The external researcher in participatory action research

This article is a reflection on the first author's experience as an external researcher guiding older Aboriginal women to assess their own health using participatory action research. Following a brief description of the research team, process, and methodology, the article addresses questions to be considered by a researcher wanting to use participatory action research, who is external to the community of participants. Roles played, challenges faced, and lessons learned illuminate the reality of an alluring yet complex approach to research for empowerment