New moccasins: articulating research approaches through interviews with faculty and staff at Native and non-Native academic institutions.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study were to explore the perceptions of professionals concerning research, its different approaches, and appropriate future directions with Native American communities, particularly in relation to nutrition issues.
DESIGN: Semistructured qualitative interviews. setting: Interviews were conducted at Native and non-Native academic institutions, at other relevant locations, and over the telephone. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N = 20) were from Native and non-Native academic institutions and had experience working with research in Native American communities. PHENOMENA OF INTEREST: Relationships between Native and non-Native academic institutions, worldviews regarding research and American Indian communities, and beneficial research within American Indian communities. ANALYSIS: Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and returned to the participants for review. Analysis of interview material involved eliciting themes.
RESULTS: Some participants acknowledged different cultural worldviews in relation to research. Many participants provided insight on how to define beneficial research. Most said building trust between Native and non-Native academic institutions is an important step in developing effective research relationships. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings are a first step toward creating a more equitable process of research that acknowledges different cultural worldviews and values community involvement within Native American communities.