One-on-one with Dr. Gabrielle Legault, director of VCHRI Indigenous Health Research Unit

In August 2024, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) welcomed Dr. Gabrielle Legault as the new director of the Indigenous Health Research Unit (IHRU). A proud Métis scholar and an assistant professor in Indigenous Studies at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Legault brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. She is deeply committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellness through community-driven research. Her work, which includes impactful research on urban Indigenous identities, inter-Indigenous relations, as well as youth-led, community-based initiatives, showcases her dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems in health care.

We asked Dr. Legault about her vision for her role and IHRU, as well as about some of the challenges ahead and what emerging Indigenous health researchers should bear in mind along their journeys.

Q: What motivates you to lead initiatives in Indigenous health research?
A: I am deeply motivated by the need to address health disparities and improve the well-being of Indigenous communities. My background as a Métis person and personal connections to Indigenous communities have given me a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to this field. I believe in the power of community-centered, culturally relevant research to bring about positive change. Witnessing the direct impact of research on communities, especially when it aligns with their needs and priorities, drives my passion for leading initiatives in Indigenous health research.

Q: What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
A: I am most looking forward to the opportunity to build and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, fostering a collaborative environment where we can co-create meaningful and impactful research. I am excited to work alongside others who are dedicated to advancing Indigenous health through innovative, community-centered approaches. Additionally, I am eager to mentor and support emerging Indigenous researchers, helping to build capacity and empower the next generation of leaders in this field.

Q: What specific goals do you have for the Indigenous Health Research Unit in its first year? How will it impact local communities?
A: In the first year, my specific goals for the Unit are centered around three key areas: 

1. Strengthening relationships between VCHRI and Indigenous communities: I aim to develop, build and formalize partnerships with local Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure our research is grounded in their needs and priorities. This includes raising awareness about VCHRI among Indigenous community partners. I plan to host community workshops and information sessions to explain the purpose, processes and potential benefits of health research. Through creating an open dialogue around health research, I hope to build trust and encourage active participation from community members.
2. Forming an Indigenous Research Advisory Board: I aim to establish a board comprising Indigenous community members, Elders, youth and Knowledge Keepers to guide research initiatives and ensure cultural relevance and accountability. This group will play a crucial role in advising on research priorities, methodologies and ethical considerations, ensuring that all projects align with the values and needs of Indigenous communities. 
3. Building a community of practice: I aim to create a community of practice that will bring together researchers, students and community members to share knowledge, best practices and experiences. Mentorship and peer support can help to ensure that researchers are well-prepared and supported in conducting respectful and culturally safe research. It will also enhance the quality and impact of research projects, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

By socializing the notion of research, we can build community trust and involvement to extend the reach of the benefits from research. My hope is that, collectively, these efforts will create a strong foundation for sustainable and impactful health research that aligns with the needs, priorities and values of Indigenous communities.

Q: What key challenges do Indigenous communities face in health care?
A: Indigenous communities face several key challenges in health care, including:

• Health care environments that are not culturally safe, leading to mistrust and a reluctance to seek care.
• The legacy of colonialism, residential schools and systemic racism which continues to impact the mental and physical health of Indigenous peoples.
• Geographic and socioeconomic barriers often limit access to health care services, particularly in remote and rural areas.
• Underfunded Indigenous health services leading to gaps in care and limited resources for addressing community-specific health needs.
• Higher rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues and other health disparities compared to the general population.

Q: In your work, how do you balance traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary research methodologies?
A: Balancing traditional Indigenous knowledge with mainstream research methodologies requires a respectful and integrative approach. From the beginning of the research process, I work with community members (including Elders and Knowledge Keepers) to develop research questions that are relevant to their needs and perspectives. Together, we decide on methodologies that align with Indigenous Ways of Knowing, such as storytelling, sharing circles and land-based practices. I also include mechanisms for continued feedback and communication to ensure that I am being accountable to those I work alongside. I follow ethical guidelines, such as the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access and possession, also known as OCAP, to ensure that research respects Indigenous sovereignty over data and knowledge. Finally, I believe that it is crucial that research benefits the community and honours their contributions by sharing findings in accessible and useful ways. 

Q: What advice would you give to emerging Indigenous health researchers?
A: My best advice to emerging Indigenous health researchers is to:

• Invest time in building genuine, respectful relationships with the communities you work with. Trust and collaboration are foundational to successful research.
• Stay grounded in your identity. Your cultural identity and lived experiences are strengths, so use them to inform your research, and stay true to your values and principles. 
• Find mentors who can provide guidance, support and opportunities for growth. Learn from their experiences and insights.
• Spend time with family, community and the Land and practice cultural activities when they are available to you. Research can be challenging, especially when navigating systemic barriers and cultural divides. Lean on the strength of your ancestors, seek support, rest when you need to and remember the purpose and importance of your work.