2023 Northern BC Research and Quality Conference - Workshop Information

Relationship Building in Indigenous-Led Health Research: Reflections on the realities of my time as an Indigenous Health Research Facilitator (IHRF) with BC NEIHR 

Facilitator:  Laura McNab-Coombs

Location: Room # 6-307

Virtual Link

Passcode: 982756

Pathway: Cultural Safety and Health Equity  

Aim:
To provide perspectives on the importance and realities of the process of relationship building in Indigenous-led health and wellness research, and the realities of trying to do decolonial work from within a colonial system. To expand understandings and evoke reflections on current perceptions of the definition of Indigenous- or Community- led health and wellness research in BC.

Description:
In this hour-long workshop, Laura will both share a critical reflection on her time as an Indigenous Health Research Facilitator (IHRF) with the British Columbia Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (BC NEIHR) and, lead participants through a reflective journaling practice to explore their own perceptions and understandings of what Indigenous- and Community- led means in the context of health and wellness research in BC. The work format will cover:

  • Introduction: To the Facilitator, the BC NEIHR, the IHRF program, IHRF’s role and responsibilities.
  • Critical Reflection: Experiences as an IHRF on themes of: relationship building significance and processes, Indigenous self-determination, decolonialization within colonial systems/structures, barriers, and suggestions for moving forward. 
  • Interactive Journaling: Prompted reflective-journaling opportunity for participants. 
  • Conclusion & Closing: Sharing reflections and/or questions period. 

Learning Objectives: By the end of the workshop, participants will:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of the importance of relationship building and what this looks like in the context of Indigenous-led health and wellness research in BC. 
  • Have increased awareness of the complexities of executing decolonial work from within colonial structures.
  • Have the opportunity to reflect on their own perceptions and understandings of relationships, relationship-building, and self-determination in Indigenous- and Community- led research.