Practicing community-based research in GIScience and geography–a case study with an Indigenous community, best practices, challenges, and lessons learned

Community-based research (CBR) in geography is increasingly emphasizing participatory approaches that center the voices of local communities in the research process. This shift seeks to move away from extractive research practices by fostering collaborations built on reciprocity and respect–particularly with Indigenous and marginalized groups. At the core of this approach is co-produced knowledge, wherein communities actively shape research priorities, methodologies, and interpretations. Rather than imposing external frameworks, these collaborations recognize the value of local and Indigenous knowledge systems in informing research and driving meaningful outcomes. In this paper, we review contemporary CBR literature in geography and GIScience and present a case study on environmental health concerns related to mining legacies in the U.S. This research, led by GIScience and geospatial experts in collaboration with a Tribal community, illustrates opportunities to advance CBR theory and practice within these fields. As CBR becomes increasingly integrated into GIScience projects, we critically examine the positionality of GIScience researchers in this transition, the challenges they face, and the lessons learned. The paper closes with a discussion of best practices for CBR. While all research involves some degree of extractivism, we explore how CBR can help ensure that communities derive direct and tangible benefits from participation in GIScience and geography research.