Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe the rationale, the participatory nature of the methodology, and the lessons learned during the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study (FNFNES), a community-based participatory research project implemented in eight Assembly of First Nations regions, which includes the entirety of Canada south of the 60th parallel.MethodsFNFNES respected the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®) (https://fnigc.ca/ocap). A random sampling strategy based on an ecosystem framework comprising 11 ecozones was adopted to collect representative nutritional and environmental health results for all First Nations adults living on-reserve south of the 60th parallel. Data collection occurred during the fall months from 2008 to 2016. Respective First Nations were involved in the planning and implementation of data collection for the five principal components: household interviews, tap water sampling for metals, surface water sampling for pharmaceuticals, hair sampling for mercury, and traditional food sampling for contaminants.ResultsA total of 6487 adults from 92 First Nations participated in the Study (participation rate 78%). A higher percentage of females (66%) participated than males (34%). The average age of males and females was similar (44 and 45 years, respectively). This study offers a novel body of coherent and regionally representative evidence on the human dimension of the ongoing environmental degradation affecting First Nations.ConclusionFNFNES serves as a good example of participatory research. We encourage public health professionals to develop policy and programs building on the participatory dimension of the research as well as on its results. The information collected by the FNFNES is also important for community empowerment, environmental stewardship and the general promotion of good health by and for First Nations peoples in Canada.
Highlights
First Nations that were randomly selected to participate were initially contacted by the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and invited to attend a 2-day preparatory methodology workshop held in a central location in each region
Two First Nations selected with certainty did not have an alternate
A total of 92 First Nations located in 11 ecozones completed the five general study components of FNFNES
Summary
Participatory approachFrom the start, the FNFNES recognized that First Nations needed to have an equal and participatory role at all levels of the research. Regional Chiefs approved the Study and provided guidance on approaches to address the needs of specific local environmental issues or concerns and logistics needs in their respective regions Such information has helped the Study ensure the best “snapshot” of regional representation at the time of data collection. Representatives from the communities were introduced to the project, and they discussed the research objectives, methodology and implementation They were consulted about the traditional foods that are consumed in the region and the appropriateness of the questionnaire. These workshops were an important opportunity for First Nations to provide input into the methodology and suggest changes to ensure that the Study would meet their needs. The signing of the agreement marked the formal beginning of research activities
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