Abstract: INFO06-TH
Ensuring Indigenous Co-Leadership in Kidney Research: A Can-SOLVE CKD Case Example
Session Information
- Informational Posters - I
November 02, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- No subcategory defined
Author
- Jones, Jocelyn M., Can-SOLVE CKD, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Group or Team Name
- IPERC
Description
Background
Indigenous peoples are insightful and informed about their individual and community’s health, wellness, and priorities. Yet the vision and strengths of Indigenous peoples have not always been incorporated into health research, leading to subpar engagement or culturally safe research practices, which exacerbates the existing health inequities Indigenous people experience.
Data consistently underscores the importance of Indigenous self-determination in research as a means to address health inequities. However, there are few formal methods to support this goal within the existing research context that is dominated by Western perspectives.
IPERC
Canadians Seeking Solutions and Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease (Can-SOLVECKD) is a patient-oriented kidney research network in Canada that recognizes the need to create more spaces for Indigenous self-determination in research. Indigenous members of the network therefore formed a unique group, called the Indigenous People’s Engagement and Research Council (IPERC), comprising diverse First Nations,Inuit and Métis.
IPERC plays a critical role in informing Can-SOLVE CKD Network research priorities, as well as creating tools to support Indigenous-specific research and engagement. This approach ensures that Indigenous voices and knowledges are critical threads within the fabric of the network’s operations and research projects.
Contributions
IPERC contributions include but are not limited to:
- providing input, governance and guidance on all Can-SOLVE CKD research projects that involve Indigenous peoples and communities
- incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the network
- developing novel tools to support non-Indigenous people in creating culturally safe spaces – spaces that strive to correct imbalances in health care that Indigenous people face due to racism and colonialism
Results
As a result, IPERC has helped foster greater Indigenous self-determination, leadership andcultural safety within the network. Other research entities can consider asimilar structure to achieve these outputs, which could ultimately lead to better health outcomes for Indigenous peoples and support their wellness priorities.
Funding
- Can-SOLVE CKD is funded through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, with additional funding from the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Amgen Canada Inc., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Bayer, and Chinook Therapeutics.