Using Community Based Participatory Action Research as Service-learning for Tribal College Students

CBPR
Northern Plains tribal college students (4 reservations that have been involved)
Interviews (over the phone due to travel constraints)
Talking Circle methodology
Follow up interviews 6 months afterwards

In this Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) project, Northern Plains tribal college students from four communities were trained in Institution Review Board protocols as well as focus group and talking circle methodologies. These students were then hired as data gatherers and co-researchers for projects within their communities. This report outlines the methodological approaches used in the project as well as some preliminary findings.

• Talking circle methodology utilized as it speaks to some Native American customs and traditions in which everyone's voice is respected
• Culturally competent styles of interviewing for students involved
• Involving students as co-researchers

• Utilizing CBPR when working with Indigenous peoples
• Providing students with research skills and tools throughout the research process
• Participants and students as co-researchers

Interviews and talking circles with students about their experiences within college and academic institutions

"This approach can potentially decrease the apprehension among Native
American communities to collaborate with outside researchers and provides
added value built inherent in the research process" (pg. 3)
Opportunity to experience research in practice for students
Inspired usage of research methods to solve community issues

"By forming participatory collaborations with tribal colleges, tribal college students, and external researchers, youth can experience the research process and be empowered to better understand community needs and perhaps even inspired to use research methods to help solve community issues" (p. 3)

Indigenous research
Indigenous education