Thinking About Aboriginal KT: Learning from the Network Environments for Aboriginal Health Research British Columbia (NEARBC) (2008 STUDENT AWARD Winner) (Knowledge Translation) (Report‪)‬

The current research demonstrates that Aboriginal peoples in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) face unique health challenges. Compared with the general population, they experience higher rates of chronic diseases, higher infant mortality rates, lower life expectancy, and higher incidences of suicide. (1) While research is needed to continue to document and describe the health of Aboriginal peoples as well as test new programs, efforts must be made to translate the knowledge gained from research into improved health and well-being. Knowledge translation (KT) is the study of ways to bridge the gaps between knowledge and action. While a number of different terms are used interchangeably, including knowledge transfer, research utilization, knowledge exchange, and knowledge mobilization, (2) the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's (CIHR) mandate for KT and its definitional development of the term has placed great emphasis on this particular term and popularized its use nationally and internationally. (3-5) In addition, academic and nonacademic discussions about the importance of KT in the health disciplines have stimulated a growing KT discourse.