TK'EMLUPS TE SECWEPEMC TERRITORY (Kamloops, BC) - A number of First Nations communities in the Interior will be attending a one-of-a-kind Indigenous research forum Sept. 12-13 bringing together Nation leadership, academics, researchers, community members, partners and Indigenous knowledge keepers. Hosted by the Secwepemc Health Caucus, First Nations Health Authority, and Thompson Rivers University (TRU), the forum will be held on Tk'emlups te Secwepemc territory at TRU in Kamloops.

The forum will provide an opportunity for Nations in the Interior to lead the discussion and collaborate with partners on defining what meaningful research means to each Nation and how partners can work best with their communities to serve and involve them in innovative and effective ways. The forum will include presentations on First Nations Data Governance, sharing research experiences, respectful engagement and partnership principles, research ethics, community-based and population public health research, capacity building and more.

The host and guest Interior Nations have guided and led the development of this forum, building on key partnerships to make this event a reality. Nations will share their songs, stories, and wisdom with the goal of creating new pathways to future research initiatives that will build capacity, knowledge-base, and positive outcomes for First Nation communities with their partners. 

Host and Partner Quotes:

"We are all born to make a difference and in order to do this we needed to be informed. The Secwepemc Health Caucus is utilizing this forum to establish concrete steps on how to build research capacity and use new relationships to build self-determination by informing governance decisions with knowledge and information relevant to the Secwepemc Nation."

~ Kukpi7 Christian, Chair - Secwepemc Health Caucus

"First Nations recognize the importance of research and many are in the process of rebuilding their regulatory environment related to the ownership and control of data. Research partnerships with individuals and organizations must be built on a solid foundation. We hope to move this work forward together during the Interior Research Forum."

~ Gwen Phillips, Interior Region Representative - First Nations Health Council

"This forum represents a major milestone in transforming health research into a Community-Driven, Nation-Based practice that generates and shares meaningful knowledge. The First Nations Health Authority is excited to support relationship building between research institutions and the Interior Nations."

~ Amanda Ward, Director of Research, Analysis & Knowledge Management - First Nations Health Authority

"The University's research community is pleased to be invited to this event and to co-facilitate some of the working sessions. Our Strategic Research Plan focuses on 'Aboriginal Understanding', 'Education, Health & Diversity', and 'Community & Cultural Engagement' as key areas of interest; and we see our inclusion on the Interior Region Research Forum as a wonderful opportunity to explore, refine, and develop these areas."

~ Dr. Will Garret-Petts, Associate Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies - Thompson Rivers University

Media Contacts:

Secwepemc Health Caucus

Kukpi7 Wayne Christian

Splatsin First Nation

250-503-7072

First Nations Health Authority

Trevor Kehoe

Communications Officer and Media Relations

604-831-4898

Thompson Rivers University

Dr. Will Garrett-Petts

Associate Vice-President Research and Graduate Studies

250-828-5410

Download this media release in PDF form here (99 kB)