Beyond Disparities: Indigenous Wellness Through Health Research

This research initiative promotes Indigenous health in Saskatchewan and Canada. The program uniquely integrates Indigenous knowledge, community-based strategies, and health theories to address historical injustice-related health disparities. This program promotes cultural responsiveness with Indigenous communities to bridge Western and Indigenous paradigms. Cultural differences are respected in inclusive healthcare interventions and policies to promote reconciliation. The Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Framework (CRF) was developed with 74 First Nations communities as the foundation. With historical context and community assets, this paradigm promotes holistic wellness. This application explains Indigenous health using social determinants, intersectionality, and two-eyed seeing. The research program empowers communities, integrates Indigenous knowledge, addresses health disparities, develops innovative treatments, and heals historical trauma. The PI has twelve years of collaboration and engagement and uses Indigenous, quantitative, qualitative, and Participatory Action Research-based approaches to meet community needs, ensuring culturally and contextually relevant interventions boosting research impact. Partnerships with Indigenous organizations, and academic institutions support community-led health promotion programs for chronic diseases, mental health, maternal care, traditional medicines, and COVID-19 response. The Knowledge Mobilization Plan applies research to policies, practices, and community initiatives for real-world impact. The strategy uses social media, webinars, digital channels, community approaches and community engagement. Individual studies emphasize cultural awareness, community involvement, and peer support. The program aims to empower Indigenous communities, reduce health disparities, and promote sustainable change. Policies, practices, and the next generation of Indigenous health leaders are influenced, making healthcare more equitable.