3.5.1 Focus groups

Focus groups were conducted in the two selected school districts. The first focus group was held in Prince Rupert on February 4th. The focus group with the Arrow lakes school district was held on February 26th. Focus groups were also held in: Prince George on February 20th; Vanderhoof on February 18th, and Nanaimo on February 13th. A total of 43 individuals participated in these focus groups.

All participants were provided consent forms and the list of possible questions prior to the focus group being held. When each focus group was held, the researcher reviewed the ethics form and provided another copy for participants to sign indicating their willingness to participate. In cases where permission was given to take photographs, these options were completed on the consent forms.

All focus groups were audio taped. The researcher and research assistant both took notes as the focus group was conducted. Each transcript was reviewed by the researcher and assistant individually and then shared to ensure accuracy.