An upcoming community event will highlight how Indigenous ways of knowing and understanding are being embedded into Brock University research, and how this approach can be applied to other areas of work.

“Healing Circles of Engagement, Weaving Relationships in Research,” a one-day interdisciplinary Canadian Institutes of Health Research Scientifique Café, will be held Wednesday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Brock’s Goodman School of Business Atrium.

Hosted by the Department of Nursing Research Committee, the event will focus on knowledge mobilization, highlighting Indigenous methodologies and protocols to ensure research is taking place in a culturally safe way intended to build respectful relations.

Through the café, participants will gain practical knowledge though real-world examples of health and social issues being addressed in culturally appropriate contexts.

“Health and culture are central to one’s overall well-being,” says Connie Schumacher, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Nursing Research Committee Co-chair. “We look forward to showcasing groundbreaking work taking place across Brock as we talk about ways of doing Indigenous research.”

The event will include panel presentations and two panel discussions with Indigenous and Indigenous-ally scholars.

Topics being discussed will include Indigenous language renewal and impact on cultural identity, sociocultural contexts that influence health and wellness, culturally appropriate knowledge translation and mobilization, meaningful Indigenous engagement in remote communities and working with patient partners.

The afternoon will also explore ways student researchers can engage with Indigenous communities as well as best supports to benefit Indigenous students and scholars.

“Our aim is to gather and engage in conversations around Indigenous health, culture and ways of knowing,” says Associate Professor of Nursing Sheila O’Keefe-McCarthy, who is also a Nursing Research Committee Co-chair. “By bringing researchers, students, Indigenous community members and health organization stakeholders together, we hope to strengthen partnerships and collaborations.”

In addition to the presentations and discussion panels, the day will include an Indigenous luncheon and scholarly poster session with presentations and graduate student awards.

The Nursing Research Committee is committed to ensuring the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization are embedded within all aspects of the event.

“This café will create a safe space to allow open, respectful dialogue between all attendees and presenters,” says committee member and Assistant Professor of Nursing Vanessa Silva e Silva. “We are working with the presenters to ensure all information shared is understandable for those with or without scientific backgrounds.”

This event is free, but advance registration is required.

Students or faculty involved in Indigenous research and projects who want to showcase their work through a poster, display or presentation are invited to send a brief abstract or title by Sunday, Aug. 20 to sokeefemccarthy@brocku.ca

For more information, including the event’s full schedule, visit ExperienceBU or email cshumacher@brocku.ca

This event is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health.