Keywords

community-based participatory research, health disparities, Native American, water quality

 

Authors

  1. Cummins, Crescentia BS
  2. Doyle, John
  3. Kindness, Larry
  4. Lefthand, Myra J. MSW
  5. Walk, Urban J. Bear Don't JD
  6. Bends, Ada L.
  7. Broadaway, Susan C. BS
  8. Camper, Anne K. PhD
  9. Fitch, Roberta BS
  10. Ford, Tim E. PhD, BSc
  11. Hamner, Steve PhD
  12. Morrison, Athalia R.
  13. Richards, Crystal L. BS
  14. Young, Sara L. MEd
  15. Eggers, Margaret J. MS, MA

Abstract

Water has always been held in high respect by the Apsaalooke (Crow) people of Montana. Tribal members questioned the health of the rivers and well water because of visible water quality deterioration and potential connections to illnesses in the community. Community members initiated collaboration among local organizations, the tribe, and academic partners, resulting in genuine community-based participatory research. The article shares what we have learned as tribal members and researchers about working together to examine surface and groundwater contaminants, assess routes of exposure, and use our data to bring about improved health of our people and our waters.