Final Report: The Aboriginal Youth Research Learning Circle, a Centre of Excellence

Abstract

The Aboriginal Youth Research Learning Circle, a Centre of Excellence- sponsored project involved community members, ages 16-29 years of age in a cooperative learning process utilizing participatory action research methods. The main goal of the project was to create a learning opportunity with youth aimed at building greater research capacity at the grassroots level within the urban Aboriginal community. Utilizing a strength-based approach, participant learners had an opportunity to be introduced to common research issues and methods with a special emphasis on community based approaches and Aboriginal issues. Topic areas included: research terminology, values and ethics, Aboriginal identity and perspectives, models of community development, qualitative research methods, and proposal writing. Staff from Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre facilitated the process and initial design for a Level I Community Researcher Certificate, issued jointly by the Centre of Excellence and Ma Mawi.