Navigating International, Interdisciplinary, and Indigenous Collaborative Inquiry: Phase 1 in the Circumpolar...

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Studies
• Community-Based Research
• Circumpolar Health

Background:

• Young Indigenous populations in circumpolar regions face unique challenges that require culturally relevant research approaches.
• Effective research necessitates collaboration between academic institutions and community members to ensure relevance and impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and process of a methodological planning workshop for international community-based participatory research (CBPR).
• To develop a shared research agenda focused on young Indigenous people across five circumpolar communities.
• To offer insights into engaging diverse community members in CBPR initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A face-to-face methodological planning workshop was convened.
• Participants included youth and adult community members and academics from Yup'ik, Inupiat, Eveny, Inuit, and Sámi communities.
• Negotiations were facilitated to identify shared research interests and establish a collaborative agenda.

Main Results:

• The workshop successfully initiated the development of a shared research agenda.
• Community members and researchers engaged in negotiations to align research priorities.
• The process highlighted the complexities and successes of international CBPR collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Community-based participatory research in international contexts requires careful planning and negotiation to establish shared goals.
• The described methodology provides a framework for conducting translational and transformative research with Indigenous youth.
• Successful CBPR initiatives depend on sustained engagement and mutual respect between researchers and community partners.