Introduction to Research: Using “Photovoice”

T Moran1, H Blackett2,3,4, D Kurszewski3, S Chatwood2,3

1Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, 2University of Toronto, 3Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, 4Public Health Agency of Canada

What is Photovoice?
Photovoice is used as a research method to tell a story or recognize a specific issue through photogra- “Window of Opportunity”
phy. The images depict struggles or show an individual’s particular view. Questions we developed to research:
The window being ajar signifies to “keep your options
open.” You choose your own path in life and the decisions
Photovoice uses photos to explain/address a chosen topic or issue.
you make will affect your future. The screen acts as a
“What contributes “filter”, and the dust on the screen represents the “bad”
How did we use Photovoice? to good health in Inuvik?”
choices you’ve decided not to choose. Therefore, making
healthy choices leads to a healthy lifestyle.

Six youth from Inuvik took part in a 5-day course on “Introduction to Research using Photovoice.” The
six of us were co-researchers in addressing current issues in our community.
“What are the challenges
We then developed a question to research in Inuvik.
to achieving good health?”
Each individual was given a camera and was asked to take pictures of whatever they felt answered the
questions we came up with. We then had group discussions about the chosen photos that represented
“Vibrant, green,
our questions, followed by the photo owner describing how the photo answered the question and what
it meant to them.
healthy…trash?”
This area of bright green grass is only one of many ex-
Beaufort amples of pollution to the environment. There is not only
Delta Region a styrofoam cup with a plastic lid, there is also several ciga-
rette butts that can pose a tremendous amount of chemi-
cal pollutants that harm humans, animals and the organ-
Inuvik isms that surround us.

“Good school. Bad for

CANADA the environment?”
Pros: Safe building (as the old foyer roof collapsed),
accommodates K-12 in one building, more energy efficient
heating/water consumption; potentially lowering costs.

Cons: All the plants and trees that were cut down, the
What are the benefits of Photovoice? Another opportunity we were able
engines running causes pollution in the atmosphere, the
blue plastic wrap can be harmful to the environment.

 The participant will gain technical skills using cameras and computers.
 Photovoice enables the individual(s) to express personal points of views, while addressing
common themes and issues.
 Photovoice also increases community awareness, improves individual(s) self-confidence,
creativity and self-esteem.
 Using photovoice also offers an opportunity to influence decisions that affect their
lives and may develop a better understanding of the influence of socioeconomic status and
culture.
to learn about is interviewing skills
We determined that healthy food choices were affecting health in Inuvik
and conducted interviews with hunters to learn more about the benefits
of traditional foods. With the help of our instructors, we developed a
questionnaire to gain information about hunters and harvesters in our
area. We came up with 12 questions that we thought would help us learn
more about our hunters and harvesters. The questions ranged from very
broad questions like, “How often do you hunt or harvest?” to specific
questions such as, “Do you share the foods you have hunted? – If yes,
what parts do you share?”
Conclusions
Our group concluded that good health in Inuvik consists of many factors such as freedom, hope,
strength, and opportunities, in addition to positive mental and spiritual health. There are many factors
that influence an individual’s ability to maintain good health, such as: pollution, making healthy
choices, diet and exercise. However, this may be “easier said, than done.” As a group we came up with
solutions that promote good health in Inuvik: youth involvement, acts of kindness, education, and
positive encouragement and support to improve self-confidence for community members.

Project funded and supported by: