As a nurse for over 35 years, a member of the Comanche Nation, and one of fewer than 30 American Indian (AI) nurses to hold a PhD in nursing, I have led community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiatives with academic and community teams to develop culturally competent research in cancer care in Indian country. My projects incorporate community expertise, experiences and indigenous knowledge to identify AI tribal and community strengths and incorporate research models that are culturally appropriate for AI communities, building upon traditional values and beliefs. My research findings are improving outcomes and strengthening evidence-based practice for the benefit of AI communities. Dissemination of findings has occurred via state, national and international presentations, in cooperation with key tribal research partners.