Community-Engaged Research From a Diné-Centered Perspective: Advancing Mentorship and Transforming Praxis

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health Research
• Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
• Health Equity

Background:

• Advancing health equity for tribal communities requires culturally grounded research approaches.
• Existing health disparities necessitate innovative research methodologies.
• The University of New Mexico (UNM) Transdisciplinary Research, Equity and Engagement (TREE) Center supports community-engaged research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach with a Navajo (Diné) community advisory research team (CART).
• To explore the role of mentorship in developing community partnerships for health research.
• To affirm community cultural values and collective agency in addressing health disparities.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method approach combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups.
• Utilized a Diné-centered perspective and community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles.
• Involved an early-stage Diné researcher mentored by a mid-career Diné researcher.

Main Results:

• Quantitative findings reinforced previous qualitative data on the importance of community partnerships.
• Community partnerships enhance research capacity by fostering collective agency, power, and shared values.
• Affirming cultural values is crucial for transformative praxis in Indigenous health research.

Conclusions:

• True community-engaged research partnerships are achievable with mentorship, particularly in Indigenous settings.
• Local Indigenous research methodologies are vital for transforming health outcomes.
• CBPR strengthens community capacity to address health disparities and improve Indigenous health.