We were honoured to have a number of Elders attend and present at the symposium. A consistent theme emerged about involving elders more deliberately in the research process. Youth involvement at the symposium was very well received, and many participants expressed that even more youth engagement in the future would be welcomed. An Aboriginal Research Strategy With respect to research strategy development, we heard that it is important to engage all types of individuals (all ages, urban, rural, etc.) from the community, ensuring the Indigenous perspective is respected and prioritized. Involvement of Elders needs to be enhanced and could be at the project level (as advisors on research) or at the system level (on ethical review committees). Research strategy development should also honour traditional and lived ways of knowing and wisdom. Elders’ Meaningfully involving youth in research was identified as a key component of ensuring sustainability and building the capacities of the next generation. Others emphasized that other stakeholders (different sectors and service providers) be included to learn “both and to this strategy. contribute” Research with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities needs to be conceptualized in new ways. Research has tended to disproportionally focus on community deficits and needs rather than community strengths and capacities. Finally, there should be a recognition of the heterogeneity of the Aboriginal community. Being an Ally for Indigenous Research Feedback specific to a research strategy indicated that there should be support for research that values the principles of OCAP and incorporates ethical approaches. There should be exploration of how to be an Indigenous research already in “ally”, supporting progress and championing the value and sharing of knowledge. a way to legitimize Aboriginal research processes and “Find practices that do not require them to in Western models; publish “fit” and make available the findings; tell anyone who will listen!” is plenty of research at First Nations colleges. Support “There that.” Space was provided for people to record and post their thoughts about how research can be respectful, meaningful and sustainable. The following themes summarize the responses. Research is respectful when…. Research is respectful when communities have ownership of the research and its process and is of value to the community. Research is considered respectful when it is reciprocal, honest, and integrates stories and spirituality. Research is meaningful when….
We were honoured to have a number of Elders attend and present at the symposium. A consistent theme emerged about involving elders more deliberately in the research process. Youth involvement at the symposium was very well received, and many participants expressed that even more youth engagement in the future would be welcomed. An Aboriginal Research Strategy With respect to research strategy development, we heard that it is important to engage all types of individuals (all ages, urban, rural, etc.) from the community, ensuring the Indigenous perspective is respected and prioritized. Involvement of Elders needs to be enhanced and could be at the project level (as advisors on research) or at the system level (on ethical review committees). Research strategy development should also honour traditional and lived ways of knowing and Elders’ wisdom. Meaningfully involving youth in research was identified as a key component of ensuring sustainability and building the capacities of the next generation. Others emphasized that other stakeholders (different sectors and service providers) be included to “both learn and contribute” to this strategy. Research with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities needs to be conceptualized in new ways. Research has tended to disproportionally focus on community deficits and needs rather than community strengths and capacities. Finally, there should be a recognition of the heterogeneity of the Aboriginal community. Being an Ally for Indigenous Research Feedback specific to a research strategy indicated that there should be support for research that values the principles of OCAP and incorporates ethical approaches. There should be exploration of how to be an “ally”, supporting Indigenous research already in progress and championing the value and sharing of knowledge. “Find a way to legitimize Aboriginal research processes and practices that do not require them to “fit” in Western models; publish and make available the findings; tell anyone who will listen!” “There is plenty of research at First Nations colleges. Support that.” Space was provided for people to record and post their thoughts about how research can be respectful, meaningful and sustainable. The following themes summarize the responses. Research is respectful when…. Research is respectful when communities have ownership of the research and its process and is of value to the community. Research is considered respectful when it is reciprocal, honest, and integrates stories and spirituality. Research is meaningful when….
Summary-Report-Honouring-our-Knowledge-Gifts-An-Aboriginal-Research-Symposium.docx