Research in Indigenous Communities: The Suitability of a Community-Based Participatory Approach

• In Event: Indigenous and Decolonizing Research Methodologies When Knowing Is Not Enough

Abstract

Multiple issues and areas of concern surface when conducting academically-oriented research in Indigenous communities. Recently, the voices of Indigenous people have been heard with respect to their concerns about research involvement (Wilson, 2001). This paper will outline some of the main issues that arise when conducting research in Indigenous communities; in particular, those related to the recognition of multiple perspectives, data ownership, and community relevance, and will explore how the choice of community-based participatory research (CBPR) as a method can address these problematic issues. This paper will use, as an illustrative case study, a current CBPR project in order to highlight the ways in which the relevant issues are being worked through and addressed by the partners involved.

Authors

• Melissa Daniels, University of Alberta

• Rebecca Jayne Gokiert, University of Alberta

• Rebecca Georgis, University of Alberta