Indigenous Health Equity Research Initiative

Indigenous Health Equity Research Initiative Indigenous Health Equity Research Initiative Title: Indigenous Health Equity Research Initiative Proposal Overview: Provide a brief description of the research proposal, including a description of the unmet need, goals, high-level approach, and intended outcomes. (1250 character max) The United States was founded on principles of liberty and freedom, but grounded in the displacement and extermination of Native peoples. This legacy has produced social, health and economic inequalities for Native Americans, and the problem continues due to a complex series of factors that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Achieving health equity for Native Americans requires epistemological and systemic change. A new way of working together is needed that optimizes how universities and researchers can work in partnership with Native communities to advance tribal sovereignty and self-determination in achieving health equity for Native people. The overarching goal of our proposal is to promote community-centered research approaches that amplify Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being through all aspects of the research lifecycle. Through this goal, our intended outcomes include 1) establishing a community of practice via community engagement and co-creation 2) creating a gold standard platform for equitable research partnerships that advance tribal sovereignty and Indigenous self-determination 3) developing an Indigenous Ambassadors, Scholars, and Fellows program 4) hosting a national conference.