Indigenous Research, Education, and Advocacy Lab (IREAL)

Advancing Indigenous-centered scholarship, pedagogy, and advocacy across Washington State University.

ABOUT IREAL

The Indigenous Research, Education, and Advocacy Lab (IREAL) serves as a central hub within the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences (CESHS) at Washington State University. IREAL advances Indigenous-centered scholarship, pedagogy, and advocacy while fostering strong partnerships with local Indigenous communities, school districts, and Indigenous faculty and students across campuses.

Grounded in the principles of reciprocity and good relations, the lab provides a collaborative space where faculty, students, and community members co‑create knowledge that honors Indigenous epistemologies, supports sovereignty, and strengthens cultural continuity. By centering Indigenous voices, IREAL contributes to the university’s mission of inclusive excellence and socially responsible research.

MISSION & CORE VALUES

• Reciprocity

• Good Relations

• Indigenous Sovereignty

• Community Partnership

• Cultural Continuity

• Responsible & Ethical Research

IREAL is committed to research, teaching, and advocacy that honor Indigenous knowledge systems and promote long-term, trust-based relationships with Indigenous peoples and nations.

What We Do

Indigenous-Centered Scholarship

IREAL supports research that honors Indigenous epistemologies, strengthens cultural continuity, and advances decolonizing approaches to educational systems and research practices.

Community Partnerships

The lab prioritizes relationships with tribal nations, Indigenous community organizations, and school districts. These partnerships guide research priorities and ensure that projects benefit Indigenous communities directly.

Student Mentorship & Learning

IREAL provides mentorship for both undergraduate and graduate students, offering hands‑on research experiences, opportunities to engage in community-led projects, and support for learning Indigenous research methodologies.

Curriculum & Pedagogical Support

The lab contributes to culturally responsive curriculum design, supports the integration of Indigenous methodologies in teacher preparation, and promotes Indigenous-centered educational practices.

Advocacy & Institutional Engagement

IREAL works across WSU to strengthen university‑wide understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, sovereignty, and ethical protocols through workshops, collaborations, and consultative services.

Services for Faculty & Research Units

Grant Development Assistance

Support for proposal development, including culturally responsive frameworks, Indigenous knowledge integration, and language that aligns with ethical Indigenous research practices.

Tribal Consultation Protocols

Guidance on respectful engagement with tribal nations, compliance with best practices, and support for building long-term reciprocal partnerships.

Curriculum & Outreach Support

Assistance in creating educational materials and outreach programs that reflect Indigenous perspectives and promote culturally grounded learning experiences.

Workshops & Training

University-wide training on Indigenous methodologies, Indigenous data sovereignty, ethical research, and community-engaged best practices.

COLLABORATION ACROSS CAMPUS

Campus & Community Collaboration

IREAL collaborates closely with Indigenous faculty, cultural centers, and student organizations across WSU. The lab engages in Indigenous-led research projects, transdisciplinary grant writing, curriculum development, and community dialogues that strengthen relationships between the university and tribal nations.

These partnerships ensure that research is community-driven, aligned with Indigenous priorities, and grounded in ethical, reciprocal practices.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

Research & Learning Opportunities for Students

• Undergraduate and graduate research participation
• Mentorship from Indigenous scholars
• Community-based and land-based learning opportunities
• Training in Indigenous methodologies
• Opportunities to assist with grants and Indigenous research initiatives

IREAL provides students with immersive, culturally grounded academic experiences that prepare them to become future leaders in Indigenous education and research.

Lab Director

IREAL is committed to research carried out in good relations and in service to Indigenous peoples and nations.

IREAL strives to serve as a model for how universities can respectfully and responsibly engage in Indigenous-centered research, teaching, and advocacy. By integrating community-building, culturally responsive education, and Indigenous-led research, the lab contributes to both academic advancement and social transformation.

IREAL’s long-term vision centers sovereignty, trust, and sustainability—ensuring that its work leads to tangible benefits for Indigenous communities and supports the next generation of Indigenous scholars and leaders.