Authors: Dennis M. Donovan et al.

Journal: American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research

Publication Year: 2015

Keywords: Cultural Sensitivity and Appropriateness, Substance Use, Youth, Canoe Journey, CBPR, Belonging, Traditional Healing, Culturally Informed Care, Substance Abuse

Abstract: Using Community-Based and tribal Participatory Research (CBPR/TPR) approaches, an academic-tribal partnership between the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute and the Suquamish and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribes developed a culturally grounded social skills intervention to promote increased cultural belonging and prevent substance abuse among tribal youth. Participation in the intervention, which used the Canoe Journey as a metaphor for life, was associated with increased hope, optimism, and self-efficacy and with reduced substance use, as well as with higher levels of cultural identity and knowledge about alcohol and drugs among high school-age tribal youth. These results provide preliminary support for the intervention curricula in promoting positive youth development, an optimistic future orientation, and the reduction of substance use among Native youth.

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Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article