Although we tend to conceptualize allyship as grounded in and guided by Western knowledge, it is also consistent with Indigenous knowledge systems. Inspired by our work with the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research—as work that spans the four pillars of health—we explore how amaamawi’izing (collaborating) facilitates the interdisciplinary and collaborative work of scholars working alongside Indigenous communities in Canada. Similar to the Two Row Wampum used in research, principles of two-eyed seeing that seek to balance Western with Indigenous knowledges, and Ermine’s conceptualization of research as a potentially ethical space, we conceptualized amaamawi’izing as grounding the work of the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research as a traditional research governance model that emphasizes action, brings diverse people together, and is respectful and appreciates difference. Such an approach highlights the colonial underpinning that might influence community and academic partnerships. Instead, the use of amaamawi’izing in our work, we argue, potentially offers safe, ethical space where difference does not separate, but is inclusive, valued, and upheld.
About the Authors
Randy Jackson is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at McMaster University with a joint appointment in the Department of Health, Aging and Society. Originally from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation (Anishinaabe), Jackson explores lived experience among Indigenous peoples living with HIV and AIDS (IPHAs) using Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and values. Jackson is the Nominated Principal Investigator of, and co-leading with Renée Masching, the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research. Jackson’s program of research explores the use of Indigenous knowledge across diverse topics, including for example, experiences of depression, Indigenous masculinity, Indigenous trans health, two-spirit resilience, and Indigenous peoples living with HIV leadership. Randy is the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) for his research work in HIV among Indigenous peoples.
Renée Masching is a First Nation (Iroquois) woman from Southern Ontario. Professionally Renée’s energies are dedicated to Indigenous health research. Her formal involvement regarding Indigenous HIV/AIDS issues began in 1995 and she is honoured to contribute with dedication and determination. Renée earned degrees at McMaster University finishing Bachelors in 1995 and a Master’s in social work in 2003 with a research award from CIHR. It is an honour to co-lead the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research with Dr Randy Jackson. Renée’s research interests focus on community-based research frameworks, Indigenous knowledge, and community health. Presently, Renée is the Director of Research and Policy with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network. She lives with her husband, sons, and pets by the ocean in Mi’kmaq Territory (East Coast of Canada).
William Gooding is a mixed-race person of Indigenous Peruvian and Irish descent who migrated to the traditional territories of the Musqueum, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations as a child. Will has brought the experience of migration, of mixedness, of queerness and of being HIV positive into their work as a social worker, as a researcher, and as Acting National Director of the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research. Prior to their current position, William worked for over 15 years in front-line practice doing HIV/AIDS prevention, educational support, and case management for diverse communities in Vancouver, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Toronto. As a researcher, William has focused on Indigenous STBBI research and on research supporting those involved in immigration detention. In both cases, the goal of the work continues to be to push for structural change across systems that impede wellbeing. William is currently completing a PhD in Social Work at McMaster University in which they are doing a participatory study exploring the meanings and feelings associated with unprotected sex for HIV+ Latinx queer men and how these impact how they navigate their social networks.
Aaron Li completed his Bachelor and Master’s in social work degrees at McMaster University. He has previously been involved in research projects exploring topics such as Indigenous leadership, and Indigenous masculinity within the context of HIV wellness. His master’s thesis project explored the topic of Indigenous masculinity and HIV disclosure to better understand how to support Indigenous men in a culturally respectful manner. Aaron is currently working as the research coordinator for the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research primarily co-leading reviews on participatory methodologies and the array of research methods used in Indigenous research across the four pillars of health. He will begin his PhD in social work in September 2020 at McMaster University with a focus on Indigenous fatherhood and HIV wellness.
Bridget Marsdin is a settler woman with an Irish heritage, and she lives, studies, and works on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in Hamilton, Ontario. She is in the final year of her Bachelor’s degree in social work at McMaster University. Bridget has a valuable background working and volunteering in grassroots, community organizations in sexual health, HIV/AIDS, harm reduction and sexual violence. Bridget is grateful to be on this transformative journey with the Feast Centre team to explore the compelling field of Indigenous STBBI research.
