Presenter : Leila Qashu 

 - Manager in Indigenous organizations 

Institution : Tahatikonhsontóntie’ Quebec Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (QCNEIHR)

This panel presentation focuses on Indigenous research and learning. We will explore these themes through three collaborative and culturally safe initiatives developed by our network, Tahatikonhsontóntie’—Quebec Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (QcNEIHR). The QcNEIHR is an Indigenous health research and training network hosted in the community of Kahnawà:ke by the Kahnawà:ke Schools Diabetes Prevention Project (KSDPP). The organization has over 30 years of expertise in community mobilization, partnerships, community research, and research ethics. The objective of QcNEIHR is to promote the self-determination of communities and all Indigenous organizations in Quebec so that they themselves can support health research for the well-being of future generations. In addition, to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous researchers and the unique issues they face, our network aims to support emerging Indigenous researchers and reinforce their capacity and interest in research.

Since its beginnings, our network has developed several initiatives to reinforce Indigenous learners’ capacities, such as the Experienceship awards, which are based on mentorship and Indigenous community-based learning. The QcNEIHR has also been focusing on institutional transformation of academic research communities, through an analysis of reconciliation and Indigenization efforts in universities and a report on cultural safety in Indigenous health research.  In a roundtable discussion, we – QcNEIHR members – will discuss these three key projects and how they contribute to Indigenous research and learning, which in turn promotes well-being, self-determination, voices, and cultural reappropriation.