Core to my work is honouring birth as sacred and central to community life.
The purpose of my work is to help restore community-based care to create positive health outcomes for Indigenous moms, children, families and communities. I have worked in a variety of roles on many collaborative projects over the past decade – as a lead researcher, professor, trainer, artist, facilitator, and trainer.
My approach is inclusive, participatory and collaborative. I work with Matriarchal Elders, policy analysts, program officers, academics and health practitioners such as Indigenous midwives. Collaborating across sectors and disciplines from the outset ensures that the knowledge that is created responds to the needs of those who need it.
Convening interdisciplinary research teams is key to success because it brings together multiple perspectives. As we dive into our research questions, we develop a shared understanding that is enriched by our diverse perspectives, training, strengths and gifts. We use mixed methods to research such as digital stories, systemic reviews, data and economic modeling and analysis.
Because we work in a society and institutions that have been colonized, part of our efforts always focus on decolonizing data, research and ways of being together. We address and overcome barriers as they arise.
Knowledge is not an objective construct that can be separated from those who produce and apply it. Effective Knowledge Translation activities engage relevant stakeholder groups in all stages of knowledge creation and dissemination. To be successful, Knowledge Translation strategies in health research must be inclusive, participatory and collaborative, with the goal of positively influencing patient outcomes, health system performance, population health, and/or societal outcomes.
HONOURING VOICES
Illuminating Indigenous Women and Gender Diverse (WGD) Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal-Child Health in Federal Correctional Facilities in Canada
RECLAIMING INDIGENOUS BIRTH
To address and improve the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by investing in Indigenous midwifery programs and funding allocation for recruitment and retention.
INDIGENOUS MATERNITY SHARING CIRCLES
Creating a culturally and contextually relevant Indigenous Maternity Experiences Survey that examines Indigenous women's experiences during prenatal care, labour and birth, and 6 months postpartum.
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS MATERNAL HEALTH
Ekjut works for the improvement of maternal and newborn child health through participatory intervention with women's groups in Jarkhand, India. Groups take part in to identify & prioritize maternal and newborn problems, and find feasible solutions.
SECWEPEMCW NATION INJURY SURVEILLANCE & PREVENTION
Community based injury (intentional & unintentional) surveillance and prevention activities.
PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA
Exploring the context of individuals who died from the acute toxic effects of opioids and illegal substances: Listening to the coroner and medical examiner voice.
FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY
Honouring Tobacco: Interior FNHA Perspectives & Approaches 2018-2023 In collaboration with Interior Health Authority.
COLONIALISM AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HEALTH
Examining the historical, social, political, economical and cultural impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples health, including embodied intergenerational colonization.