Context: Research with Indigenous communities should be reflective of their norms, values, and customs. The Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) on Ethical Conduct for Research involving Humans indicates in Chapter 9, that where research involves First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and their communities, they are to have a role in shaping and co-creating research that affects them; with respect being given to the autonomy of these communities to decide to participate. Objective: To explore how community-led research can be facilitated through authentic engagement. Study Design: An integrative framework of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and transformative learning. Setting: Sturgeon Lake First Nations (SLFN). Population studied: Indigenous youth living at SLFN. Intervention: The tenets of CBPR were facilitated using authentic engagement that included youth leaders, health workers and Elders in the community. Authentic engagement will enhance the community's ability to answer their own research questions building on strengths, considering opportunities for change, and co-creating meaningful solutions to mitigate the roadblocks/barriers. Authentic engagement encourages respectful, compassionate, and genuine interest in the work being undertaken together. Authentic engagement fosters an environment for transformative learning built on trust, active listening skills and reflective practice framed within an ethical space.
Main outcomes: To enhance Indigenous youth health and wellness by and with the community.
Anticipated results: By engaging youth as co-researchers in all aspect of this research process, we anticipate will lead to the co-creation of a wellness program. It is expected that this process will promote wellness that is grounded in culture and build curiosity among youth. Conclusions: Authentic engagement in research is of particular importance in navigating and co-creating sustainable outcomes by and with the community. Therefore, relationships are an essential precursor to the development of cross-cultural and intercultural understanding based on their expertise and experience. Relationships must be built on trust, respect, transparency, honesty, and communications that are grounded in the values and ways of knowing in the community.