The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), in collaboration with the Atka Tribe, intends to address disproportionate health disparities among American Indian and Alaska Natives (AIAN)s by implementing tribal practices that strengthen resiliency and connections to culture, community, and family. The planned approach is to utilize traditional Unangax values, knowledge, language and tribal practices in order to strengthen social and cultural connectedness, which are two constructs that have been identified as significant determinants of health for maintaining individual and community well-being. The proposed activities related to these outcomes include hosting an annual cultural camp in Atka, planning and piloting seasonally based cultural events to occur throughout the calendar year, and creating an intergenerational mentorship program for Atka Elders, residents and Tribal descendants. In addition, this project also aims to increase knowledge, participation and consumption of healthy traditional foods. The proposed activities related to this outcome include building digital media capacity by hosting training events in Atka, supporting local documentation efforts, and aiding in the creation of digital content focused on the preservation of traditional food knowledge and traditional food practices in the region. Existing and newly established partnerships and collaborations will be utilized to strengthen the project’s activities. All activities will be monitored and evaluated throughout the duration of the project to ensure that proposed outcomes are on track for being achieved over the course of the 5-year performance period. Through the implementation of this project, the ultimate long-term goals are to reduce the prevalence rates and morbidity/mortality related to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer and to increase overall mental and emotional wellbeing among community members.
