Cultural Models, Concepts, and Practices in Dene Health and Healing
Principal Investigator: Fletcher, Chris (1)
Licence Number: 13837
Organization: University of Alberta
Licensed Year(s): 2005 2004
Issued: Jun 08, 2005
Project Team: Michael Salomons (Project Management, University of Alberta), Linda Brooymans (Project Management, University of Alberta), Marni Amirault (Research Assistant, University of Alberta), Shelby Mitchell (Research Assistant, University of Alberta), Debborah Simmons (Co-investigator, University of Manitoba)

Project Description: The objectives of this research project are to contribute to community-defined health research objectives; describe Dene concepts and models of health through interviews with project participants; develop community and culturally relevant indicators of health and wellness; document Dene ethno-botanical/ethno-medical knowledge and practice; and, investigate innovative research dissemination strategies and create materials for use within the community. The researchers will conduct interviews and workshops with community members. Community members with research experience (Déline Uranium Team) are co-researchers on this project and guide the ongoing development of interview methods, questions and objectives. In general, interviews are open-ended and in the style of a natural conversation, and concern relevant aspects of Dene health and medical practices. The field team will be in Déline full-time from June 8 through September 1, 2005, and intermittently throughout the winter. In consultation with school, band and other community organizations the researchers will develop multi-media and digital applications that draw from their primary research. Researchers will evaluate these materials for their local relevance and publish details about the process of their development and implementation. A community-research website will be developed in conjunction with the Déline Land Corporation. Regular meetings and workshops will be held in the community. This project is a collaboration with Déline community researchers, Déline Land Corporation and Déline Uranium Team members. Honoraria for elders participation has been negotiated. All data collected will become part of the archive of the Déline Knowledge Centre with restrictions on access according to the informed consent statements of each individual involved in the research. The study will be conducted at Déline from June 9 to December 31, 2005.