Lessons from the Navajo: assistance with environmental data collection ensures cultural humility and data relevance.

Jamie DeLemos, Tommy Rock, Doug Brugge, Naomi Slagowski, Thomas Manning, Johnnye Lewis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Navajo Nation suffers from a legacy of environmental pollution from historical uranium mining activities, resulting in adverse public health outcomes and continuous exposure. OBJECTIVE: Partner with a Navajo graduate student and community members in a field campaign to characterize the spatial distribution and geochemistry of uranium for a multipathway uranium exposure assessment under development by the Dine Network for Environmental Health (DiNEH) project. METHODS: Attend community meetings, acquire Navajo language skills, and integrate local knowledge into sampling approach of sediment, water, and vegetation. RESULTS: Navajo participation (1) helped to foster trust in research efforts during community interactions, (2) taught aspects of Navajo culture and language to maintain positive and respectful relations, and (3) conveyed information on Navajo culture that would impact sampling strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Community engagement helps to sustain equitable partnerships and aids in culturally appropriate, relevant data collection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)321-326
Number of pages6
JournalProgress in community health partnerships : research, education, and action
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science

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