Authors: Center for Native American Youth

Publication Year: 2021

Keywords: COVID-19, Culturally Informed Care, Health Care Access, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Traditional Healing, Youth, Social Justice, Civic engagement, Language, Education, Discrimination, Identity, Violence, Representation, 2SLGBTQIA+, Environment

Abstract: 
Launched in the summer of 2020, the Indigenous Futures Survey (IFS) was a first if its kind opportunity for Indigenous people to voice their beliefs, priorities, and experiences through a national survey. Questions asked in the survey focused on civic engagement, COVID-19, hopes for the future and more (See From Protests, To the Ballot Box, And Beyond: Building Indigenous Power). A total of 6,460 Indigenous people completed the survey with representation in all 50 states.

The survey was launched in June 2020 at the height of racial unrest and Black Lives Matter protests following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police. At the time the survey was launched, COVID-19 infection rates were disproportionately affecting Native communities at rates higher than most places in the United States. For example, during the month of June, the Navajo Nation reported the highest infection rate in the country which was greater than New York state, the worst-hit state at the time and was greater than Wuhan, China at the height of the outbreak (1).

The survey was especially significant because it captured a moment that spotlighted racial injustice and impacts of a global pandemic in America ahead of the historic 2020 election.

Source: Link to Original Article.

Type of Resource: Report