Identifying and Promoting Traditions of Strength and Healing on the Fond du Lac Reservation

Location: Great Lakes

PROJECT SUMMARY: This research brings together three American Indian collaborators to engage Fond du Lac community members in identifying existing and untapped sources of local strength for health promotion. For Fond du Lac and many other American Indian communities, recent losses, fueled in part by the opioid epidemic, are compounded by historical and childhood trauma experiences that represent important determinants of health inequities. The research team will work with a local community advisory board to implement a mixed-methods study to determine existing and underutilized community and cultural assets. Findings will be shared through structured community feasts and forums to identify action steps to promote healing and wellness beyond the formal, individualized clinical services already offered. A planned outcome is rapid impact on local policies and practices to facilitate reductions in suicide and drug (particularly opioid) overdose, and to promote healing related to adverse childhood experiences.

Identifying and Promoting Traditions of Strength and Healing on the Fond du Lac Reservation
TEAM MEMBERS

[Pictured from Left to Right]

  • Joseph P. Gone, PhD, Professor of Anthropology and of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Nikki Crowe, BSW, Program Coordinator, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Extension, Cloquet, Minnesota
  • Melissa Walls, MA, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth

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