Leading the Way in Indigenous Health Research

Transcription

1 Leading the Way in Indigenous Health Research The Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre (IPHRC) R ep ort A

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3 Table of Contents Executive Messages Why Does Indigenous Health Research Matter? Who We Are Introduction History Vision Values Mission Knowledge Translation and Communications Our Commitment to Students Research Excellence Community Connections Looking Forward Get Connected! Back Cover

4 Photo: U of R Photography Department Photo: U of R Photography Department Message on Behalf of Research Centre Director and Co-Principal Applicant Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew on behalf Nominated Principal Applicant Dr. Carrie Bourassa and Co-Principal Applicant Dr. Jennifer Poudrier We are proud to share the IPHRC s first public report. This publication is part of our strategic direction in moving forward and encouraging knowledge translation through the sharing of our knowledge and activities. We are a centre that is owned by all three Saskatchewan universities, including the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada and the University of Saskatchewan. We are also community-based and seek ongoing support and advice from our Representative Advisory Committee made up of community members from around Saskatchewan including health directors, elders, former IPHRC students, and Indigenous health organizations. This review is our way of saying thank-you to all those who support our work, and to show how much your support can do in helping to build Indigenous health research capacity in the province. We know this is just a snapshot of the last two years, but it shows just how far we ve come in that short time period. We hope to continue to keep you updated on the world of Indigenous health research, and our Centre s role in helping to shape and build it. University of Regina Dr. Dennis Fitzapatrick Vice-President (Research) IPHRC was created ten years ago as a partnership between the University of Regina, University of Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now the First Nations University). Our goal was to build a research environment that would foster and increase Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan through community-generated health research initiatives and capacity building. Since its establishment, IPHRC has brought almost $5 million in federal research funds to support Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan. In addition, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) provided more than $1.9 million in funding to IPHRC from IPHRC has improved the health of Indigenous people by undertaking and supporting innovative, communitybased research, linking communities, researchers and students, and has built capacity in Aboriginal health research through its undergraduate summer research awards, graduate student fellowships, and Postdoctoral Fellows. They continue to lead the way in building Indigenous health research capacity in the province. The University has a long history in rural community research and strongly supports Indigenous research in cooperation with the First Nations University of Canada and the University of Saskatchewan. The University of Regina is excited to continue its collaboration with both institutions in support of the Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre to build capacity in health research among Indigenous people, communities and institutions. On behalf of the University of Regina, it is my pleasure to indicate our support for IPHRC. 2

5 Executive Messages University of Saskatchewan Dr. Jim Thornhill Acting Associate Vice-President Research Health (University of Saskatchewan) Vice-President Research & Innovation (Saskatoon Health Region) The University of Saskatchewan is proud to support the IPHRC as an institutional partner and through support of our faculty who are also IPHRC research team members. Research and scholarly activities pertaining to Aboriginal people is a main focus at the U of S. Under the subtheme of health, faculty are working to address inequities in health strategies, develop community-generated health research, and investigate how traditional practices can be incorporated into health care education and delivery. Many of the U of S faculty on your team have a solid track-record engaging in research to improve the health of Aboriginal people. The U of S has been a partner in and supporter of the IPHRC since its inception. I represent our Vice-President Research, Dr. Karen Chad, on the IPHRC s Executive Board, and the U of S provides office space and financial support in the form of course release for Dr. Jennifer Poudrier as Co-Principal Investigator on IPHRC s current CIHR- NEAHR funding. Furthermore, 11 of IPHRC s 24 researchers are U of S faculty members. IPHRC s research has made a difference in Saskatchewan communities and we look forward to working with IPHRC to continue improving the health of Indigenous people through research. Photo: U of R Photography Department First Nations University of Canada Dr. Lynn Wells Vice-President (Academic) At First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), we recognize the importance of supporting and empowering Indigenous people to lead healthy lives, which in turn helps to create healthy communities. The mission of FNUniv is to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations. We also have a strong track record of supporting health sciences through our Nursing Education Program, Northern Health Sciences Access Program, and the Bachelor of Health Studies, which includes several Indigenous Health Studies courses. Over the past decade, we have been proud to see our collective institutional values reflected through our involvement with IPHRC. Through a memorandum of understanding, FNUniv has been an institutional partner of IPHRC from This past partnership with IPHRC has been rewarding and I am sure they will continue to make great contributions to Indigenous health in the future. As Vice-President (Academic), I serve on IPHRC s Board, and one of our most prominent Indigenous health researchers, Dr. Carrie Bourassa, is the Nominated Principal Investigator for the Centre s funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health. We look forward to continuing our own work in health research, one of the key factors to individual and community well-being for Indigenous people and communities in Saskatchewan and across the country. 3

