Grounded in Culture: Reflections on Sitting Outside the Circle in Community-Based Research With Indigenous Men. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waddell, Candice M.; Herron, Rachel V.; Gobeil, Jason; Tacan, Frank; De Jager, Margaret; Allan, Jonathan A.; Roger, Kerstin
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 30:Number 14(2020)
• Page Start: 2343
• Page End: 2350
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: colonialism -- community-based research -- Indigenous men -- partnerships -- Sharing Circle -- interviews -- qualitative methods, Canada; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732320960050
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Research continues to be a dirty word for many Indigenous people. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a means to disrupt power dynamics by engaging community members within the research process. However, the majority of relationships between researcher and participants within CBPR are structured within Western research paradigms and they often reproduce imbalances of power. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the process of CBPR within a research project focused on Indigenous men's masculinity and mental health. In doing so, we aim to contribute to reflexive practice in CBPR and flatten research hierarchies to facilitate more equitable knowledge sharing. Our reflections highlight the importance of prioritizing healing, centering cultural protocols, negotiating language, and creating space for Indigenous research partners to lead. These critical lessons challenge Western researchers to ground their practices in Indigenous culture while they "sit outside the circle" to facilitate more equitable and engaged partnerships.