This group of researchers from the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, describes how they used the community-based participatory research (CBPR) paradigm to develop a methodological framework in an Indigenous context, to enable an interpretation of health and wellness in relation to obesity. They explain that their modified CBPR framework can serve as a platform to explore perceptions of wellness to facilitate improved health outcomes. Cultural values and beliefs held within a traditional Māori knowledge framework were embedded into the CBPR paradigm, as a way of identifying meaningful health promotion and prevention strategies. The modified framework positioned Māori as decision-makers at the forefront of the research process from conception through to implementation and analysis. The paper describes how acknowledging the research capacity of an Indigenous community and facilitating their leadership research role was seen as crucial in order to engage in a process aimed at investigating a priority public health issue. The researchers emphasise the importance of incorporating the following foundation elements when undertaking CBPR with an Indigenous community: [1] relationship building; [2] consultation and generation of an identified research area of need; and [3] formation of an Indigenous panel of expertise to provide leadership for all aspects of the research process.
