Wendy Hall, Margaret Eli, Gloria Mellesmoen , Wilfred Barnes, Pamela Barnes, Charles Yoon, Patti Janssen, Kim Kosik

Two-Eyed Seeing for Parents: Developing an App for Parents in the syilx Okanagan First Nation

Introduction

Two-eyed seeing for parents: developing an app for parents in the syilx okanagan first nation. Offline 'Two-Eyed Seeing' app empowers syilx Okanagan parents. Supports infant development, cultural practices, and nsyilxcən language using blended Indigenous & Western knowledge.

Abstract

This paper describes development of an offline app entitled Two-Eyed Seeing for Parents, which promotes syilx Okanagan Territory parents’ knowledge, confidence, and cultural practices for supporting optimal infant development, including exposure to their traditional language (nsyilxcən). “Two-Eyed Seeing” blends Indigenous and Western epistemic principles (syilx traditions complemented and supported by evidence-based content). Elders, members of the səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓málaʔ Early Years Table, and University of British Columbia researchers partnered to develop the offline app. The Table is committed to improving the well-being of syilx Okanagan Territory children. An Elder representing the Table signed a university cooperative research protocol agreement with one researcher. The agreement required signatories to adhere to principles of free, prior, and informed consent and Indigenous ownership, control, access, and possession and specified that the səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓málaʔ Early Years Table retained the exclusive ownership of and right to reproduce Indigenous knowledge in the app. Elders decided on content and organization of the app and crafted additional information to reflect community priorities. The content incorporates some elements of SmartParent, an evidence-based online SMS app. The offline app clusters resources by months of infants’ first years of life and by topic (including parents’ and infants’ emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, and mental and physical aspects of parenting). It contains original recordings of nsyilxcən language and extensive First Nations materials. Memotext created the app architecture. Elders and Table Members approved the final offline app version. The app offers syilx parents continuous access to culturally grounded information and overcomes problems with Internet access and prohibitive data costs to access links.

Review

This paper describes the development of "Two-Eyed Seeing for Parents," an innovative offline application designed to support syilx Okanagan Territory parents in fostering optimal infant development. The project is highly significant, addressing a critical need for culturally relevant resources that blend Indigenous and Western epistemic principles. By promoting parents' knowledge, confidence, and cultural practices, including exposure to the traditional nsyilxcən language, the app directly contributes to the well-being and cultural continuity of syilx Okanagan families. The "Two-Eyed Seeing" approach is a particular strength, embodying a respectful and integrated methodology that promises more effective and sustainable outcomes than traditional, often Western-centric, interventions. The methodology described highlights an exemplary model of collaborative research and development. The partnership between Elders, the səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓málaʔ Early Years Table, and University of British Columbia researchers is a testament to community-led initiatives. Crucially, the project adhered to a rigorous ethical framework, including principles of free, prior, and informed consent and Indigenous ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP), with exclusive ownership of Indigenous knowledge retained by the səxʷkn̓xitəlx k̓l̓ c̓əc̓málaʔ Early Years Table. Elders played a central role in deciding content and organization, ensuring the app genuinely reflects community priorities and incorporates original nsyilxcən language recordings and extensive First Nations materials. The offline design, overcoming issues of internet access and data costs, is a practical and thoughtful solution to enhance accessibility and reach within the community. Overall, "Two-Eyed Seeing for Parents" represents a culturally grounded and technologically adept solution to a pressing community need. Its strengths lie in its deep engagement with Indigenous knowledge and community leadership, its rigorous ethical foundation, and its practical design that ensures continuous access to vital information. This project not only promises to empower syilx parents and support holistic infant development but also serves as an important model for future initiatives seeking to respectfully integrate Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in a way that truly benefits Indigenous communities. The successful development and approval of the final version by Elders and Table Members further underscore its community relevance and potential for sustained positive impact.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.