Grant: POR Awards - Transition to Leadership Stream - Phase 2

To improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples and communities in the Northwest Territories (NT) and Nunavut, national and international calls to action have emphasized that Indigenous peoples need greater autonomy over their health services and community programs. The goal of my 3-year program of research is to support Indigenous-led change to health service delivery and community-based programming through applied and community-driven health research. My research program includes two projects: (1) Examining how Inuit patients from the Kitikmeot Region in Nunavut experience healthcare services at Stanton Hospital, Yellowknife, NT through interviews with Inuit patients, Elders, and caregivers as well as sharing circles with Inuit Elders; and (2) Evaluating the effectiveness of a Tlicho-led community-based research training program for Tlicho community members using questionnaires and interviews with participants of the training program. Underlying both studies is a shared research approach, grounded in the Mi'kmaw guiding principle, Two-Eyed Seeing, and patient-oriented research principles. To provide the most benefit to community and patients partners, my program of research comes from community-identified priorities, works in partnership with Indigenous Elders and community partners throughout, takes steps to advance Indigenous self-determination, and proposes policy and program solutions. Each project has been created in partnership with Elders, patients, community leaders, and health authority officials and will be guided by Community Advisory Committees to ensure they are patient-oriented and abide by ethical practices and community protocols. Ultimately, this program of research seeks to advance health outcomes for Indigenous patients in the NT and Nunavut by providing concrete recommendations to enhance the quality of care for Inuit patients from the Kitikmeot Region at Stanton Hospital and building capacity for Indigenous community-led research in the NT.