Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Introduction: Knowledge translation (KT) is about sharing research knowledge that is both relevant and valued. Effective KT is critical to implementing program and policy changes that require shared understandings of knowledge systems, assumptions, and practices. Since mainstream KT approaches and activities do not necessarily resonate with Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, we conducted a systematic review of evaluated KT in Indigenous health research to identify wise and promising Indigenous KT practices in Canada and abroad. Methods: A systematic review was guided by Indigenous health researchers, engaged Indigenous Elders, and used an Indigenous research critical appraisal tool. The search included published literature from indexed and non-indexed databases globally and grey literature from Indigenous health research funders (government and Indigenous organizations) within Canada only. Included documents had to meet the following criteria: 1) focused on primarily Indigenous people; 2) linked to Indigenous health and well-being; 3) document KT goals, activities, and rationale; 4) evaluated the KT activities or outcomes; and 5) scored six or more in their critical appraisal. Results: Findings from this review reveal wise KT approaches and practices as well as methods used to evaluate KT in Indigenous contexts. The presentation will highlight how 1) effective Indigenous KT is conceptually and operationally different from mainstream KT and 2) Indigenous KT has been evaluated. Conclusions: While authors increasingly report on KT activities in Indigenous research contexts, few KT initiatives are evaluated. Evaluation of the process and outcomes of Indigenous KT remains underdeveloped.