Annual gatherings as an integrated knowledge translation strategy to support local and traditional food systems within and across Indigenous community contexts: a qualitative study

• DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0780
• Publication Date: 2022-08-22T21:35:18Z
• Authors: Renata F. Valaitis; Louise W. McEachern; Sandra Harris; Tania Dick; Joanne Yovanovich; Jennifer Yessis; Barbara Zupko; Kitty K. Corbett; Rhona M. Hanning
• Keywords: Community-Based Participatory Research; Transformative Learning; Action Research; Traditional Knowledge; Community Engagement; Local Community

Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) and community-based participatory research (CBPR) are recognized as effective approaches when Indigenous non-Indigenous partners work together to focus on a common goal. The "Learning Circles: Local Healthy Food School" (LC:LHF2S) study supported the development implementation of Learning Circles (LC) in 4 Canadian communities with goal improving local, healthy food systems. Critical process were annual gatherings (AG) where diverse stakeholders (researchers, community members, partners) visited each share knowledge, experiences, provide support process. Using qualitative, descriptive method, this paper explores how AG IKT across partners. Yearly interviews involving 19 total participants (with some participating multiple times gatherings) elicited their experiences supporting local LC:LHF2S. Three themes sub-themes identified: (a) setting stage for (importance in-person building relationships partners, learning from other), (b) enabling meaningful engagement (aligning values, addressing tensions trust over time, ensuring flexibility, involvement leadership), (c) system action at level (building understanding, integrating scale-up LC). This provides useful practical examples principles Indigenous-engaged CBPR healthy, traditional initiatives. valuable strategy contribute positive, transformative change ethical practice within communities.