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Developing an Innu framework for health research: The canoe trip as a metaphor for a collaborative approach centered on valuing Indigenous knowledges

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  • Ward, Leonor M.
  • Hill, Mary Janet
  • Chreim, Samia
  • Poker, Christine
  • Olsen Harper, Anita
  • Wells, Samantha

Abstract

Indigenous communities increasingly assert their right to self-determination by requiring that participatory research approaches be used, valuing and prioritizing Indigenous knowledges, for the purpose of improving Indigenous health. While frameworks that focus on Indigenous knowledges are being developed, these must be adapted or developed by Indigenous communities because their knowledge is specific to place and inherent to their lived experience. No community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework for health research has been developed with the Labrador Innu. In addition, while the literature emphasizes the importance of relationship in research with Indigenous communities, the process of establishing relationships is underspecified. Within this context, we describe our experience in developing a CBPR framework for health research in a study that is community-initiated and fitting within Innu self-determination. We highlight the importance of paying attention to the theoretical roots of CBPR, arguing that this helps researchers focus on the centrality of Indigenous knowledges (in this case, Innu knowledge). This requires that non-Indigenous researchers question assumptions of universality regarding their own knowledge and see all knowledges as equitable. Such posture of humility allows non-Indigenous researchers to enter relational spaces that join researchers and Indigenous communities. Within these spaces, a true collaborative approach is enabled and Indigenous knowledges are uncovered and become foundational in the inquiry process. We illustrate these ideas by describing a model for opening relational spaces that include Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. We then present a framework that uses the metaphor of canoeing together to capture our CBPR approach for use in Innu health research. We outline the behaviors of non-Indigenous researchers to build and solidify relationships with Indigenous community researchers over time. This article is useful for non-Indigenous researchers interested in relational approaches to research with Indigenous communities, and for Indigenous leaders and researchers who seek community solutions through research.

Suggested Citation

  • Ward, Leonor M. & Hill, Mary Janet & Chreim, Samia & Poker, Christine & Olsen Harper, Anita & Wells, Samantha, 2020. "Developing an Innu framework for health research: The canoe trip as a metaphor for a collaborative approach centered on valuing Indigenous knowledges," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:266:y:2020:i:c:s0277953620306286
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113409
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Morton Ninomiya, Melody E. & Pollock, Nathaniel J., 2017. "Reconciling community-based Indigenous research and academic practices: Knowing principles is not always enough," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 28-36.
    2. Wallerstein, N. & Duran, B., 2010. "Community-based participatory research contributions to intervention research: The intersection of science and practice to improve health equity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 40-46.
    3. Nelson, Sarah E. & Wilson, Kathi, 2017. "The mental health of Indigenous peoples in Canada: A critical review of research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 93-112.
    4. Mikraszewicz, Kathleen & Richmond, Chantelle, 2019. "Paddling the Biigtig: Mino biimadisiwin practiced through canoeing," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    5. Bartlett, Judith G. & Iwasaki, Yoshitaka & Gottlieb, Benjamin & Hall, Darlene & Mannell, Roger, 2007. "Framework for Aboriginal-guided decolonizing research involving Métis and First Nations persons with diabetes," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(11), pages 2371-2382, December.
    6. Pollock, N.J. & Mulay, S. & Valcour, J. & Jong, M., 2016. "Suicide rates in aboriginal communities in Labrador, Canada," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(7), pages 1309-1315.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tara Erb & Krista Stelkia, 2023. "Best Practices to Support the Self-Determination of Indigenous Communities, Collectives, and Organizations in Health Research through a Provincial Health Research Network Environment in British Columb," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(15), pages 1-11, August.
    2. Ward, Leonor M. & Hill, Mary Janet & Picard, Annie & Olsen Harper, Anita & Chreim, Samia & Wells, Samantha, 2021. "A process of healing for the Labrador Innu: Improving health and wellbeing in the context of historical and contemporary colonialism," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    3. Leonor Mercedes Ward & Mary Janet Hill & Nikashant Antane & Samia Chreim & Anita Olsen Harper & Samantha Wells, 2021. "“The Land Nurtures Our Spirit”: Understanding the Role of the Land in Labrador Innu Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-13, May.

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