Rising Above: COVID-19 Impacts to Culture-Based Programming in Four American Indian Communities

Am Indian Alsk Native Ment Health Res. 2022;29(2):49-62. doi: 10.5820/aian.2902.2022.49.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Tribes, tribal organizations, AI/AN youth and community-serving programs, and tribal health organizations have responded and adapted programs and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores how COVID-19 impacted Native PRIDE, an American Indian non-profit organization, and the tribal communities involved in the Intergenerational Connections Project (ICP). Native PRIDE utilized a mixed-method Indigenous Evaluation Framework (IEF) to reflect on COVID-19 impacts. Qualitative data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic and quantitative data from an online survey helped Native PRIDE explore impacts and recommendations for future programming. With a focus on context and relationship, this paper explores what was felt, observed, and known by program participants and Native PRIDE staff in the delivery of ICP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from this evaluation are a reminder of the importance of strengthening cultural resilience by providing access and opportunities for AI/AN youth, elders, and adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alaska Natives*
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Indians, North American*
  • Pandemics
  • Research Design