Community-building versus career-building research: the challenges, risks, and responsibilities of conducting research with Aboriginal and Native American communities.

Background: The Aboriginal Women's Cancer Care Project used a participatory research model guided by an Aboriginal advisory group.

Methods: The researchers attempted to conduct cancer research with 5 culturally and geographically different communities in North America.

Results: We discuss the challenges of conducting ethical research in keeping with the emergent research principles of community ownership and control of the research process and products.