A story of partnership built on Indigenous and feminist epistemologies and community-based participatory research

Through storytelling, Teresa and Heather introduce the creation and continuation of a relationship between Dakota Wicohan, a Native-led non-profit, and Dr. Heather Peters, a Feminist Sport Psychology research practitioner. A few results from their collaboration are presented to demonstrate how their work is an example of an emancipatory research process which allows for those least often heard to share their knowledge and ultimately take a proactive role in promoting social change. The purpose of their story is to describe how Feminist and Indigenous research paradigms and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) were used to create a reciprocal relationship; empower and build capacity in the Dakota Wicohan research partners and community; enhance the cultural sensitivity and understanding of the university researcher; utilize a strengths-based lens; select research methods; interpret and report results; provide psychoeducation in support group settings; and create social change designed to increase representation of Native Americans in school curriculum in order to improve American Indian health and well-being.