NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: social sciences, spiritual beliefs, socio-cultural, Gwich'in

Objective(s): The objective of the research project is to understand how the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson perceived death and dying historically, and how death and dying is currently viewed. This research also aims to document protocols surrounding death and dying in the this community.

Project Description: The licence is issued for the scientific research application #858. The objective of the research project is to understand how the Gwich'in people of Fort McPherson perceived death and dying historically, and how death and dying is currently viewed. This research also aims to document protocols surrounding death and dying in the this community. The knowledge may educate those in the medical and social service profession specifically for those who deal with death and dying among Gwich'in people. All participants reside in the community of Fort McPherson and all interviews will take place in participant homes. Data collection will be in the form of audio tapes, and field notes, which will be recorded in researcher's journal. A total of 10 participants will be selected to participate in this research project. The majority of the participants will be elders who have lived in the community for most of their lives. Other participants will be leaders and community members who are actively involved in the area of death and dying in terms of organizing matters such as funerals and community feasts. The final report will be provided to each of the participants, to the Gwich'in Social & Cultural Institute, to the Beaufort Delta Health & Social Service Authority as well as the Aurora Research Institute’s library. A small mini guide will also be created directed at those who worked in the area of death and dying and distribute to the individuals and groups. The fieldwork for this research will be conducted from August 01 to September 31, 2008 in Fort McPherson.