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7 The fastest growing population in Saskatchewan, and even the nation, is the Aboriginal population with approximately half of the population under the age of 25. (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada 2011) In fact in Saskatchewan, the Aboriginal population, composed of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples, is projected to make-up almost 25% of the province by 2031 (Statistics Canada 2011). This growing population represents a major portion of Saskatchewan s future workforce, citizenship and cultural landscape. Despite this growth, health disparities continue to exist between Aboriginal peoples and the rest of Canadians. The Aboriginal population suffers from increased rates of diabetes, infant mortality, hospitalization, and respiratory conditions such as asthma, leading to a shorter life expectancy (Vancouver Coastal Health 2012). In the past, research about Aboriginal health was often done by non-aboriginal researchers with minimal or no input from the Aboriginal people and communities being studied. This lack of input led to an information gap the Aboriginal people who understood their communities and needs the best were unable to share their knowledge with researchers who had the technical expertise to research and address these needs. We link Indigenous community with university health researchers so that they may work in partnership to engage in research to improve Indigenous health outcomes. IPHRC research funding builds capacity in communitybased Indigenous health research and empowers communities as real partners in research. Why Does Indigenous Health Research Matter? 5

8 Who We Are Introduction The Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre (IPHRC) improves the health of Indigenous people by undertaking and supporting innovative, community-based research, linking communities, researchers and students. We build capacity in Aboriginal health research through our undergraduate summer research awards, which fund undergraduate students to assist senior researchers, and through our graduate student fellowships, which support both Master s and PhD students engaged in research focussed on Indigenous health, normally at Saskatchewan universities. IPHRC also builds research capacity in the province by funding Postdoctoral Fellows. In addition to providing funding for trainees, our Community Network Grant program provides financial support grants to university researchers and community partners who undertake joint community-based Indigenous health research projects in Saskatchewan. The accomplishments of IPHRC researchers and students are many and include numerous publications, presentations, grants, awards and successful projects. IPHRC has also held numerous mentoring sessions and research colloquia to provide networking and knowledge sharing opportunities for students and researchers across the province. We believe in sharing, increasing accessibility and capacity, and empowering all students, researchers and communities committed to Indigenous health research. Over the last ten years, IPHRC has brought almost $5 million in federal research funds to support Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan. In addition, the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) provided $1,970, in funding to IPHRC from IPHRC continues to lead the way in building Indigenous health research capacity in the province. 6

