Examining the use of Inuit knowledge within community-based HIV prevention research

Inuit hold great knowledge, skills, and strength, all of which have sustained their people through some of the most rapid social, economic, and political changes ever experienced by Indigenous Peoples across the world. For Inuit this way of knowing is known as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ). Within health research, a shift has occurred and research with Indigenous communities is now expected to recognize (and include) Indigenous knowledge. An approach to research that claims to create space for upholding Indigenous ways of knowing is community-based participatory research (CBPR). Much of the literature surrounding CBPR strongly promotes this approach as a successful process for collaborative research between University-based researchers and Indigenous communities. However, missing from the literature is research examining CBPR processes and Indigenous knowledge, their alignment, and if and how they work together. To address this gap, using a case study approach and the conceptual framework of Two Eyed Seeing, this case study examined an HIV prevention CBPR project that took place with three Inuit communities across Nunavut. Aiming to examine the congruency of IQ and CBPR principles, this case study sought to answer questions to determine in what ways these two sets of principles were reflected throughout the research process; what may be some challenges and opportunities of a CBPR project that follows IQ, and what the strengths of IQ as a guide for knowledge creation are. This case study produced knowledge for Inuit-specific research frameworks that has utility across disciplines. The findings from this research project can help ensure Inuit ways of knowing are explicitly incorporated into research processes and contribute to knowledge for both Inuit communities and university-based researchers to conduct culturally affirming research following Wise Practices for community-driven research.