Creating Transformative Aboriginal Health Research: The BC ACADRE at Three Years

Abstract

This article traces three years of progress related to building Aboriginal healthresearch capacity with Aboriginal people, communities, and postsecondaryinstitutions through the efforts of the BC Aboriginal Capacity and DevelopmentalResearch Environment (ACADRE) network. Extensive Aboriginal communityconsultations throughout BC resulted in the identification of seven community-determined research theme priorities: traditional healing, knowledge, and practices;addictions and mental health—treatment and transitions; health care programs andpolicy; health promotion and best practices; Elders' well-being; ethics—research andpractice; and capacity-building in and access to research. Various researchpartnerships with Aboriginal community, health, and educational organizationsresulted in the development of research awareness workshops, pilot studies, provincialforums to share research experiences, learning research modules, and the developmentof community-specific ethical protocols. A significant outcome of the BC ACADREhas been funding and mentoring support for numerous high school, undergraduate,master's, and doctoral students engaged in Aboriginal health education and research.