Collaborative Journal Showcases Indigenous Knowledge of Health and Wellness

6/30/2016

IJIH-FNHA-Header.jpg

For Immediate Release

Unceded Coast and Straits Salish Territory (Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia) – The International Journal of Indigenous Health (IJIH) and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) are pleased to announce the collaborative publication of the Special Thematic Issue "Wellness-Based Health Research and Promising Practices" Volume 11(1).

This special edition focusses on Indigenous wellness-based health research and promising practices in First Nations and other Indigenous communities. The issue features fifteen innovative articles from academic and community-based researchers and practitioners in Indigenous health.

"The IJIH collaborates with leading health researchers and Indigenous community-based practitioners in its authorship and peer review to share knowledge that advances Indigenous wellness," said Dr. Charlotte Loppie, IJIH Editor and Director of UVic's Centre for Indigenous Research Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE). "Ultimately research that is reflective and inclusive of Indigenous communities will be of benefit to them as well as other Indigenous peoples looking for ways to increase wellness in their own communities."

In addition to publishing high quality papers, IJIH is interested in sharing research presented with an Indigenous lens, grounded in meaningful partnerships. This is the first collaboration between the IJIH and the FNHA. The journal values partnering with leading health practitioners, organizations or agencies around specific themes in Indigenous health and wellness.

The FNHA promotes First Nations involvement in the creation of evidence to be utilized in defining wellness in a strengths-based, culturally grounded and self-determined community-driven context. The collaborative editorial process prior to peer review, identified papers that were grounded in wellness, cultural and asset-based approaches to Indigenous health research and practice.

"This collaborative journal contributes to an emerging evidence base showcasing practices passed down from our Elders that have helped our people since time immemorial," said Richard Jock, Chief Operating Officer of the First Nations Health Authority. "Knowledge transfer and knowledge exchange are priorities for the FNHA to support, promote and share in a good way. The more we can document and learn from Indigenous ways of health and healing the better we can plan and implement the changes needed for better health outcomes."

This special thematic issue shares evidence-based promising practices with a focus on health and wellness, explored through an Indigenous lens, within Indigenous communities. These community-based papers reflect full collaboration with Indigenous partners and are focused on and grounded in the intellectual traditions and voices of Indigenous peoples globally as well as First Nations residing within the geographic boundaries of what is now known as British Columbia, Canada. 

Topics covered by the papers in this issue include: honouring Indigenous nursing knowledge, community-based palliative care, youth mental health based on Inuit knowledge and ways of knowing, Indigenous models of youth leadership, as well as prevention and wise practices related to HIV. Also featured are articles on colonization and chronic illness, Indigenous culture and tradition in physical activity, knowledge translation, traditional food systems and culture, and more. 

IJIH Editor Dr. Charlotte Loppie and Special Edition Co-Editor Dr. Amanda Ward welcome readers to view it online "Wellness-Based Health Research and Promising Practices" Volume 11(1).

IJIH-FNHA-Issue-Cover.jpg

Connect with the International Journal of Indigenous Health online: www.uvic.ca/ijih

Connect with the First Nations Health Authority online: www.fnha.ca

About the International Journal of Indigenous Health:

Published annually by the Aboriginal Health Research Networks Secretariat in Canada, the International Journal of Indigenous Health was established to advance knowledge and understanding to improve Indigenous health. The journal seeks to bring knowledge from diverse intellectual traditions together with a focus on culturally diverse Indigenous voices, methodologies and epistemology. This peer-reviewed, online, open-access journal shares innovative health research across disciplines, Indigenous communities, and countries. Integral to the journal's mandate is the foundational body of knowledge formed by the Journal of Aboriginal Health established by the National Aboriginal Health Organization (2004) and transferred to the Aboriginal Health Research Networks Secretariat (2012). International Journal of Indigenous Health is hosted at and by the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE), University of Victoria.

About the First Nations Health Authority:

The First Nations Health Authority is responsible for planning, management, service delivery and funding of health programs, in partnership with First Nations communities in BC. The organization works to reform the way health care is delivered to BC First Nations through direct services, provincial collaboration, and health systems innovation. For more information on the FNHA visit: www.fnha.ca/about

 

Media Contacts:

First Nations Health Authority

604-831-4898

media@fnha.ca

Charlotte Loppie

International Journal of Indigenous Health

250-472-5451

loppie@uvic.ca 


Download the media release in PDF format here (105 KB)