The Wisdom of Thunder: Indigenous Knowledge Translation of Experiences and Responses to Depression Among Indigenous Peoples Living with HIV

Abstract

The translation of research findings, and the development of products, has been identified as a research priority that may improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples. Although knowledge translation is relatively new and emerging area in Indigenous science, Indigenous scholars have already been critical of Western defined knowledge translation theories and approaches as neglectful of Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Within Indigenous knowledge systems, the translation of research findings is best conceptualized as a ‘sharing what we know about living a good life.’ This dissertation explores and focuses on the use of Indigenous stories and storytelling as knowledge translation products that may be better equipped to share research findings with Indigenous peoples. Grounded in an earlier study exploring experiences and responses to depression among Indigenous peoples living with HIV, this dissertation reviewed the Indigenous knowledge translation literature, adapted narrative analysis to an Indigenous context using composite character development and a scared story (i.e., Animikii and Mishebeshu), and created an Indigenized research story titled “The Wisdom of Thunder.” Meant to inspire healing, this story was also meant to create space to rethink, reorder, and re-imagine a world where HIV-positive Indigenous people and experiencing depression can learn and understand through Indigenous eyes. In ways connected to an oral body of stories, Indigenous stories, as an artful research translation practice, may make the findings of research more culturally accessible for Indigenous communities thereby promoting healing and well-being.