An Indigenous epistemological approach to promote health through effective knowledge translation

Through indigenous epistemologies a holistic health framework is promoted and indigenous concepts like two-eyed seeing offer critical decolonizing conduits for knowledge translation and enhanced health outcomes. Yet, in health care settings dominance of scientific research-based evidence downplays tacit knowledge. For enhanced health outcomes in indigenous community settings, effective knowledge translation is essential through synthesis of research-based explicit knowledge and tacit know-how adapted to local needs. This paper discusses essential characteristics of effective knowledge translation practices, and presents two examples of best practices of knowledge translation in indigenous contexts.