-14-055 on June 3, 2014, whereby the Tribal Chairman directed the Director of Tribal Education, Dr. Sherry Johnson, to partner with CRCAIH, to establish Tribal Research Codes, Protocols and Process, flowcharts, forms and establish a Local Research Review Board. The Research Office is currently located in the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Administration building, Ska Quadrant, Education Suite.
Research Review Board Meeting Schedule 2025
Research Office Services Flyer
Informational Videos for Research Participants
The Office for Human Research Protections (or OHRP) has created a series of short videos with basic information about research. These videos are intended to help potential participants understand how research works, what questions they should consider asking, and things to think about when deciding whether to participate in a study.
Part 1: What is Research?
This video provides basic information about scientific research, the goals of research, and discusses how clinical research differs from medical care. (3:00)
Part 2: Clinical Trials
This video discusses types of human research with a focus on clinical trials, and explains common terms that potential participants should know. (4:20)
Part 3: Questions to Ask
This video emphasizes that participating in research is voluntary and encourages potential participants to ask questions and get the information they need to decide whether to participate. (4:44)
Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)
This video explains the concept of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which review certain research studies involving human volunteers to ensure that the studies meet ethical standards and regulatory requirements. (6:45)
Participating in Social & Behavioral Health Research
This video provides basic information about social and behavioral health research and what makes it different from clinical research. (6:05)
Questions to Ask When Deciding Whether to Volunteer For Research
It’s important for our tribal members to know what to expect before you decide whether to participate in research. Don’t be afraid to ask the research team for more information and talk with them about your concerns. It’s their job to give you the information you need.
Additionally, it is essential for our tribal members, and all research participants, to know their rights as volunteers of research studies. Please remember you can always contact the SWO Research Office with questions and/or concerns before, during, and after a research study is being conducted.
The Office for Human Subjects Protections (OHRP) has created a printable list of questions to consider when deciding whether to participate in research. These questions may help you learn more:
- about the research,
- what would happen during the study,
- any risks involved to you by participating in the research,
- how your privacy and confidentiality will be protected,
- any financial considerations,
- and other considerations.
Contact Us
We welcome your comment, suggestions and concerns. Contact us at anytime!