The Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health is pleased to have played a role in facilitating this special issue on participatory methods in northern regions. While the north is no stranger to health research from the perspective of a research subject or perhaps research assistant, the role of researcher is new and emerging in many remote northern jurisdictions with small populations and limited research infrastructure.
Despite the challenges in an environment with limited research capacity, community based researchers and partners are finding synergies which are suited to employ community based and participatory methods. It is very exciting to see this field of science grow and develop and observe the depth of knowledge which is emerging. Like any field of research the need to share and disseminate is pivotal to effecting change. This includes dissemination to decision makers, clinicians and researchers. Mechanisms often employed include social media, websites, policy briefs and peer-reviewed literature.
This issue captures the peer reviewed and academic lens on this work. We would like to thank Dr. Rhonda Johnson who took on this editorial role during her sabbatical at the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research. Dr. Johnson has given thoughtful consideration to the transfer of community based research findings and how these emerge in a peer-reviewed format. In addition to her editorial tasks she took time to facilitate a workshop which explored these issues and introduced many participants to this format of publication for the first time. We see this initiative as introductory and worthy of further consideration as community knowledge merges with traditional scientific methods.
Health Canada's Climate Change and Health Adaptation Program for Northern First Nations and Inuit has been an active partner with the Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health and played a leading role in supporting research projects in this area. Some of the experiences acquired from these projects are reported in this special issue. The Canadian Society would like to thank Health Canada for its support towards the preparation of this special issue.
Susan Chatwood
President
Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health
Support for this special issue is provided by:
