Victoria Dick Tseshaht
BScN, RN, PhD Candidate
University of Victoria, Canada
Integration of Nuu-chah-nulth Knowledge into Indigenous Nurse-led Research
Dick, V. L.
3-minute oral presentation
Wednesday 11 December, 10:30am
Purpose: My work aims to advance nursing policies and practices while respecting Nuu-chah-nulth knowledge and values. It involves community engagement and relational capacity building through three key projects: “Learning our Way, (LOW)” “Nursing the Nuu-chah-nulth Way, (NCN)” and “Indigenous Graduate Education in Nursing (IGEN).”
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Methods: Community engagement in a relational way informed by Nuu-chah-nulth ways of being and doing, with Indigenous Nations, nursing students and Elders as part of IGEN, LOW and NCN research work. First as a trainee and then as nurse and research lead, I supported community dialogue, reciprocal relationship building, and mentorship and learning opportunities.
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Results: Developed a pedagogical approach co-led with Indigenous communities that provides culturally relevant and appropriate care for Indigenous peoples. This work also highlights the unique healthcare needs of Indigenous communities, which are used turn can inform policy, education and practice changes to support Indigenous health equity.
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Conclusion: Indigenous peoples have historically been negatively affected by research; through relational community engagement an opportunity has been created for strong and sustainable research collaborations, communities’ voices are highlighted and valued as part of Indigenous nurse-led research work, and the design of curriculum and training is reflective of community values and protocols.