28th Annual Labelle Lecture Indigenous Data and Research

Title: Indigenous Data and Research

Presenters: Jennifer Walker, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health

Abstract:
The historical colonial context of health research speaks to the importance of using trauma-informed approaches in the research process. These approaches acknowledge and address the unique experiences of Indigenous communities involved in research and highlight the diverse health needs and protocols for responsible community engagement. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the guiding frameworks used to assert Indigenous data governance best practices, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, and the First Nations Information Governance Centre’s principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP ®). These guiding frameworks emphasize the importance of honouring the rights, strengths, and resilience of Indigenous Nations, individuals, families and communities throughout the research process. Drawing on concrete examples of selected projects, this presentation describes and presents examples that speak to the value of: Indigenous-driven projects; respectful and reciprocal research relationships environments with Indigenous communities; knowledge mobilization that respects community perspectives and research priorities; strengthening research capacity through ethical relationships; and integrating Indigenous perspectives and models of wellbeing.

Bio:
Jennifer Walker is a health services researcher and epidemiologist. She is a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River (Haudenosaunee). She has a PhD in Community Health Sciences (Epidemiology specialization) from the University of Calgary. Her work focuses on Indigenous use of Indigenous health and health services data across the life course, with a focus on older adults. She collaborates closely with Indigenous organizations and communities to address health information needs.

Jennifer holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health at Laurentian University in the School of Rural and Northern Health. She is a Core Scientist and Indigenous Lead at ICES. She also holds appointments at the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health.