Table 3.

Utilization of Indigenous-Based Theories (Knowledge) Within Western-Based Intervention Paradigms

Examples of Strategies Utilized

Intervention: Qungasvik (Toolbox): Alcohol and suicide risk prevention for Yup’ik Alaska Native youth. PI(s): Allen/Rasmus Strategies employed: Indigenous knowledge was utilized in a community-driven and culturally-based intervention process guided by a local Indigenous theory of change. The intervention manual implements a flexible, mutable, and syncretic Yup’ik process of local adaptation of cultural activities reflecting both aboriginal as well as post-colonial attributes. The function of these intervention activities involves delivery of protective factors from alcohol misuse and suicide risk to youth.

Intervention: Κā-HOLO Project, an intervention utilizing hula, the indigenous dance form of Native Hawaiians. PI: Kaholokula Strategies employed: Indigenous knowledge was utilized by employing hula, a long-held traditional practice utilized in Native Hawaiian communities, to address hypertension. Hula is grounded in Indigenous knowledge and values expressed through components of chants/music and dancing, and education with regard to the cultural meaning of each hula dance.

Intervention: A wood stove intervention, PI(s): Belcourt/Noonan/Ward Strategies employed: Indigenous knowledge was utilized by identifying stories identified by community members regarding the historical and cultural role fire and wood stove use has had within the partnering Indigenous communities. As a result, three short films were utilized, including both culturally-adapted films and original films that were created by Native community members using traditional ecological knowledge shared by cultural leaders.