Community-based participatory research in Indian country: improving health through water quality research and awareness.
Water has always been held in high respect by the Apsaálooke (Crow) people of Montana. Tribal members questioned the health of the rivers and well water because of visible water quality deterioration and potential connections to illnesses in the community. Community members initiated collaboration among local organizations, the tribe, and academic partners, resulting in genuine community-based participatory research. The article shares what we have learned as tribal members and researchers about working together to examine surface and groundwater contaminants, assess routes of exposure, and use our data to bring about improved health of our people and our waters.
Cummins
Crescentia
C
Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA. ceeceecummins@yahoo.com
Doyle
John
J
Kindness
Larry
L
Lefthand
Myra J
MJ
Bear Dont Walk
Urban J
UJ
Bends
Ada L
AL
Broadaway
Susan C
SC
Camper
Anne K
AK
Fitch
Roberta
R
Ford
Tim E
TE
Hamner
Steve
S
Morrison
Athalia R
AR
Richards
Crystal L
CL
Young
Sara L
SL
Eggers
Margaret J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D004782:Environmental Health; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D009009:Montana; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards*