Sharing What we Know About Living a Good Life: Indigenous Approaches to Knowledge Translation

Abstract

Knowledge Translation (KT), a core priority in Canadian health research, policy, and practice for the past decade, has a long and rich tradition within Indigenous communities. In Indigenous knowledge systems the processes of ''knowing'' and ''doing'' are often intertwined and indistinguishable. However, dominant KT models in health science do not typically recognize Indigenous knowledge conceptualizations, sharing systems, or protocols and will likely fall short in Indigenous contexts. There is a need to move towards KT theory and practice that embraces diverse understandings of knowledge and that recognizes, respects, and builds on pre-existing knowledge systems. This will not only result in better processes and outcomes for Indigenous communities, it will also provide rich learning for mainstream KT scholarship and practice. As professionals deeply engaged in KT work, health librarians are uniquely positioned to support the development and implementation of Indigenous KT. This article provides information that will enhance the ability of readers from diverse backgrounds to promote and support Indigenous KT efforts, including an introduction to Indigenous knowledge conceptualizations and knowledge systems; key contextual issues to consider in planning, implementing, or evaluating KT in Indigenous settings; and contemporary examples of Indigenous KT in action. The authors pose critical reflection questions throughout the article that encourage readers to connect the content with their own practices and underlying knowledge assumptions.

Humanizing Indigenous Peoples’ engagement in health care

“…Stories themselves can be perceived as holding "medicine" and the act of sharing stories as acts of healing. 6 Elder Marshall collaborated on the Aboriginal Children's Hurt and Healing Initiative study, in an attempt to invoke 2 sets of lenses or perspectives within a sharedlearning process, to improve patient engagement. In this study, 7 Indigenous and non-Indigenous clinicians amassed knowledge and experiences based on their interactions with Indigenous patients, and then offering recommendations to humanize Indigenous Peoples' health care engagement.…”

Making space for Indigenous knowledge translation activities in Canadian health librarianship

“…In a Canadian health context, Smylie et al reiterate this idea that "knowing" and "doing" are "intertwined and indistinguishable" [2]. In Western medicine, the process of "knowledge translation" (KT) seeks to bridge the gap between knowledge and action [7].…”

“…In Western medicine, the process of "knowledge translation" (KT) seeks to bridge the gap between knowledge and action [7]. While this process of transforming knowledge into action now represents a growing area of health research [2,8], these principles have long been a part of Indigenous knowledge systems; these Indigenous practices should be acknowledged and communities respectfully engaged within health knowledge projects [9]. Kaplan-Myrth and Smylie [10] define KT in Indigenous contexts as ''Indigenously led sharing of culturally relevant and useful health information, and practices to improve Indigenous health status, policy, services, and programs."…”

“…As non-Indigenous MLIS students, we recognize that our understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems does not stem from our own lived experiences, but rather continues to evolve as we learn more from Indigenous people. For this reason we follow a model aimed at "readers from diverse backgrounds" that is outlined in an article co-written by Indigenous health professional Janet Smylie [2], centring our article analysis around a set of self-reflective questions. In this limited way we hope to amplify the perspectives of Indigenous knowledge workers during our examination of the current practice of health librarianship given the recommendations of the TRC in Canada.…”

Empowering Voice through the Creation of a Safe Space: An Experience of Aboriginal Women in Regional Queensland

“…Indigenous knowledge systems have underlying epistemologies that are distinct from those of academic health sciences [7,8]. Stories themselves have the power to heal, to serve as agents for catharsis [9]. It is recognised that yarning is a conversational process that involves the telling and sharing of stories, experiences and information.…”