title: Community-based health research led by the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper documents an exceptional research partnership developed between the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) in Old Crow, Yukon, with a group of scientists to examine northern food security and health as part of a larger, multidisciplinary International Polar Year (IPY) research program. We focus on the elements that enabled a successful community-researcher relationship. Study design. The VGG led the development of the research and acted as Principal Investigator on the IPY grant. The multidisciplinary collaboration spanned the physical, biological and health sciences, including issues related to food security.
  
  
  METHODS
  The food security and health component of this research was carried out using a series of complementary methods, including focus groups, structured interviews, a household questionnaire, an interactive workshop, community meetings, transcript analysis and a caribou flesh exposure assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results from the food security component are informing local and regional adaptation planning. The legacy of the research collaboration includes a number of results-based outputs for a range of stakeholders, a community-based environmental monitoring program, long-term research relationships and improved community capacity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The type of collaboration described here provides a useful model for new types of participatory health research with northern communities.
authors: Community Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, Canada.
authors: Sonia
authors: S
authors: Wesche
authors: Roseanne C
authors: RC
authors: Schuster
authors: Pam
authors: P
authors: Tobin
authors: Cindy
authors: C
authors: Dickson
authors: Darcie
authors: D
authors: Matthiessen
authors: Shel
authors: S
authors: Graupe
authors: Megan
authors: M
authors: Williams
authors: Hing Man
authors: HM
authors: Chan
mesh_terms: D057231:Climate Change; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D017144:Focus Groups; D005523:Food Supply; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D015873:Northwest Territories; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires