Dear Interested Participant,
My name is Lashawnda Hildebrandt, and I am the primary project researcher for the “Journey of Recovery: Learning from The Experience of Displaced First Nations” with Brandon University’s Master of Rural Development.
You are invited to be interviewed for my Master’s Thesis study to provide your experiences living in a host community during the aftermath of the 2016 Tornado. The interview will take between 2 to 3 hours to complete. I will review the consent form with you, and you may address any questions or concerns with me. You will fill out a questionnaire, and then the interview will have an estimated time of 1 to 2 ½ hours. You may also bring a support person to help with difficult situations if you need to, and they will need to sign an oath of confidentiality agreement.
The research project focuses on the experiences of individuals impacted by the July 2016 Tornado that devastated Long Plain First Nation. Its primary objective is to contribute to the recovery phases of disaster management as climate change increases the severity and frequency, resulting in First Nations communities experiencing more unprecedented disaster events. The evacuation and displacement phases are well studied as stressful and traumatic experiences, but there is a noticeable lack of First Nation perspective and influence on policy planning. By shedding light on the unique challenges faced by First Nations individuals during displacement, this study seeks to fill the existing gap in knowledge and provide valuable insights for policy development.
To achieve these objectives, this research project will focus on qualitative interviews, surveys, and data analysis. I will connect with individuals directly affected by the tornado, ensuring their voices are heard and their experiences are accurately represented. By incorporating the First Nation perspective, this study aims to influence policy planning and decision-making processes, ultimately leading to more effective disaster management strategies. As a First Nation student, I am committed to advancing knowledge and creating impactful outcomes that can be used to improve disaster management methods, techniques, and management for First Nation communities. Policies and plans need to recognize the importance of continuous growth and innovation from the perspective of First Nation people, which can be used nationwide in other rural communities.
For any additional information or questions, please contact:
Project Investigator Lashawnda Hildebrandt
204-574-7965 or ([email protected])
Or
Supervisors,
Dr. Etsuko Yasui ([email protected])
Dr. Balfour Spence ([email protected])
If you have any questions about this process or about your rights as a participant in this study, please get in touch with the Brandon University Research Ethics Committee (BUREC) at 204-727-9712 or email [email protected]
