Community-led assessment of risk from exposure to mercury by native Amerindian Wayana in southeast Suriname
Daniel Peplow, Sarah Augustine,
Suriname Indigenous Health Fund (A Project of the International Humanities Center), USA,
College of the Environment, University of Washington, USA
Suriname Indigenous Health Fund (A Project of the International Humanities Center), USA,
College of the Environment, University of Washington, USA
ABSTRACT
This study was a collaboration between Western public health researchers and a Suriname non-profit coalition of indigenous communities. The overarching question asked was “how can Western researchers more effectively engage traditional indigenous communities in Suriname, South America, in public health research”. The approach used was a combination of Participatory Action Research methods and the methods described by Linda Tihiwai Smith in Decolonizing Methodologies. This project employed a research framework where ‘Western’ researchers became participating observers in an indigenous-led Western research initiative. Wayana communities in southeast Suriname determined for themselves their risk of exposure to mercury from mining. A community led research design was created in partnership between community leaders in two Wayana villages and two non-governmental organizations. The Wayana communities of Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) defined a single objective: determine for themselves whether they are at risk from exposure to Hg contamination. Community members were trained to collect hair samples for analysis. Hair samples were analyzed using a portable Lumex Zeeman Hg analyzer. Individual, community and hazard quotient indices were used to quantify risk. Following the analysis of hair sample data, meetings were held to reflect on the process, outcome, and future needs. Results showed the Wayana population from Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) were at a high lifetime risk of adverse effects from exposure to Hg. Individual level data showed risk was higher in Puleowime compared to Kawemhakan. Differences in the relative importance of fish in the diet may be responsible. The Wayana communities of Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) are examples of subpopulations that are especially susceptible to the effects of mercury because they consume larger amounts of fish than mainstream communities. More evaluation is warranted and the community-led approach is an effective way Westerners can engage indigenous communities and address serious public health threats. While factors that appealed to indigenous communities were identified, obstacles inherent to Western culture were also encountered.
This study was a collaboration between Western public health researchers and a Suriname non-profit coalition of indigenous communities. The overarching question asked was “how can Western researchers more effectively engage traditional indigenous communities in Suriname, South America, in public health research”. The approach used was a combination of Participatory Action Research methods and the methods described by Linda Tihiwai Smith in Decolonizing Methodologies. This project employed a research framework where ‘Western’ researchers became participating observers in an indigenous-led Western research initiative. Wayana communities in southeast Suriname determined for themselves their risk of exposure to mercury from mining. A community led research design was created in partnership between community leaders in two Wayana villages and two non-governmental organizations. The Wayana communities of Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) defined a single objective: determine for themselves whether they are at risk from exposure to Hg contamination. Community members were trained to collect hair samples for analysis. Hair samples were analyzed using a portable Lumex Zeeman Hg analyzer. Individual, community and hazard quotient indices were used to quantify risk. Following the analysis of hair sample data, meetings were held to reflect on the process, outcome, and future needs. Results showed the Wayana population from Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) were at a high lifetime risk of adverse effects from exposure to Hg. Individual level data showed risk was higher in Puleowime compared to Kawemhakan. Differences in the relative importance of fish in the diet may be responsible. The Wayana communities of Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) are examples of subpopulations that are especially susceptible to the effects of mercury because they consume larger amounts of fish than mainstream communities. More evaluation is warranted and the community-led approach is an effective way Westerners can engage indigenous communities and address serious public health threats. While factors that appealed to indigenous communities were identified, obstacles inherent to Western culture were also encountered.
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