U’h nook noh khunuk (in our own words): Lake Babine Nation parents’ understanding of school assessment

This research analyzes the perception of assessment among parents of Grade 4 students within the Lake Babine Nation. The Lake Babine Nation, located in central British Columbia, represents 2228 members and has three currently inhabited communities. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were completed and parents provided perspective regarding their understanding of assessment and how schools can better involve parents in the education process. Major findings include the identification of communication as a key component of student success in school. Communication was noted as important in providing parents with information necessary to assist their children, improve levels of trust and contend with historical factors influencing parent’s perceptions of school. Parents emphasized education as necessary for establishing a better life and placed importance on their children graduating with a Dogwood Certificate as a measure of success. Parents supported measures such as provincial testing to ensure the level of education a child receives is similar anywhere in the province

Aboriginal child welfare in British Columbia and unequal power relations: A critical discourse analysis

This is a paper about unequal power relations in Aboriginal child welfare in British Columbia. We analyze a number of rhetorical devices used by the Representative for Children and Youth in her report When Talk Trumped Service: A Decade of Lost Opportunity for Aboriginal Children and Youth in B.C.  We include language, financial numbers, charts and graphs that reinforce domination of Aboriginal peoples and potentially undermine the efforts of Aboriginal people’s toward self-determination in child welfare. The paper provides examples of how power manifests itself through language, reinforcing historically negative stereotypes that are then supported in the media. We conclude that such reports reflect a colonial legacy that continues to inform relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, and if not critically assessed will significantly impact Aboriginal Child Welfare policy, funding and practice decisions. La protection des enfants autochtones en Colombie-Britannique et les rapports de force inégaux : une analyse du discours critique. Résumé Cet article examine les rapports de force inégaux qui sont manifestés à travers la politique de la protection des enfants autochtones, en Colombie-Britannique. Nous faisons analyse de nombres de divers procédés de rhétorique utilisés par la représentante des enfants et des adolescents de la Colombie-Britannique dans son rapport, WhenTalk Trumped Service: A Decade of Lost Opportunity for Aboriginal Children and Youth in B.C. Nous incluons dans cette analyse le langage, les données financières, les tableaux et les graphiques, qui renforcent la domination des peuples autochtones, et qui, potentiellement, sapent les efforts des peuples autochtones à s’autodéterminer en matière de protection de l’enfance. Cet article fournit des exemples des manifestations du pouvoir à travers le langage, réifiant des stéréotypes négatives historiquement associés aux autochtones, et qui se retrouvent répétés de nouveau et promus à travers les médias. Nous concluons que des rapports tel celui-ci reflète un héritage colonial qui continue d’influencer les relations entre autochtones et non-autochtones. S’ils ne sont pas évalués de manière critique, ceux-ci continueront d’influencer négativement les politiques, les practices et les décisions des politiques de protection de l’enfance autochtone. Mots Clefs : Premières Nations; autochtones; discours; politique de protection à l’enfance; pouvoi

Indigenous Youth Suicide: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract A systematic literature review was conducted to (1) assess the degree of methodological rigor present in the literature on Indigenous youth suicide, and (2) to determine the importance of risk and protective factors. Six databases were searched, for peer-reviewed studies of suicide amongst Indigenous populations published between 1996-2009. Of a total of 771 papers initially selected, only 23 studies were deemed to be of sufficient quality to be included in the review. This systematic review highlights the need for additional research on youth suicide among Indigenous populations, and provides insight into how such research can be conducted in a rigorous manner. It also provides details of the risks and protective influences on Indigenous youth suicid

Nges Siy (I love you): A community-based youth suicide intervention in northern British Columbia

This youth suicide prevention research project is an example of a partnership between Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health, that directly responds to goals of ethical research conducted in First Nations’ communities. Through the use of mixed methods, the project investigated the effectiveness of community-based interventions in preventing suicide and tracked youth self-esteem, depression, and other indicators over the course of the project. The knowledge gained from this research project will help guide CSFS and its member communities in offering programs and services that will assist in reducing incidence of suicide.

“Bayis Ilh Tus – a strong breath” a community-based research project to estimate the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in remote and rural first nations communities in Canada: research protocol

Background Respiratory health conditions appear to be more common among First Nations people versus non-First Nations people in Canada. However, the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated risk factors in First Nations communities are unknown. This project aims to estimate the prevalence of COPD in several First Nations communities in British Columbia, Canada and to characterize respiratory symptoms, COPD risk factors, and healthcare utilization. Methods This project is approved by both the University of British Columbia and Carrier Sekani Family Services Research Ethics Boards. We will randomly sample 220 adults, 30 years and older, from 11 participating First Nations. Each participant will complete pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry tests and the adapted American Thoracic Society Epidemiological Questionnaire with items about smoking history, respiratory symptoms, co-morbidities, and exposures, in order to identify the presence of COPD and its associated individual, occupational, and community risk factors. Homes will be assessed for air quality measures including particulate matter, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and humidity. Health care utilization will be abstracted from the electronic medical record. Discussion This is the first project in Canada to estimate the prevalence of COPD in First Nations communities using a random-sampling approach to recruitment. Additionally, although this study will collect detailed information on smoking history, we will also characterize past and current risk factors beyond cigarette smoking. Finally, our methodology ensures that the benefits to the communities are realized during the study period. Individual results will be shared with individuals and health providers to facilitate care. Air quality results will be sent to each Nation’s governing council to facilitate remediation where necessary. Trial registration The study has been retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT04105088 ).Medicine, Faculty ofNon UBCPhysical Therapy, Department ofPopulation and Public Health (SPPH), School ofReviewedFacultyResearche