Engaging Red River Métis families in Manitoba in the development of child health resources – findings from a qualitative study

Most research that includes Red River Métis tends to be pan-Indigenous. Grouping Métis with First Nations and Inuit can diminish their unique and diverse experiences, as well as distinctions-based approaches. Taking a step toward addressing this problem, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF; the national government of the Red River Métis) invited researchers within the Canadian network Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids to partner in this research, which focuses on understanding engagement strategies that can help expose Red River Métis parents to child health research opportunities and build trust and transparency amongst research partners and participants. A qualitative descriptive approach underpinned by a participatory paradigm guided this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Red River Métis parents and Elders via Zoom or telephone. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to explore patterns and themes across the data. Analysis generated four themes: (a) show me why you are here; (b) make it easier for me to take part; (c) create welcoming spaces; and (d) it should be a give and take experience. Parents emphasized the importance of kinship and personal connections, and said they want to hear about child health study opportunities from trusted organizations. They want researchers to be transparent about their research motivations and to offer multiple ways to participate to help them fit research into their busy lives. Relational approaches within the research process (e.g., creating informal/welcoming environments, gathering over food, fostering shared learning/creative opportunities) are prominent in the findings. There is a dearth of research focused on the distinct experiences of Red River Métis families. Engaging Red River Métis parents early in the research process will help incorporate their preferences and perspectives into the design of a larger project to adapt child health resources. More training is needed to help researchers improve their abilities to engage in self-reflection, listen, recognize power relationships, and demonstrate trust and transparency in each research interaction. It is only through respectful and successful engagement that child health research can be relevant, applicable and positively impact Red River Métis children, families and communities. Most research involving Red River Métis tends to group them together with First Nations and Inuit, which can overlook their unique experiences. To address this, the Manitoba Métis Federation (the national government for the Red River Métis) invited us to collaborate on a study. This research focuses on finding ways to engage Red River Métis parents/families in child health research, aiming to build trust and openness between research teams and participants. We interviewed 19 Red River Métis parents and Elders in the Canadian province of Manitoba. We asked them how to improve access to and participation in child health research. We analyzed the data to identify common themes and patterns. Four main themes emerged: (a) show me why you are here; (b) make it easier for me to take part; (c) create welcoming spaces; and (d) it should be a give and take experience. Parents stressed the importance of personal connections and wanted to hear about child health research opportunities from trusted sources. They wanted transparency from researchers about their motives and flexible participation options due to their busy lives. Building relationships during research is important, such as through informal gatherings and shared learning experiences. Researchers need more training to reflect on their own biases, listen effectively, and foster trust and transparency in their interactions. Engaging Red River Métis parents early in the research process is crucial to incorporating their views into a larger project to adapt child health resources.

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