Tahatikonhsontóntie’ Québec Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research
Sherri Bisset, Leila Qashu, Sonia Périllat-Amédée, Treena Delormier
As a response to the need for more supportive research environments for Indigenous health research, CIHR created the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR). The Tahatikonhsontóntie’ Québec Network Environment for Indigenous Health Research (QcNEIHR) is driven by, and grounded in, Indigenous communities in Quebec. This manuscript aims to provide a reflexive account of the QcNEIHR. Using implementation analysis as a methodology, the QcNEIHR evaluator used documents, participant observations and interviews to compare the proposed QcNEIHR grant plan to what the QcNEIHR actualized. The co-authors, members of the Operations Circle, provided additional information and interpretations as the manuscript was being written. The QcNEIHR governance circles were invited to approve the presentation of results. Through this analysis we found that QcNEIHR activities aligned with three of four objectives in the initial research proposal. The Operations Circle of the QcNEIHR successfully navigated through several competing interests, such as, 1) finding a balance between consulting and taking concrete actions, 2) being inclusive while prioritizing a few targeted activities, 3) administering institutional research funds within an Indigenous community-based organization, 4) maintaining an efficient bilingual governance structure with diverse conceptualizations of health and research, 5) managing an organic Operations Circle for innovation and creativity, while assuring an accountability and timely deliverables. During the first four years of operation, the strategy of the QcNEIHR OC was based upon building relationships and mobilizing a diverse lively network. This strategy sets the foundation for community-shared ownership and leadership for the next iteration of the QcNEIHR, where community-driven Indigenous health research in Quebec will continue to strengthen and grow, with the support of provincial and national research institutions.
International Journal of Indigenous Health, 20(1)
Public Health Resonance Project 