Reflections from a Creative Community-Based Participatory Research Project Exploring Health and Body Image with First Nations Girls

Authors

  • Jennifer M. Shea Newfoundland Centre for Health Information St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
  • Jennifer Poudrier University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Roanne Thomas University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Bonnie Jeffery University of Regina (Prince Albert Campus) Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Lenore Kiskotagan Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract

In Canada, Aboriginal peoples often experience a multitude of inequalities when compared with the general population, particularly in relation to health (e.g., increased incidence of diabetes). These inequalities are rooted in a negative history of colonization. Decolonizing methodologies recognize these realities and aim to shift the focus from communities being researched to being collaborative partners in the research process. This article describes a qualitative community-based participatory research project focused on health and body image with First Nations girls in a Tribal Council region in Western Canada. We discuss our project design and the incorporation of creative methods (e.g., photovoice) to foster integration and collaboration as related to decolonizing methodology principles. This article is both descriptive and reflective as it summarizes our project and discusses lessons learned from the process, integrating evaluations from the participating girls as well as our reflections as researchers.

Author Biographies

Jennifer M. Shea, Newfoundland Centre for Health Information St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Epidemiologist Research and Evaluation Department Newfoundland Centre for Health Information St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Jennifer Poudrier, University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Associate Professor Department of Sociology Indigenous Peoples’ Health Research Centre University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Roanne Thomas, University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Canada Research Chair, Qualitative Health Research with Marginalized Populations Associate Professor Faculty of Health Sciences University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Bonnie Jeffery, University of Regina (Prince Albert Campus) Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

Professor Faculty of Social Work Research Faculty Saskatchewan Population Health & Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) University of Regina (Prince Albert Campus) Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

Lenore Kiskotagan, Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada

Youth Addictions and Wellness Counsellor Battlefords Tribal Council Indian Health Services North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada

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Published

2013-06-27

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Section

Articles