Pamela Jumper Thurman, PhD, Tri Ethnic Center for Prevention Research, Colorado State University, Sage Hall, Ft. Collins, CO 80523, 800-835-8091, pjthurman@aol.com

Conducting drug and alcohol research in American Indian and Alaska Native communities presents numerous challenges. The first and most challenging obstacle lies in overcoming a significant history of collaborative failures between Indian communities and researchers. This brief roundtable discussion section will present information about the history of drug and alcohol use related to the unique challenges that accompany conducting research in Native communities, many of which are sovereign nations and require that the researcher is aware of tribal codes and approval procedures. Strategies will be discussed for identifying effective approaches used by current researchers. Group discussion will be encouraged about what has and has not been successful in drug and alcohol research focused on areas such as: sensitivity to Native concerns, awareness of and respect for the tribe's political circumstances, building relationships of trust, recognition of problems as they are viewed by the tribes, reducing communication barriers and incorporating ethical and legal issues related to the integrity of community interventions.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding the history of collaborative failures between the Native American communities and researchers
• Identifying strategies for conducting research with Native American Populations
• Discussing strategies for building trust with the Native American community.

Keywords: Collaboration, Health Disparities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.