261834 Ilittibaatoksali- We are working together : University-Tribal lessons learned through tension and success

Monday, October 29, 2012

Joy Pendley, PhD , Center for Applied Social Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Zermarie Deacon, PhD , Department of Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Brent Sykes , Department of Education, University of Oklahoma- Chickasaw Nation, Norman, OK
This presentation addresses a collaboration between university researchers and tribal professionals, detailing the process and procedure developed in the collaboration (Good), the tensions that surfaced in building this relationship (Bad) and the difficulties of conducting CBPAR when partnering institutions have goals that do not include publication and dissemination of information to a broad population (Ugly). In 2008, the Chickasaw Nation asked faculty at the University of Oklahoma to collaborate on developing a concept for a family resource center that would be based on culturally appropriate wellness and health approaches. The problem of merging two institutional frameworks within the collaboration and making timely decisions in order to conduct research and publish were apparent early in the collaboration. To solve this problem, we held a search conference where we began to develop collaborative procedure and purpose that would help drive the process in a way that both partners were able to work together towards mutual goals. The results of this on-going collaborations include three research projects that were conducted as CBPAR and the development of a learning community. We provide a lessons learned that outlines the tensions and successes and we make recommendations for university-community collaborative projects. We believe this is a roadmap for building CBPAR projects in other communities that address health prevention and wellness that is capacity building and culturally appropriate.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Define CBPAR within the context of this University-Tribal collaboration. Identify the difficulties of co-mingling two distinct institutional infrastructures and how a search conference can be used to “enculturate” participants. Explain how historic trauma impacts research in Native American communities. Describe three CBPAR projects conducted through the Chokka’ Kilimpi’ collaboration and how these projects inform programming and services for Native citizens that addresses the needs of families throughout the life cycle. List lessons learned and recommendations from both university and tribal perspective.

Keywords: American Indians, Community Capacity

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the facilitator of the Chickasaw Nation-University of Oklahoma research collaboration for four years and continue to facilitate research and student development projects.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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