We were honoured to have a number of Elders attend and present at the symposium. A consistent theme emerged about involving elders more deliberately in the research process. Youth involvement at the symposium was very well received, and many participants expressed that even more youth engagement in the future would be welcomed. An Aboriginal Research Strategy With respect to research strategy development, we heard that it is important to engage all types of individuals (all ages, urban, rural, etc.) from the community, ensuring the Indigenous perspective is respected and prioritized. Involvement of Elders needs to be enhanced and could be at the project level (as advisors on research) or at the system level (on ethical review committees). Research strategy development should also honour traditional and lived ways of knowing and Elders’ wisdom. Meaningfully involving youth in research was identified as a key component of ensuring sustainability and building the capacities of the next generation. Others emphasized that other stakeholders (different sectors and service providers) be included to “both learn and contribute” to this strategy. Research with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities needs to be conceptualized in new ways. Research has tended to disproportionally focus on community deficits and needs rather than community strengths and capacities. Finally, there should be a recognition of the heterogeneity of the Aboriginal community. Being an Ally for Indigenous Research Feedback specific to a research strategy indicated that there should be support for research that values the principles of OCAP and incorporates ethical approaches. There should be exploration of how to be an “ally”, supporting Indigenous research already in progress and championing the value and sharing of knowledge. “Find a way to legitimize Aboriginal research processes and practices that do not require them to “fit” in Western models; publish and make available the findings; tell anyone who will listen!” “There is plenty of research at First Nations colleges. Support that.” Space was provided for people to record and post their thoughts about how research can be respectful, meaningful and sustainable. The following themes summarize the responses. Research is respectful when…. Research is respectful when communities have ownership of the research and its process and is of value to the community. Research is considered respectful when it is reciprocal, honest, and integrates stories and spirituality. Research is meaningful when….
Child & Youth Education, Wellness & Resiliency Supporting Children, Youth and Families Individual & Community Wellness Indigenous Perspectives 1:00 – 1:30 PM How Aboriginal traditions, culture and knowledge inform our practices, Ted Quinney RIVER CREE 1/2 Kinship Caring, Leona Furgason CHIEF’S BOARDROOM Factors related to leisure among First Nations, Scott Anderson MARRIOTT BOARDROOM Culturally Grounded Outcomes in Aboriginal Child Welfare, Avery Calhoun RIVER CREE 3/4 1:30 – 2:00 PM Boyle Street Education Centre, Brandy Basisty, Amber Gear & Mavis Averill CHIEF’S BOARDROOM Data as evidence to inform policies and enhance programs to benefit Aboriginal Albertans, Leslie Twilley RIVER CREE 1/2 Preventing Psychoactive Prescription Drug Misuse within Indigenous Communities, Cheryl Currie MARRIOTT BOARDROOM Towards a Collaborative Anti-Colonial Approach with Indigenous Youth, Rita Henderson RIVER CREE 3/4 2:00 – 2:30 PM Elders' Perspectives on Indigenous Research: Speaking the Truth, James Shawana CHIEF’S BOARDROOM Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women in Alberta, Tracey Makokis RIVER CREE 1/2 Perspectives on the Housing First Program with Indigenous Participants, Ralph Bodor RIVER CREE 3/4 2:30 – 2:50 PM COFFEE AND NETWORKING 2:50 – 3:15 PM Report Back ~ Youth Reflections 3:15 – 4:00 PM What is needed by First Nations, Inuit and Metis youth to engage in wellness activities? Youth led discussion with Nightwinds Treatment Centre (Ted Quinney) 4:00 – 4:20 PM Closing Summary Robyn Blackadar, President and CEO Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research 4:20 – 4:30 PM Closing Prayer Elder Bob Cardinal