Our Fieldworkers
Community Voices, Community Data
Mawkim’s Front Line Survey Team are our trusted liaisons between participants and the larger research process.
Fieldworkers are trained Mi’kmaw community members who help carry out surveys such as the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS). They work directly with participants in their homes or community spaces, ensuring that the voices of Mi’kmaq people are represented in our data.
Our survey fieldworker staff are trusted community liaisons who create safe, respectful environments where participants can share their stories.
What Fieldworkers Do
Respect Community Spaces
Conduct surveys in safe, welcoming environments that honour Mi’kmaw culture and community comfort.
Explain Consent Clearly
Guide participants through the consent process and answer questions with care and transparency.
Provide Support If Needed
Offer referrals or resources if participants express health, wellness, or community support needs.
Protect Data Provacy
Follow strict data protocols to keep participant information secure and confidential.
Training
All fieldworkers receive comprehensive training in:
- Trauma-informed interviewing
- Informed consent and confidentiality
- Safety and privacy protocols
- Cultural awareness and respectful engagement
Every fieldworker signs a Confidentiality Agreement and is accountable to the Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch (MEW) and the Mawkim team.
Safety & Security
Your safety, and the integrity of the survey, are our priorities.
Verification: If a fieldworker comes to your home, you can verify their identity here on the Mawkim website. Each fieldworker will have official identification and will appear on our current Fieldworker Verification List.
Real Survey, Real Purpose: All surveys conducted by Mawkim are legitimate and overseen by the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq (UNSM) in partnership with the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC). We never sell or share your personal information.
Confidentiality: Your answers are private. Names and contact information are always stored separately from survey responses, so your identity is protected.
Your Choice: Participation is always voluntary. You can stop at any time, or refuse to answer any question.
What to Expect
Fieldworkers will introduce themselves and show their official identification.
They will explain the purpose of the survey and review the consent form with you.
Participation is always voluntary, and your answers are confidential.
You can stop the survey at any time or refuse to answer any question.
Remember:
Your safety matters. These surveys are conducted for Mi’kmaq, by Mi’kmaq. If you have questions about legitimacy, always check here or reach out to the Mawkim team before participating.
Why It Matters
By working with fieldworkers, Mi’kmaq communities ensure that data is collected by us, for us, and with us. Fieldworkers help make sure that the information we gather is accurate, respectful, and used to improve programs, services, and decision-making for our people.
Fieldworkers build trust with participants and ensure that every story shared is protected and treated with care. Their work helps our communities gather data by us, for us, and with us — to improve programs, services, and decisions for the future.
Fieldworker Verification
Ensuring safety, trust, and transparency.
Mawkim fieldworkers are trained community members who conduct surveys such as the First Nations Regional Health Survey (RHS). Every fieldworker is required to carry official identification and is listed here so that you can confirm their role.
If someone visits your home claiming to be a fieldworker, you can check their name below. If their name does not appear, or if you have any concerns, please contact us immediately at admin@unsm.org.
Current Fieldworkers
| Name | Community Assigned | Survey Cycle/Project | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| [TBD] | Eskasoni | RHS Phase 4 | Active |
| [TBD] | Membertou | RHS Phase 4 | Active |
| [TBD] | Wagmatcook | RHS Phase 4 | Active |
| [TBD] | Paqtnkek | RHS Phase 4 | Active |
| [TBD] | Millbrook | RHS Phase 4 | Active |
(This list is updated regularly. Only fieldworkers listed here are authorized to conduct surveys on behalf of Mawkim.)