Changing the relations of surveillance: The development of a discourse of resistance in aboriginal epidemiology

Abstract

This article will describe an evolving relationship between a university-based research group and a regional First Nations political organization. In 1995, the Canadian government proposed to develop a National Longitudinal Aboriginal Health Survey. The authors have been involved in shaping this initiative, representing different perspectives in ensuring that First Nations' priorities are central to the process. Issues that have arisen include the politics of research, culture-based approaches to research ethics and methodology, and capacity-building as a primary objective. This article will also comment on the challenges that new research relationships pose to traditional accountability structures in university research environments. This article examines this initiative from a critical perspective, suggesting that traditional systems of public health surveillance are dangerous to the aspirations of marginalized communities.