Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a partnership approach to research that collaboratively and equitably involves community members, organizational representatives, and researchers in all aspects of the research process.

This culturally appropriate approach to research builds on strengths and resources within the community and facilitates the sharing of knowledge and decision-making by all partners, throughout all phases of the research. This includes defining and selecting the research question, designing and conducting the research, interpreting the results, and determining how the results will be shared and utilized to benefit the community.

Fostering and maintaining long-term partnerships is integral to CBPR. The Alaska Native Center for Health and Wellness seeks to conduct research that is relevant and meaningful to community and embraces a CBPR approach to improve the health and well-being of Alaska Native people.  

References:
Israel et al, Education for Health, Vol. 14, No. 2, 2001, 182 -197 

Israel, E. Eng, A.J. Schultz, E.A. Parker (Eds.), (2005) Methods in Community-Based Participatory Research for Health, San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers