Implementing Community-Engaged Participatory Research Methods in a Study of Cree Women’s Wellness: Describing Recruitment Processes and Outcomes

Abstract

Background: In 2017, the Sohkitehew Group was funded to undertake research to identify wellness strategies adopted by mature women as they age in the rural Cree community of Maskwacis, Alberta. We describe our recruitment processes and outcomes for events from July 2017 to June 2018, the first phase of this research. Methodology: Data gathered from minutes of 36 Sohkitehew Working Group and two Elders Advisory Committee meetings were used to identify recruitment strategies, event characteristics and recruitment outcomes for two large community events and three Sharing Circles. Results:1. Recruitment strategies: Strategies were similar for community events and Sharing Circles: event posters were displayed throughout Maskwacis, and advertisements were broadcast by Hawk Radio and appeared in Band newsletters.2. Event Characteristics: Settings included a large community gymnasium for large events, and smaller community venues in different Bands for Sharing Circles. Traditional/cultural protocols were addressed by smudging meeting spaces, inviting community Elders to attend all events, and saying prayers. Healthy lunches were provided.3. Event attendance: The two larger community events attracted 96, and 37 participants, respectively. Sharing Circle attendance ranged from 8 to 23 participants. Conclusion: Recruitment strategies succeeded for the Sohkitehew events in Maskwacis. Prior trusting and respectful relationships with the community established over several years provided a firm basis for this research. Successful recruitment efforts required time, planning, flexibility, and careful attention to culture and tradition to meet objectives to attract participants. Similar strategies may be successful in other rural Indigenous communities if tailored for the specific needs and expectations of individual communities.

Nehiyawak (Cree) women’s strategies for aging well: community-based participatory research in Maskwacîs, Alberta, Canada, by the Sohkitehew (Strong Heart) group

“…Three Sharing Circles were held in 2017 for participants to discuss the wellness strategies used to help them attain and maintain wellness as they aged [ 21 ]. The Sharing Circles were attended by 36 Maskwacîs community members (Table 1 ).…”

“…Public service notices were also broadcasted on the local community radio station, Hawk Radio. Community meeting notices were also included in Band newsletters [ 21 ]. The posters encouraged “ all community members, men and women of all ages ” to discuss aging, being healthy and living well.…”

“…Sharing Circles were scheduled in easily accessible community spaces in different locations around the community so community members could attend the event closest to their home [ 21 ].…”

“…Date and setting of events and attendanceSharing Circles were attended by 36 individual community members. Some Elders Advisory Committee members attended more than one of the sharing circles[21] …”