Walking With Our Relatives
Co-Designing an Anishinaabe-Led Evaluation Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe-2025-0009Keywords:
Anishinaabe, American Indian, co-design, community engagement, decolonizing, evaluation, holistic, Indigenous, integrative, maternal and child health, wellness, traditional practicesAbstract
This article shares stories about the development of the Gaa-giigishkaa- kaawasowaad “A Place Where Pregnant Women Gather” Clinic at Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming and the Anishinaabe-led evaluation approach developed to support learning about the clinic’s journey. The clinic, located in northern Minnesota, focuses on maternal–child health integrative care, prioritizing Anishinaabe cultural values and practices. The inception of the clinic has been informed by community priorities, vision, and includes important protocols, such as visiting with Elders at the outset and offering asemaa (traditional tobacco), to guide its development. Alongside the story of the clinic, the authors share the development of an Anishinaabe-led evaluation approach that supports ongoing learning and wellness within the clinic. By reflecting on the clinic’s first 2 years of operation, the authors assess where they have come from and draw forward learnings gathered so far. These stories highlight the critical role of culturally rooted evaluation in supporting the health and wellness of American Indian families and transforming community experiences.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Natalie Nicholson, Pearl Walker-Swaney, Ovie Lawrenchuk, Roxanne Johnson, Gladys Rowe
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