Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country
Abstract
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country project supports the implementation of tribal practices that build resiliency and connections to community, family, and culture, which over time can reduce risk factors for chronic disease among Sault Tribe members and their families. The long-term goals of the project are to increase resilience and use of cultural practices to reduce morbidity and mortality due to heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, and increase mental and emotional wellbeing among community members.
Sault Tribe will implement tribal practices and cultural traditions to build resiliency and connections to community and culture to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing. Our approach will include implementation of tribal wellness practices that were identified by tribal health leaders and lessons learned from our previous TPWIC project.
The three strategies that will be addressed by Sault Tribe Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country project include:
1. Family and community activities that connect teachings to health and wellness.
2. Social and cultural activities that promote community wellness.
3. Cultural teachings and practices about healthy foods to promote health, sustenance and sustainability.
Expected Intermediate outcomes include:
• Increased sense of cultural connectedness
• Increased sense of social connectedness
• Increased consumption of healthy traditional foods and increased physical activity
Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country project intends to demonstrate that lifestyle interventions that incorporate native history and culture can be effective in reducing chronic disease risk factors prevalent in many tribal members, and over time, reduce morbidity and mortality due to heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.