Doris Peltier, soon to be bestowed with a Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa, is the National Coordinator for Visioning Health II (VHII), a 5-year Intervention Research Study by and for HIV-positive Indigenous women in Canada with the study housed at the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN). Other current roles include Community Engagement Coordinator for the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research; a member of the Community Advisory Committee at the CIHR-Canadian HIV Trials Network; Co-chair of the Community Aboriginal Advisory Board for Positive Aboriginal Women (CAAB PAW) with the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS); Community Advisory Council member with the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health; and more recently, Doris was selected to be part of the Women Living with HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee with the World Health Organization where she is one of two members chosen from North America. Her interests are in gender equality, advocacy, Indigenous knowledges, knowledge translation and exchange, and Indigenous health research.
Renée Masching is a First Nation (Iroquois) woman from Southern Ontario. Professionally Renée’s energies are dedicated to Indigenous health research. Her formal involvement regarding Indigenous HIV/AIDS issues began in 1995 and she is honoured to contribute with dedication and determination. Renée earned degrees at McMaster University finishing Bachelors in 1995 and a Master’s in social work in 2003 with a research award from CIHR. It is an honour to co-lead the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research with Dr Randy Jackson. Renée’s research interests focus on community-based research frameworks, Indigenous knowledge, and community health. Presently, Renée is the Director of Research and Policy with the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network. She lives with her husband, sons, and pets by the ocean in Mi’kmaq Territory (East Coast of Canada).
William Gooding is a mixed-race person of Indigenous Peruvian and Irish descent who migrated to the traditional territories of the Musqueum, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations as a child. Will has brought the experience of migration, of mixedness, of queerness and of being HIV positive into their work as a social worker, as a researcher, and as Acting National Director of the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research. Prior to their current position, William worked for over 15 years in front-line practice doing HIV/AIDS prevention, educational support, and case management for diverse communities in Vancouver, Ottawa, Philadelphia, and Toronto. As a researcher, William has focused on Indigenous STBBI research and on research supporting those involved in immigration detention. In both cases, the goal of the work continues to be to push for structural change across systems that impede wellbeing. William is currently completing a PhD in Social Work at McMaster University in which they are doing a participatory study exploring the meanings and feelings associated with unprotected sex for HIV+ Latinx queer men and how these impact how they navigate their social networks.
Aaron Li completed his Bachelor and Master’s in social work degrees at McMaster University. He has previously been involved in research projects exploring topics such as Indigenous leadership, and Indigenous masculinity within the context of HIV wellness. His master’s thesis project explored the topic of Indigenous masculinity and HIV disclosure to better understand how to support Indigenous men in a culturally respectful manner. Aaron is currently working as the research coordinator for the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research primarily co-leading reviews on participatory methodologies and the array of research methods used in Indigenous research across the four pillars of health. He will begin his PhD in social work in September 2020 at McMaster University with a focus on Indigenous fatherhood and HIV wellness.
Bridget Marsdin is a settler woman with an Irish heritage, and she lives, studies, and works on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee of the Six Nations and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in Hamilton, Ontario. She is in the final year of her Bachelor’s degree in social work at McMaster University. Bridget has a valuable background working and volunteering in grassroots, community organizations in sexual health, HIV/AIDS, harm reduction and sexual violence. Bridget is grateful to be on this transformative journey with the Feast Centre team to explore the compelling field of Indigenous STBBI research.
Doris Peltier, soon to be bestowed with a Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ottawa, is the National Coordinator for Visioning Health II (VHII), a 5-year Intervention Research Study by and for HIV-positive Indigenous women in Canada with the study housed at the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN). Other current roles include Community Engagement Coordinator for the Feast Centre for Indigenous STBBI Research; a member of the Community Advisory Committee at the CIHR-Canadian HIV Trials Network; Co-chair of the Community Aboriginal Advisory Board for Positive Aboriginal Women (CAAB PAW) with the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS); Community Advisory Council member with the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health; and more recently, Doris was selected to be part of the Women Living with HIV/AIDS Advisory Committee with the World Health Organization where she is one of two members chosen from North America. Her interests are in gender equality, advocacy, Indigenous knowledges, knowledge translation and exchange, and Indigenous health research.