Research

"Research is an organization of our visions"

Each year Nechi Institute conducts and commissions research to examine how Aboriginal lifestyles are affected by such issues as gambling, tobacco use, family violence, substance abuse and Native Employee Assistance.

Results of Nechi research programs are published and incorporated into various programs and materials offered by Nechi. This research is also available to government policy makers and other community organizations.

In seeking to clarify, organize, structure, capture or make sense of information, we gather knowledge in order to move forward in a respectful and acceptable manner.

For centuries past our people have conducted research. It was not written in a scientifically standardized form but was kept within the confines of the mind and spirit and it was just as valid and reliable. Hunters for example knew which waters held the most healthy fish, which plains the buffalo traveled and which soils grew certain medicines. This knowledge came through the test of experience over time. These are just a few of the fine examples of research that was conducted and this knowledge was then passed down through generations, making our survival less challenging.

Back then the medium for sharing this information was modeled or shared in talking circles and gatherings, and communities grew in their wealth of knowledge. Today the most powerful medium we have to disburse and knowledge and share visions is the written text and the internet.

Today we are faced with different challenges. Nechi is proud to bring these challenging issues to the forefront through research.

We have gained much wisdom along the way. Today we incorporate our formal school of thought (science) with our traditional teachings (spirit) creating a dynamic form of research that is widely acceptable in various arenas.

Research is a powerful tool that enables us to not only look at the root causes of current social issues and the relationship between certain factors but to also look at how we can work together to bring about positive change in our communities. Research assists in developing material, curriculum, programs and a wealth of knowledge in order that we may continue to grow as a nation in an ever changing, faced paced society.

Research is our key to assist in the rebuilding of healthy strong individuals, families, communities and nations!

Gambling Studies

Gambling like alcohol has had a negative impact on aboriginal people and our communities for sometime now. Research is a tool with which we can determine the extent of gambling and gambling problems within our people and the impact that it has in our lives, in our children's lives. Research also provides us with the knowledge that we will need to improve our lives in determining if and what type of programs or strides we need to make towards living and promoting a healthy, addictions free lifestyle.

Aboriginal Senior's Medication Use

This research is the report of the ground breaking study of Aboriginal seniors' medication use and health in Alberta. This research study, completed in 1997, is the first of its kind to examine the issues of medication use, and health amongst Aboriginal seniors.

Native Peoples, Education and New Technologies

This report, produced in 1997, is a collaborative effort between the Nechi Training, Research and Health Promotion Institute and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA). The impetus behind this project was to investigate ways in which new technologies can serve the needs of Canada's Aboriginal population. The review of past educational research and programming can help determine directions to explore in providing prevention programming, training, and education over the information highway.

Search

To access the research topics mentioned above use the Visions Centre of Innovation Search Engine. Just type in your research key word ( i.e. Smoking) and any research we have on our database regarding that topic will come up.

Publications

To order any of the research documents we have for sale visit our publications page on the NAAW website.