| Summary: | This article shares experiences and lessons learned through a collaboration between the University of Manitoba, the First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM), and eight First Nation communities in Manitoba. We employed a participatory approach from planning the research project, to data collection, and to the analysis, interpretation, and implementation of results. We learned that successful collaborations require: a) investing time and resources into developing respectful research relationships; b) strong leadership and governance; c) clearly defined roles and responsibilities; d) meaningful participation of First Nations; e) multiple opportunities for community engagement; and f) commitment to multiple, ongoing, and consistent forms of communication. All factors are integral to creating and maintaining the integrity of the research collaboration.
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