Institutional Review Board
The Tohono O’odham Nation’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) was established to oversee the Research Code that was enacted and codified as 17 Tohono O’odham Code Chapter 8 by Resolution No. 13-165 effective May 23, 2013.
The Board is compromised of five enrolled Nation’s members. Click HERE to learn more about them.
How to apply for a research permit:
Step 1: If an individual seeks to conduct research with or on the Tohono O’odham Nation, a research permit is required. Prior to applying for a permit, please review the Tohono O’odham Nation Research Code: Title 17 – Health and Safety, Chapter 8 – Research Code.
Step 2: Complete a research proposal and submit it to IRB@tonation-nsn.gov. The IRB proposal outline is a document intended to help shape a comprehensive research proposal for the Nation’s IRB Review. The proposal outline: Tohono O’odham Nation Research Proposal Outline.
Prior to contacting the Nation’s IRB, it is important for individuals and research teams to thoroughly review the TON Research Code and Proposal Outline. If after both documents are reviewed, you and your research team have questions please address them to: TON IRB Board at IRB@tonation-nsn.gov.
Research Proposal Remittance Fee Form
Section 8106 (7) – Acknowledgment by applicant that rights to license and publish material and information produced after permission is granted by the IRB shall be subject to IRB policies regarding publication. The Nation has a right to ownership of the work product created by the research or researcher. Works created for hire and copyrighted works transferred to the Tohono O’odham Nation shall be deemed to be the property of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Any permission to publish must be granted by the IRB prior to publication. The Tohono O’odham Nation reserves all rights not granted, including the right of review prior to publication. The IRB has sole authority to control publication of all research, disclosures, and findings.
Student Projects/Class Projects as it relates to Higher Education:
Currently, the Research Code does not offer a separate review process specifically for student projects and/or class-assigned research projects. Please proceed by submitting a Research Proposal Outline.
Report a research project or researcher(s):
If an individual is concerned about a research project or the conduct of a researcher, please contact the IRB at IRB@tonation-nsn.gov. Please include the following information:
- A description of the activity or incident
- Location
- Date and time
- Names of individuals involved
Research Permits Issued:
| Valid | Researcher(s) | Project Title |
| September 2, 2023 to May 31, 2024 | Dr. Gregg Garfin, Principal Investigator, University of Arizona Ms. Cieʼna Schaefli, Co-Investigator, University of Arizona Ms. Celestine Pablo, Director of San Xavier District Natural Resources | A Rapid Climate Vulnerability/Resiliency Assessment and Site-Specific Climate Adaptation Plan for San Xavier District of the Tohono Oʼodham Nation |
| June 24, 2021 to December 24, 2021 | Annabah Conn, PhD student at Northern Arizona University, Educational Leadership | Weaving The Way: Development Education in Three Southwestern Tribally Controlled Colleges |
| July 15, 2022 to December 1, 2022 | Alyssa Kreikemeier, PhD student, Principal Investigator at Boston University | Aerial Enclosures: From Commons to Conflict in the American West |
| August 24, 2022 to August 31, 2023 | Dr. Matt Ignacio, Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions | Understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among Indigenous adults living on Tribal land in Arizona |
| May 3, 2024 to May 3, 2025 | Alexander Soto, Arizona State University’s Labriola National American Indian Data Center Trevor Reed, Arizona State University’s Labriola National American Indian Data Center | Firekeeper’s Initiatie Assistance to NAAF’s I:mig Program |
