Using strengths-based Indigenous research methodologies to plan for current and future pandemics and health emergencies
Unpacking the complexity within Indigenous communities responding to displaced climate change refugees in central British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions have exacerbated the impacts of climate change issues on the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples. By using Indigenous research methodologies (IRM) with a strengths-based approach, our research reveals (1) the complex interplay between climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, gender and intersectional perspectives, and health; (2) how this complexity has impacted Indigenous peoples’ response to climate change refugees or evacuees; and (3) what sustainable community-led solutions would be suitable for current and future pandemics and health emergencies. The Indigenous Responses to Climate Change during the COVID-19 Pandemic knowledge mobilization (KMb) aims to foster dialogue on local community solutions to climate change and the global pandemic. Indigenous Responses to Climate Change knowledge mobilization aims include: a) increasing knowledge and awareness around climate change in Indigenous territories; and b) informing local health strategies.
Dr. Johanna Sam, Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, Special Education and NITEP – Indigenous Teacher Education Program, is a Co-Investigator on CIHR’s Using strengths-based Indigenous research methodologies to plan for current and future pandemics and health emergencies. The research team investigators include Drs. Darlene Anderson (Cree), Noeman Mirza, and Roderick McCormick (Mohawk). The collaborators on the research team includes Tamara Archie (Qwelminte Secwépemc), Dr. Lisa Buorque-Bearskin (Cree/Métis), Blaine Grinder (Tl’etinqox), Dr. Shelly Johnson, and Mona Polacca (Hopi/Tewa/Havasupai Elder). Tl’etinqox community-based research team includes Kiara Cooper (Youth Researcher), Patsy Grinder (Teacher), Paul Grinder (Environmental Enforcement Coordinator and Tl’etinqox Councillor), and Elder Angie Stump.
Our community partner, Tl’etinqox, is the largest of the six communities within the Tsilhqot’in Nation located in north-central British Columbia, Canada. Tl’etinqox has been part of the Indigenous Responses to Climate Change during the COVID-19 Pandemic project from conception to implementation, and will be decision-makers in knowledge sharing in their unceded territories. We are an intergenerational Tl’etinqox research team, including youth, adults, and Elder. Three of our team members are fluent Nenqayni Ch’ih speakers. The other three members on the team are learning our language. We conducted Sharing Circle interviews this Winter with twenty-two Tl’etinqox community members about the impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 on their wellness in English and/or Indigenous language.
Tl’etinqox research team will lead the knowledge mobilization of study findings in their territories. The research team intends to share emerging study findings during the Community Gatherings and create a research infographic to be posted on social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to share with Tl’etinqox citizens. The Tl’etinqox Community Gathering will include an interactive discussion of community-based researchers from Tl’etinqox who will share about their experience conducting the research and knowledge translation activities in Arizona, USA with four Indigenous Tribal Nations. Tl’etinqox community has control how the study findings will be used, archived, and shared.
Edith Lando VLC is proud to support this vitally important project!
