Katarokwi Indigenous Sleep Research Project

Description:

Good sleep is a key to health and wellness. It is known that Indigenous groups report a higher rate of sleep difficulty (or insomnia) relative to other groups in Canada; however, there is very limited research on sleep in Indigenous peoples. Indigenous groups experience poorer health and wellbeing relative to other groups in Canada; this is related to colonialism, systemic racism, and ongoing social disparities, as well as challenges accessing health and social services that meet needs. However, Indigenous peoples and communities also hold remarkable strength and resilience, stemming in part from cultural and traditional practices.

The area of Kingston, Ontario (Katarokwi) is situated on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, and is home to individuals of diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit identities. This project involves partnerships between university researchers, Indigenous-focused organizations, and Indigenous communities in the Katarokwi area. Using rigorous research methods in the context of collaboration with Indigenous peoples and organizations, this project has multiple components that are being co-designed in collaboration with Indigenous partners.

Component 1:  2026 World Sleep Day – Indigenous-focused celebration of sleep and wellness on March 13, 2026

Eventbrite page:  https://tinyurl.com/bddshf2y .  Information poster and photos from the event are below.

For more details, see: https://worldsleepday.org/canada-2026-katarokwi-indigenous-sleep-research-team-at-queens-university 

Component 2:  Qualitative constructivist grounded theory study

Through personal interviews with Indigenous individuals in Katarokwi, this component aims to understand: 1) factors influencing sleep health, 2) the role of sleep in holistic wellness, and 3) Indigenous cultural and community perspectives on sleep. This study will help to understand Indigenous individuals’ experiences with sleep and possible methods to support their sleep health. The study will also help to highlight sleep’s role in wellness and will contribute to a more nuanced cultural understanding of sleep. While geared towards Katarokwi, this research might also be useful in other places.

We are currently looking for participants! Please see the recruitment poster below.

Component 3:  Sleep intervention co-design

Based on results from Component 2 and in collaboration with one or more Indigenous-led/Indigenous-focused service organizations in the region, this component aims to co-design a culturally congruent, tailored intervention to address sleep health among Indigenous community members.

For more information: 

Email: katarokwi.sleep@queensu.ca 

Tel: 613-533-6000 x76639

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/katarokwi.sleep