Exploring Indigenous healing approaches for wellness in Alaska Native communities
Official title: Heal(th) From Within: A Research Collaborative to Share our Journeys to Wellness
Funded at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium · NIH-10977010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about exploring how traditional healing practices can help Alaska Native people with issues like substance use and mental health, and it involves working closely with local communities to share their experiences and strengthen their cultural traditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Anchorage, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $543,209 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061112-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Alaska Native individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing challenges related to substance use or mental health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Alaska Native or who are under 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the health and wellness journeys of Alaska Native people, aiming to understand how Indigenous healing practices can address substance use, overdose, and mental health issues. The project will involve collaboration with local communities to gather insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of cultural resilience and traditional practices. By documenting these journeys, the research seeks to enhance the capacity of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to improve health outcomes for Indigenous populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and wellness strategies tailored for Alaska Native communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in utilizing Indigenous healing approaches to address health disparities in similar populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
Anchorage, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Tara — Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Study coordinator: Ford, Tara
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Heal(th) From Within: A Collaborative to Share Journeys to Wellness
A collaborative project with Alaska Native communities aims to explore culturally grounded paths to reduce substance use and improve mental health.
-
Understanding MASLD progression to MASH and liver cancer in Alaska Native communities
A patient-facing overview of a study that looks at why a common liver disease progresses to more serious conditions in Alaska Native and American Indian people.
-
Traditional foods and community-led health for Alaska Natives
A community-driven project in Alaska aims to strengthen food security and wellbeing by honoring traditional foods and Indigenous knowledge.
-
More Outside Your Door helps Alaska Native kids stay healthy
A community-based program in rural Alaska supports Alaska Native children ages 0-12 and their families with traditional foods, physical activity, and sleep habits to reduce obesity and future heart risks.
-
Building a big study of colorectal cancer risk in Alaska Native people
A large research project will follow Alaska Native adults to learn why colorectal cancer occurs more often in this population and how to prevent it.
-
Healing from Within: Sharing wellness journeys for Alaska Native communities
A community-led effort to develop culturally grounded ways to prevent overdoses, help with chronic pain, and support mental health for Alaska Native people.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.