9 Our History IPHRC is jointly owned by the First Nations University of Canada and the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan. All IPHRC faculty and staff are employed by one of the three partner universities. Our mandate is to develop capacity for community-based Indigenous health research in Saskatchewan and to create networks of Indigenous health researchers regionally, nationally, and internationally. We strive to create an ethical environment in research that supports Indigenous community-based definitions and solutions to health. This ethical environment respects Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being that inform and guide our relationships, methods and practice. We value Integrated Knowledge Translation in all stages of our research, translating ideas to practices and policies that benefit Indigenous peoples health. Funding for IPHRC comes from the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health (IAPH). IAPH was established in June 2000, along with the twelve other Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), to lead a national advanced research agenda in the area of Aboriginal health and promote innovative research that will serve to improve the health of Aboriginal people in Canada. Shortly after its creation, the CIHR - Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health established Aboriginal Capacity and Developmental Research Environments (ACADRE) centres to develop a network of supportive research environments across Canada that facilitate the development of capacity in Aboriginal health research. In 2002, IPHRC s partner universities successfully competed in a national competition and were awarded the ACADRE grant that funded the creation of IPHRC and its research and student funding until In 2007, CIHR - IAPH launched a new initiative in titled Network Environments for Aboriginal Health Research (NEAHRs) to sustain and evolve the momentum of the ACADRE centres. Once again, IPHRC was successful in its application as a NEAHR centre. After another successful application, IPHRC s funding was renewed in Because their collective mandate is the creation of Aboriginal health research networks, the NEAHR Centres formed a national network in 2006 to coordinate their collaborative activities now known as the Aboriginal Health Research Network Secretariat (AHRNETS). Our Vision Thriving, healthy, self-determining Indigenous peoples, families and communities. Our Values Indigenous peoples self determination is the foundation of our values: We value Integrity as defined by our commitment to ethical space, honesty, openness and transparency in all that we do. We value our teams Involvement in working with Indigenous communities to build health research capacity. We value Integrated Knowledge in all stages of our research, translating ideas to practices and policies that benefit Indigenous health. We value Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being that inform and guide our relationships, methods and practice. Our Mission IPHRC is a collaborative network working to improve and strengthen the quality of Indigenous health research and the health of Indigenous people. In partnership with Indigenous communities, we are committed to transformative research that applies Indigenous knowledge and practices. Excellence in knowledge translation guides and distinguishes our work. 7

10 Knowledge Translation & Communications Knowledge Translation Through Community-based Research Labs Dr. Carrie Bourassa understands the importance of community-based research. In 2011, she received a Canadian Foundation of Innovation (CFI) Fund award of $154,645 to build Indigenous community-based health research labs at the First Nations University of Canada. The new labs house a community training room in addition to a student training room the first of their kind for the university. The idea is to provide a safe environment for our community researchers when they come to campus and we have state of the art equipment to assist with the research, said Bourassa. The student lab is used to train undergraduate and graduate students who are studying Aboriginal health issues, while the community lab is used as a facility for community-based research teams comprised of university researchers and community partners to undertake their unique and innovative work. We love to go to the communities and will continue to do so but I think it is important to have space for them to come here and feel comfortable in an academic setting, said Bourassa. While Aboriginal people are living longer, our health is not improving and that makes the kind of research we do with communities all the more important. Photo: U of R Photography Department IPHRC recognizes that knowledge does not always flow from university researchers to communities. Consequently, we have worked to create new currents of knowledge that flow in several directions and which are entrenched in ways of thinking towards what we believe are more inclusive, valid, and useful understandings. We define knowledge translation (KT) as the translation of health research outcomes into positive and practical health service responses. IPHRC recognizes the urgency and importance of ensuring that Indigenous health research is translated into meaningful health service responses and impacts for Indigenous people and communities. Our IPHRC researchers undertake communitybased research projects that have KT as an integral component. For example, community partners might be involved in the development of a research project from the formation of the research question, to the dissemination of results and publication of findings. IPHRC also has a Research Associate who provides KT and communications support for our researchers and students, and is responsible for overseeing the strategic communications and KT activities of the centre itself. Since the Centre s funding renewal in 2010, IPHRC has hosted numerous research gatherings and conferences including the National Gathering of Graduate Students (2011), Aboriginal Health Research Network Conference (2011), Indigenous Health Research Conference (2011) and the Community-Based Research Summer Institute with the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (2011). These gatherings brought together students, researchers and community members from across Canada working in fields affected by Indigenous health research. 8

