*4.4. Integrated Knowledge Translation and Co-Creating Solutions*

It is a common misconception that knowledge translation happens after the project starts. Using the Bridge Framework, we ensured that knowledge transfer between Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, Elders, decision-makers, and researchers happened during the community engagement, which eventually led to the conceptualization of FEEDS, i.e., integrated knowledge translation and co-creation of solutions.

Given the complex history between researchers and communities and the exploitation of Indigenous Peoples and their data [23,63], self-governance and data sovereignty are of utmost importance for the FEEDS Project. Citizen scientists in the community co-create the project objectives, and these objectives evolve as community needs may change. Citizens are stewards of their own data and can engage with researchers and decision-makers in real time to shape solutions for the community [40]. For example, citizens can anonymously engage with researchers or decision-makers in the smartphone app via a user-triggered messaging system. This system provides greater flexibility and control for citizens to engage outside of traditional data collection periods and facilitates timely data access to relevant stakeholders. Equity is emphasized further in the researcher-community relationship, as Citizen Scientist Advisory Council members are co-authors on publications, and collaborate on other knowledge dissemination materials and events.

Meaningful community engagement requires awareness and management of hierarchies that inevitably enter a research or project dynamic. In order to facilitate this, capacity building is necessary to manage power dynamics, and ultimately ensure the sustainability of the project in the long term.
