8th Annual Alaska Indigenous Research Program: Promoting Resilience, Health and Wellness

The Alaska Indigenous Research Program (AKIRP) is an annual collaboration between the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and Alaska Pacific University (APU). Its primary goal is to increase the health research capacity of Alaska Native and American Indian people and communities by fostering culturally responsive and respectful health research. Since 2019, AKIRP has established a network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, researchers, health professionals, and scientists. The program provides Indigenous-centered, cross-cultural research education and training, aiming to promote resilience, health, and wellness. It integrates Indigenous and Western worldviews, utilizing the "Two-Eyed Seeing" framework (Etuaptmumk) to bridge Western science and Indigenous knowledge for mutual understanding, reciprocity, respect, and co-production of health solutions. Key objectives include understanding Indigenous worldviews, applying the Two-Eyed Seeing framework, conducting equitable and ethical health research, applying appropriate research methods (Indigenous and Western), and understanding the historical and cultural context of health research. The program offers three distinct weeks: Week One focuses on Advanced Research (May 4-8) for experienced professionals; Week Two addresses Research Ethics (May 11-15) for all experience levels; and Week Three provides Introductory Research (May 18-22) for those new to health research. A resource fair is also hosted.