11 IPHRC has also taken advantage of virtual, electronic and social media to create awareness about Indigenous health research. We launched a brand new website in January 2011 that features stories, announcements, research links and information about funding opportunities. When a new story is posted, IPHRC can have as many as 100 unique visitors to the site in one day from India to Australia to Iraq. The website also features an interactive map of Saskatchewan where visitors can click on a particular IPHRC project and learn more about it. Our Facebook page and Twitter account allow people interested in IPHRC to stay connected to the centre with regular updates and announcements. Social media is a growing area for IPHRC in its strategic communications. The Centre also participated in two videos since 2010 one for the National Gathering of Graduate Students which the IPHRC helped produced as a series of videos featuring each NEAHR, and another one for the Canadian Health Professionals Conference in June 2012 of which IPHRC was chosen as only one of ten research centres across Canada to be featured. All of these communications efforts have lead to IPHRC being featured in various media including APTN and Eaglefeather News, as well as provincial and national media such as CBC Radio, Regina Leader- Post, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, and the National Post. While external relations is a key component of IPHRC s KT and communications efforts, internal communication is also a priority as we are committed to serving our researchers, students and communities. In January 2011, IPHRC received ethics approval and began an innovative data collection project entitled Impact and Outcomes of a Network Environment in Aboriginal Health Research Centre: Knowledge Translation in Action. All previously funded researchers, community partners and students from were contacted and asked to participate in a phone interview. Questions focussed on outcomes and impacts such as whether previously funded parties were still involved in Indigenous health research, had completed their projects/studies, and were successful in securing additional funding. This project was the first of its kind amongst the NEAHRS and has proven so effective that a version of it was adopted by the AHRNETS in 2012 and was implemented nationally across all NEAHR centres. Photo: aboriginalimages.ca 9

12 Our Commitment to Students Since 2002, IPHRC has funded over 100 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. We have distributed nine rounds of summer research awards to over 70 undergraduate students and graduate fellowships have been awarded to over 30 PhD and Master s level students. Of the over 100 students IPHRC has supported, over 90% have self declared as Aboriginal. All of these students are in a variety of graduate programs from public policy to kinesiology and health studies and study topics as varied as diabetes, gangs, homelessness, community health, obesity, tuberculosis and women s health. IPHRC provides funding support to students in three ways: 1Summer Undergraduate Research Awards ($4200) Funding for supervising professors to hire undergraduate students as summer research assistants for Indigenous health research projects. IPHRC provides funding for three months, and the supervisor provides funding for the remaining month. 2Graduate Student Scholarships ($17,500+ for Master s and $21,000+ for PhD) Funding support for graduate students pursuing Indigenous health research through their programs in which research is a major component. 3Postdoctoral Fellowships ($42,000 plus $5000 research allowance) Postdoctoral Fellows work with IPHRC researchers and staff to support the Centre s research agenda and are expected to participate in both ongoing research projects as well as undertake independent projects relating to Indigenous health research. Left to Right: Dr. Fidji Gendron of First Nations University with Lisa Cyr, IPHRC Undergraduate Student; Robert Henry, IPHRC Graduate Student, and Roisin Unsworth, IPHRC Graduate Student. 10

