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Development of a Culturally Anchored Qualitative Approach to Conduct and Analyze Focus Group Narratives Collected in Diné (Navajo) Communities to Understand the Impacts of the Gold King Mine Spill of 2015

Author

Listed:
  • Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone

    (Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Carmenlita Chief

    (Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Jennifer R. Richards

    (Center for American Indian Health, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA)

  • Rebecca J. Clausen

    (Department of Sociology and Human Services, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO 81301, USA)

  • Alfred Yazzie

    (Independent Researcher, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA)

  • Manley A. Begay

    (Applied Indigenous Studies Department, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Nathan Lothrop

    (Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA)

  • Janene Yazzie

    (Tó Bee Nihi Dziil and Sixth World Solutions, Lupton, AZ 86508, USA)

  • Andria B. Begay

    (Center for Health Equity Research, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA)

  • Paloma I. Beamer

    (Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA)

  • Karletta Chief

    (Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA)

Abstract

The Gold King Mine Spill (Spill) occurred in August 2015 upstream from Silverton, Colorado and released three million gallons of contaminated water into the Animas River, a tributary to the San Juan River that flows across the Navajo Nation. Using principles of community-engaged research, the Gold King Mine Spill Diné Exposure Project co-developed a culturally anchored approach to conduct focus groups and analyze narratives collected in three Diné (Navajo) communities along the San Juan River within 9 months of the Spill. Focus group questions were designed to document the socio-cultural impacts of the Spill. This paper: (1) outlines the partnerships and approvals; (2) describes focus group design, training, data collection and analysis; and (3) reflects on the use of a culturally anchored approach in Indigenous, specifically Diné-centered research. Diné social and cultural etiquette and concepts of relationality were used to adapt standard (non-Indigenous) qualitative methods. Findings describe community perceptions of short-term impacts of the disaster, as well as past and present injustices, communication related to the Spill, and concerns of persistent threats to Diné lifeways. The culturally anchored approach was critical in fostering trust with Diné participants and aligned with the candor of the discussions.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolette I. Teufel-Shone & Carmenlita Chief & Jennifer R. Richards & Rebecca J. Clausen & Alfred Yazzie & Manley A. Begay & Nathan Lothrop & Janene Yazzie & Andria B. Begay & Paloma I. Beamer & Karle, 2021. "Development of a Culturally Anchored Qualitative Approach to Conduct and Analyze Focus Group Narratives Collected in Diné (Navajo) Communities to Understand the Impacts of the Gold King Mine Spill of ," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9402-:d:630171
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Simonds, V.W. & Christopher, S., 2013. "Adapting western research methods to indigenous ways of knowing," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(12), pages 2185-2192.
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