Pursuing Mutually Beneficial Research: Insights from the Poverty Action Research Project

• Published in: Engaged Scholar Journal: Community-Engaged Research, Teaching, and Learning
• Main Authors: Jennifer S. Dockstator, Eabametoong First Nation, Misipawistik Cree First Nation, Opitciwan Atikamekw First Nation, Sipekne'katik First Nation, T'it'q'et, Lillooet BC, Gèrard Duhaime, Charlotte Loppie, David Newhouse, Frederic C. Wien, Wanda Wuttunee, Jeff S. Denis, Mark S. Dockstator
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Saskatchewan 2017
• Subjects: Indigenous research; decolonization; action research; community-based participatory research; Communities. Classes. Races; HT51-1595; Education (General); L7-991; First Nations
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.15402/esj.v2i1.196; https://doaj.org/article/66399747f6c24042bc761fb172c5aa1a

Research with, in, and for First Nations communities is often carried out in a complex environment. Now in its fourth year, the Poverty Action Research Project (PARP) has learned first-hand the nature of some of these complexities and how to approach and work through various situations honouring the Indigenous research principles of respect, responsibility, reciprocity, and relevance (Kirkness & Barnhardt, 2001). By sharing stories from the field, this article explores the overarching theme of how the worlds of academe and First Nations communities differ, affecting the research project in terms of pace, pressures, capacity, and information technology. How PARP research teams have worked with these challenges, acknowledging the resilience and dedication of the First Nations that are a part of the project, provides insights for future researchers seeking to engage in work with Indigenous communities.