13 In addition to funding, IPHRC supports students by providing them with travel support to conferences to present their research findings, mentorship, and networking opportunities such as the National Gathering of Graduate Students (NGGS) where students get to share their work with other students from the AHRNETS. As part of our internal data collection project in 2012, IPHRC surveyed all 20 funded graduate students from when we officially became a NEAHR centre. We had an impressive 70% response rate with 14 of a possible 20 respondents participating in the qualitative study. Of those students, 40% were still involved in Indigenous health research and the majority of students held academic-related employment except for one PhD student who was still completing his/her studies. The most frequently reported positions of employment were as follows: Research assistant 4 students Assistant professor (tenure track) 2 students Sessional lecturer 2 students Research consultant 2 students Other reported occupations included: Tutor Writer Published author Physiotherapist Therapist Of the four Master s students who have since completed their studies, three continued their studies to pursue a PhD. Both of the PhD students who have since completed their program went on to receive tenure track assistant professor positions. Most notably, all IPHRC funded graduate students since either completed their funded program or are still in the process of completing it and over half of the respondents from the data collection project reported that IPHRC funding and support was crucial for them to complete their studies. Photos courtesy: Sarah Oosman and SPHERU Student Profile: Sarah Oosman, PhD Candidate, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Saskatchewan, IPHRC Graduate Scholarship Recipient More veggies, less pop and more playing equals better health. Those were some of the lessons a grade 3-4 split class from the Métis community of Ile a la Crosse learned from participating in a community-based research project with PhD student Sarah Oosman. Using a variety of methods, such as class lessons about physical activity and nutrition, flashcards, and photographs, Oosman worked with a group of students and their teacher to teach the children about healthy habits and track the impact increased knowledge had on their activity levels and eating habits. The whole program was developed to incorporate Métis culture, for example, using Michif Cree language. We wanted to do this in a way that was culturally appropriate and culturally relevant, Oosman said. Michif is a traditional Métis language, with roots in both Canadian French and Plains Cree. To learn more about how the children themselves viewed health, Oosman used Photovoice a research methodology where the children were asked to take pictures of what they ate and what activities they did before and after the project. After the project was completed, students had more pictures of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, and physical activities such as playing on the playground or skating. The research team interviewed the students families to find out if healthier habits at school meant healthier habits at home. One of the families talked about how the messages sent home opened the environment to talk about pop drinking and they completely stopped purchasing pop, Oosman said. Oosman s work in Ile a la Crosse has already attracted national attention. In 2010, she was one of three recipients of the Scientific Director s Award of Excellence from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health (CIHR-IAPH). 11

14 IPHRC is guided by our Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which is comprised of 24 researchers from all three of our university partner institutions. The committee includes the Nominated Principal Investigator (Dr. Carrie Bourassa), Co Principal Investigators (Dr. Jennifer Poudrier and Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew) and 21 other Co-Investigators. They represent the broad range of their disciplines and IPHRC s holistic and innovative approach to health research. Three of our researchers hold research chairs in Aboriginal Health (Dr. Sylvia Abonyi), Substance Abuse (Dr. Colleen Dell), and Interactive Media and Performance (Dr. Charity Marsh). Our research team s collective areas of expertise include, but are not limited to: Research Excellence Political science Applied literatures Sociology Epidemiology Medicine Public health Physical education Ethno-history Substance abuse Education Community development Administration Social work Theatre Media production Computer science Anthropology Photo: Karen Schmidt Our researchers are consistently working to improve the health of Indigenous people and many had numerous grants, awards and publications. Some highlights include Dr. Peter Butt and Dr. Colleen Dell s successful 2012 grant application for their project Honouring Our Strengths: Indigenous Culture as Intervention in Addiction Treatment from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) worth $1.8 million over three years to conduct research in to the role of Indigenous cultures in treating people suffering from addiction. In 2011, Dr. Dell also received a CIHR Knowledge Translation Supplement Grant worth $98, 782 to disseminate results from her research project From Stilettos to Moccasins: A Guide for Group Discussion. Dr. Carrie Bourassa was also awarded a grant worth $785, from the Public Health Agency of 12

