Reflections from a Creative Community-Based Participatory Research Project Exploring Health and Body Image with First Nations Girls

Abstract

In Canada, Aboriginal peoples often experience a multitude of inequalities when compared with the general population, particularly in relation to health (e.g., increased incidence of diabetes). These inequalities are rooted in a negative history of colonization. Decolonizing methodologies recognize these realities and aim to shift the focus from communities being researched to being collaborative partners in the research process. This article describes a qualitative community-based participatory research project focused on health and body image with First Nations girls in a Tribal Council region in Western Canada. We discuss our project design and the incorporation of creative methods (e.g., photovoice) to foster integration and collaboration as related to decolonizing methodology principles. This article is both descriptive and reflective as it summarizes our project and discusses lessons learned from the process, integrating evaluations from the participating girls as well as our reflections as researchers. Keywords:Aboriginal peoples, adolescents, youth, health and well-being, photography, photovoice, community-based participatory research Acknowledgements: We especially wish to acknowledge our participants for sharing their knowledge with us. Community partners Janice Kennedy, Jessica Rae Atcheynum, Kimberly Burnouf, Kellie Wuttunee; community research assistants Tanya Delmore, Lillian Blackstar, Sonya Whitecalf; Elder Melvina Thomas; and Iskwewak Miwayawak project co-ordinator Carolyn Brooks for their assistance in carrying out this project.

Designing and implementing a positive body image program: Unchartered territory with a diverse team of participants

“…To date, few published body image studies have used a participatory approach (e.g. Becker et al., 2017; Piran, 2001; Shea, Poudrier, Chad, & Atcheynum, 2011; Shea, Poudrier, Thomas, Jeffery, & Kiskotagan, 2013) in body image program design. Social psychologist Kathy Charmaz argued, ‘Conducting qualitative research in a discipline dominated by a quantitative paradigm may impose constraints but also poses opportunities’ (2008, p. 15).…”

Photovoice

“…First, participants engaged in a group discussion to identify themes that emerged from the photos taken by each of the group's participants. This is a hallmark of using the photovoice technique (Shea, Poudrier, Thomas, Jeffery, & Kiskotagan, 2013; C. C. Wang & Burris, 1997). The second step in the process involved the research team conducting further analysis to identify emergence of key topics and recurring themes (Braun & Clarke, 2006;Creswell, 2002) both within and across different cohorts.…”

Identities and Subjectivities

“…To add dimension and enhance first-person perspective, visual methods have been increasingly used by social researchers and geographers, who have incorporated participatory research strategies such as photovoice, photo elicitation, photo-walks, and photo-talks (Kullman 2012;Ingram 2014;Gant et al 2009;Allen 2012;Singhal et al 2007;Svensson et al 2009;Smith et al 2010;Shea et al 2013;Wang 2006;; Pyyry 2015).…”