Pimatisiwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health is a peer reviewed, web-based journal published twice each year by Native Counselling Services of Alberta and the Alberta ACADRE Network. The articles are multidisciplinary, and of interest to a wide range of readers, including both community and academic researchers. Our peer review process includes an academic and a community-based reviewer for each article.
Journal Mandate
The goal of the Pimatisiwin Journal is to promote the sharing of knowledge and research experience between researchers, health professionals, and Aboriginal leaders and community members. The journal provides a forum for this diverse population to publish on research process and findings in a cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural setting. The primary focus is on health and health research in Indigenous communities, broadly defined. Articles can be of interest to many fields, including sociological, psychological, medical, anthropological, experiential, methodological, both qualitative and quantitative in nature.
Journal History
As of January, 2007 we have four volumes and 8 issues published. Please click on “collected journals” above to view all articles in PDF format. Pimatisiwin has been accessed widely during this time, as well as adopted by colleges, communities and universities as a curriculum and training resource. There have been 2 special issues of Pimatisiwin, focusing on research ethics and the effects of resource extraction on Aboriginal communities respectively. We also have an issue dedicated to presentations made at the Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Gathering in Edmonton, Alberta. Two more themed issues are in the works, one on sport, recreation, and physical activity: intersections with Aboriginal health, and another on community-based research.
All Access Policy
Our all access policy ensures that the articles published in Pimatisiwin are available to everyone interested in this area, free of charge. The benefits of this format include the expansion our readership and our increased ability to attract new contributors from communities in other countries. It has strengthened the network of communities and health researchers sharing their strategies with each other. Of course, this system is much more economic to publish, which reduces the cost of the journal, ensuring the sustainability of Pimatisiwin.
Paper copies of the electronic issues can also be provided for those without access to the internet for the cost of copying and shipping. To ensure that the journal is reaching as wide an audience as possible, email contact lists will be compiled to notify individuals of new issues.
Indexing
Pimatisiwin is currently indexed in the following databases:
- Directory of Open Access Journals (http://www.doaj.org/)
- NEOS Library Consortium (http://www.neoslibraries.ca/)
- First Nation Information Connection
- Bibliography of Native North Americans (http://www.silverplatter.com/catalog/bnna.htm)