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.
Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency, MT 59022, USA. ceeceecummins@yahoo.com
Crescentia
C
Cummins
John
J
Doyle
Larry
L
Kindness
Myra J
MJ
Lefthand
Urban J
UJ
Bear Dont Walk
Ada L
AL
Bends
Susan C
SC
Broadaway
Anne K
AK
Camper
Roberta
R
Fitch
Tim E
TE
Ford
Steve
S
Hamner
Athalia R
AR
Morrison
Crystal L
CL
Richards
Sara L
SL
Young
Margaret J
MJ
Eggers
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*