KidsAction Coaching Project/ UBC

Md. Abul Kashem did his first field placement with the KidsAction Coaching project at the School of Nursing (Faculty of Health and Social Development), University of British Columbia, Okanagan, in Kelowna, BC. The research project works with Indigenous partners and focuses on supporting physical activity for children with neurodiversities. He worked directly with Dr. Lise Olsen, Associate Professor, UBC Okanagan and Researcher Co-Lead. He was tasked with reviewing website content, conducting an environmental scan regarding expansion of the project and an extensive literature review. He submitted also an annotated bibliography for the project team.

Kashem engaged with the Indigenous team headed by Tara Nault and other Indigenous team members. He also attended K’west’lap ee Stethtatht (Truth Shows Itself) a cultural competency training facilitated by Indigenous Syilx Elders Grouse and Pamela Barnes. He also spoke to project staff and facilitators to identify challenges in the project implementation with Indigenous people.

“Through this placement, I gained new skills in developing survey questionnaires, conducting environmental scans, and preparing annotated bibliographies. I also learned project management and was able to develop my knowledge and skills in integrating Indigenous peoples' trust and expertise in culturally appropriate research.”