Developing a participatory Aboriginal health research project: "Only if it's going to mean something"

Community-based research methods were used in a study of health needs with the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Ontario, Canada based on critical theory, Indigenous teachings and participatory action research (PAR). The process of developing the project led to the elucidation of eight key principles deemed necessary for the development of a project that is both culturally and community appropriate: partnership, empowerment, community control, mutual benefit, wholism, action, communication and respect. Adherence to these eight principles appears necessary for an ethical and an effective research process in Aboriginal communities.