Engaging with Indigenous Research

Abstract

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) within Indigenous communities aims to share project responsibilities and benefits equitably among community members and researchers. CBPR relies on authentic relationships that take time to build; so how does a student from a colonial institution such as Queen’s University build the necessary relationships? As a Kanien'kehá:ka (Mohawk) student about to begin my graduate degree focusing on health promotion through a CBPR partnership with Indigenous communities, I will share my story and background of disconnect, as well as the identity-struggles I had prior to deciding that this field of research was right for me. Through this presentation, I will discuss the upfront process of being involved with Indigenous research as an Indigenous student, an advocate, and an ally. Regardless of Indigenous status, examining the research process in the context of individual positionality and researcher self-awareness is critical to successful CBPR research. My goal is to provide both Indigenous and non-Indigenous research trainees with important insight about positionality, identity, power, and relationship-building as vital components of community-engaged research. I will discuss how the principles of CBPR align with Indigenous ideals and how these can be leveraged to establish connections that can support meaningful research with Indigenous communities.