15 From Stilettos to Moccasins: Knowledge Translation Through Workshops This half-day workshop raises awareness of the role that identity and stigma have in the healing journeys of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women in treatment for drug abuse and offers hope to individuals on their healing journeys. It is designed to be facilitated by community members for community members. The workshop is based on the key finding of the original research project, which is to heal from drug abuse, that there is a need for women to re-claim, and for some to claim for the first time, a healthy self-identity as an Aboriginal woman. This includes understanding the negative impacts of stigma. The workshop has three goals, and was pilot tested in addictions treatment centres, community-based agencies and a correctional facility with very positive results. 1. To discuss the role of identity and stigma in the healing journeys of Aboriginal women in treatment for drug abuse. 2. To offer hope and inspiration, gathered from over 100 Aboriginal women in substance abuse treatment who shared their healing journeys. 3. To reflect on your understanding of identity, stigma, and the healing journey and learn from one another. For more information about the workshop, you can contact Shannon Taylor at shannon.taylor@usask.ca Canada for her work with the Native Women s Association of Canada entitled Understanding from Within: Developing Community-Driven and Culturally Safe Models for Understanding and Responding to Neurological Conditions Among Aboriginal Women. This research project seeks to improve understanding of how Aboriginal women conceptualize neurological conditions, the impact on their families and communities, and the needed resources and supports to provide culturally safe and appropriate care. Several IPHRC researchers were also successful in obtaining CIHR Operating Grants. Two IPHRC researchers, Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew and Dr. Sylvia Abonyi, were awarded a grant worth over $1.5 million for their project Assess, Redress, Re-assess: Addressing Disparities in Respiratory Health Among First Nations People. Dr. Caroline Tait also received $236, 839 for her project entitled Tracking the Impact of Saskatchewan s Child Welfare Reform Using Theoretical and Applied Ethics, while Dr. Pammla Petrucka received $60,982 for her project PL3A3Y Positive Leadership, Legacy, Lifestyle, Attitudes, & Activities for Aboriginal Youth. In addition to their research projects and numerous peer-reviewed publications, many of our researchers are also successful authors and respected community members. In 2010, Director Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew received the First Peoples Writing Award at the the 18th Annual Saskatchewan Book Awards for her book Taking Back Our Spirits: Indigenous Literature, Public Policy, and Healing. Two IPHRC researchers, Dr. Bourassa and Dr. Vivian Ramsden were also involved with the first known community-based Métis provincial health survey in partnership with the Métis Nation Saskatchewan in Dr. Ramsden, a registered nurse and respected researcher, was also the recipient of the 2012 Effie Feeny Award from the Saskatchewan Nurses Association for her outstanding contribution to health research benefitting the nursing profession. 13

16 Community Connections IPHRC retains strong links to communities in provinces through our events, community-based research projects, and our Representative Advisory Committee comprised of community members, health agency workers, a student and elders. IPHRC has distributed over $750,000 in funding to over 50 community-based research projects from across Saskatchewan guided by both university researchers and community partners focusing on Indigenous health research through our Community Network Research Grants. Community Network Research Grant ($15,000) Funding for community-based research projects focussing on Indigenous health through partnerships between university researchers and communities. Community partners have included, but are not limited to, First Nations tribal councils and bands, Indigenous community organizations, and Indigenous health agencies. These projects are designed, implemented and evaluated by both the university researchers and their community partners so that communities are empowered to guide the research that ultimately affects them. Topics for community research projects have included: Addictions Animal health and associated risks Governance Community health and development Medicinal plant uses Healthy body weight and image Breast cancer Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Aboriginal youth and children In addition to our funding, IPHRC also hosts and sponsors events open to the public in order to create awareness and dialogue about Indigenous health in Saskatchewan. In December 2010, IPHRC Researcher Dr. Jim Daschuk helped organize The Bitumen Boom: Canada s Pandora s Box, a public event that brought in Andrew Nikiforuk and 14

