CO-CONSTRUCTION OF RESEARCH
value-based research
with and for Indigenous peoples
ABOUT US
We are a group of people passionate about social change, and more specifically about youth, family and community wellbeing and empowerment.
If research is a rigorous analysis of a phenomenon, value-based research is one where a certain set of values are at the core of this rigorous undertaking. It is a process that is primarily concerned about its consequences and therefore searches not for A truth but rather for the truths that will build a better world. The complexities are great, for "better worlds" have multiple and competing faces. The secret lies in the authenticity and transparency of the methods used so as to ensure that the bluriness of the process is as clear and as discussible as can be.
Considering the interest we have in participating or supporting social change, the work we undertake is heavily influenced by action-research and knowledge mobilisation theories. We strive to participate in generating and organising applicable knowledge. The "better worlds" that we set out to build are outlined by our research partners over ongoing dialogues. We document these aspirations, the attempts to achieve goals, the challenges and facilitators and the transformations that take place over time.
Almost the entirety of our work takes place in Nunavik quebec, the large and beautiful territory of Nunavimmiut, the indigenous peoples who have lived the lands for generations. In many ways the knowledge that is generated is local: created in specific times and places with specific peoples. However the experienced process generates a wealth of teachings and questions that we believe are of interest to humanity. BY sharing through we hope to connect our experiences with that of others and enrich our thoughts and findings.
By sharing, we hope to connect our experiences with that of others and enrich our thoughts and findings.
ACTION-RESEARCH
Working together, building partnerships and trust with communities
Building on existing infrastructures and local strengths to develop community-based strategies
Values of social justice, reduction of social inequalities, empowerment, action
Knowledge exchange and co-creation
Over the course of our work we have become highly aware of the impact of our communications on people around us, impacts that are at times unexpected and even undesired. Knowledge creation and exchange does not happen via simple diffusion of information in article or presentation formats. Information is diffused and then people integrate components of the information into their a priori knowledge. If we want our research to have a positive impact we must be aware of the a priori knowledge of different groups of people and we must reflect on the potential impact the information may have on these different groups. How will it be understood? how will people feel? how will they share their knowledge? What are the power dynamics that are in play when I share knowledge in different ways? These questions have brought us to devote significant amount of time to the elaboration of a variety of mechanisms and methods of knowledge exchange. Through out our projects we always try to ask: how can the knowledge be shared in a way that will have an impact? What do we need to do in order to be truly open to hearing other forms of knowledge than our own? A big component of this is hearing from different people and opening ourselves to constructive criticism by sharing thoughts and projects as they are being built. That is why we hope you will share your own thoughts as you navigate these pages.
Inscribing our work within value-based research, research for social change and partnership research we necessarily give significant importance to knowledge co-creation and exchange. Knowledge exchange, and all the critical reflexion surrounding knowledge exchange, is not only an ethical and moral obligation for researchers but is also a mechanism for social change and a basis for knowledge creation.
