Abstract
This paper describes the emergence of a formal partnership between Manitoba First Nations and researchers in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. This partnership reflects two decades of a working relationship in Manitoba involving university researchers and First Nations communities, as well as new and innovative approaches to developing organizations, training initiatives and projects that strengthen First Nations principles of governance. The emerging trust that has developed between the Manitoba First Nations and the University has made it possible to extend this partnership into building further research capacity and evidence-based decision-making among First Nations. Discussions between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Northern Health Research Unit resulted in the development of a Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research. Its mission is to initiate, coordinate and support research activities designed to assist First Nations and Aboriginal communities and organizations in their efforts to promote healing, wellness and improved health services in their communities. Much of the health research described in this journal was facilitated through this partnership, which demonstrated the value of partnerships and new funding opportunities to better address the health information needs of First Nations communities, particularly at a time when Aboriginal communities were highly skeptical of the value of academic research.
MeSH terms: Indigenous population, health policy, community participation
Résumé
Cet article décrit l’émergence d’une entente de partenariat officielle entre les Premières nations du Manitoba et les chercheurs du Département des sciences de la santé communautaire de l’Université du Manitoba. L’entente est l’aboutissement de deux décennies de collaboration entre le milieu universitaire et les collectivités des Premières nations au Manitoba. Elle s’articule autour de démarches nouvelles ou novatrices pour l’élaboration de structures, de projets et d’initiatives de formation qui renforcent les principes de gouvernance des Premières nations. La confiance qui s’est développée entre les Premières nations et l’Université du Manitoba a permis d’étendre ce partenariat aux activités de renforcement des capacités de recherche et des processus décisionnels fondés sur les résultats chez les Premières nations. Des discussions entre l’Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs et la Faculté de recherche sur la santé du Nord de l’Université du Manitoba ont abouti à la création d’un centre de recherche sur la santé autochtone: le Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research. Il a pour mission de lancer, de coordonner et d’appuyer des activités de recherche pour aider les collectivités et les organismes autochtones et des Premières nations qui cherchent à promouvoir le ressourcement, le mieux-être et l’amélioration des services de santé dans leurs populations. La plupart des études sur la santé dont il est question dans le présent supplément ont bénéficié de ce partenariat. Celui-ci a prouvé qu’avec la collaboration de tous et de nouvelles formules de financement, il est possible de mieux combler les besoins d’information sanitaire des collectivités des Premières nations - un résultat non négligeable à notre époque, où les populations autochtones remettent en question la valeur de la recherche universitaire.
Footnotes
Acknowledgements of Sources of Support: National Health Research and Development Program, Health Canada, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Canada Foundation for Innovation.
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