17 IPHRC Community Partner Receives SHEA Award Elder Betty McKenna was the proud recipient of the 2012 Saskatchewan Health Excellence Award in the Health of a Population category. She was nominated by IPHRC researchers Dr. Carrie Bourassa and Dr. Mary Hampton for her involvement in numerous health projects and her commitment to promoting health, wellness and culture in the Aboriginal community. In her typical forward-thinking fashion, McKenna recognizes the importance of health research but remains humble about her contributions. This is truly a collaboration of my peoples traditional health knowledge interwoven with the best practices of western health, says McKenna. For our communities, this means a healthier people and success in the future for all Saskatchewan citizens. It is an honour to serve my people in this capacity but I am not alone in seeing that we are all in the same canoe. We all need to paddle. Elder Betty McKenna is from the Anishnabae Nation, Shoal River Band and is very knowledgeable about many traditional teachings which she has learned from her grandmother and from many other elders. She is the Elder in Residence, First Nations and Métis Education at the Regina Public School Board as well as the guiding elder for RESOLVE (Research and Education to End Violence and Abuse) Saskatchewan, and provides leadership to many research projects. She is also co-author on several peer reviewed publications and sits on two graduate committees at the University of Regina. Dr. John O Connor to discuss the environmental and health impacts of Alberta s oil sands on surrounding Indigenous communities. Mr. Nikoforuk is one of the pre-eminent environmental writers in Canada and author of The Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent, which won the 2009 Rachel Carson Environmental Book Award. Dr. O Connor has been a practicing medical doctor in northern Alberta Indigenous communities since As part of our Community-Based Health Research Summer Institute in partnership with SPHERU in June 2011 which brought together over 50 community members, researchers and students from across Canada and the United States, we co hosted a free public screening of the awardwinning film 3rd World Canada with filmmaker Andrée Cazabon at the Albert Scott Community Centre in North Central Regina. Over 100 people attended the screening and participated in a public discussion after the film about Aboriginal health in Canada and First Nations living conditions on reserves. Photo: Productions Cazabon 15

18 Looking Forward IPHRC s development can be sorted into two stages: capacity-building and network development. So what is next for IPHRC? We understand that capacity is not yet built in Indigenous health research we are still building it. Our networks are strong, but we can make them even stronger. We see our role in Indigenous health research as innovators and leaders, pushing Indigenous health research to the next level and the forefront of the research landscape so that the health of Indigenous peoples, and ultimately the health of all, can be improved and our lives and communities enriched. As we look forward to the next five years, IPHRC has undertaken a structural review and strategic planning process with the understanding that our centre must remain adaptable to the needs of the communities and researchers we serve. Our strategic directions for are: 1) Research Excellence IPHRC creates an equitable and ethical environment dedicated to the development of appropriate ways of engaging in innovative and relevant research that honours Indigenous ways and thereby improves Indigenous health. a. IPHRC team members excel in their research careers. b. IPHRC builds awareness of and supports expertise in integrated knowledge translation. c. IPHRC-funded students are active and successful in Indigenous health research. d. IPHRC research teams are configured to support maximum creativity, innovation and efficiency. 2) Networking and Engagement IPHRC engages students, communities, and decision-makers to create partnerships that meet the health needs of Indigenous communities, transform research methods and increase Indigenous health knowledge. a. IPHRC increases networking with policy makers and policy educators. b. IPHRC increases networking with stakeholders in health (i.e. Aboriginal health organizations, government health departments, health districts). c. IPHRC expands and strengthens our network of partners. 3) Visibility and Demonstrated Impact IPHRC is committed to building our reputation as leaders in Aboriginal health research and to increasing our visibility by sharing our research results with communities, researchers, students and decision-makers in the province of Saskatchewan and beyond. a. Decision makers from governments, communities, and health organizations (both Indigenous and non-indigenous) know and respect IPHRC achievements. b. IPHRC has a strong, positive media presence. c. IPHRC is an integral unit within our partner institutions. 4) Organizational Excellence IPHRC is committed to establishing a healthy and thriving environment for a research network that supports excellent research outcomes that benefit Indigenous people and communities in the province of Saskatchewan and beyond. a. IPHRC is a continuing and sustainable research centre. b. Our cohesive and positive work environment works to fulfill our mission. 16

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20 Get Connected! If you would like to be a part of IPHRC or would like to learn more about us or any of our programs, we invite you to connect with us in the following ways: Web: Facebook: Twitter: twitter.com/iphrcsask Phone: (306) iphrc@uregina.ca Mailing Address: IPHRC - CK 115, University of Regina 3737 Wascana Parkway Regina, SK S4S 0A2 Front Cover Photo: aboriginalimages.ca 18