Exploring Indigenous wellness models for Native American youth
Official title: PERSON-CENTERED RESEARCH ON CULTURE AS HEALTH (PERCH) An Indigenous Model of Wellness
Funded at Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC. · NIH-10978178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to help Native American teens aged 13-17 in the Bemidji area who are dealing with substance use and mental health challenges by creating a supportive living space that combines traditional wellness practices with modern care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lac Du Flambeau, United States) |
| Project start | August 23, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $593,970 |
| NIH project number | 1OT2DA061146-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Native American youth aged 13-17 who are struggling with substance use disorders or related mental health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 13-17 or those not identifying as Native American may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the opioid crisis among Native American youth in the Bemidji area by developing a culturally informed model of wellness. It aims to establish a residential facility for adolescents aged 13-17 struggling with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. The project emphasizes a person-centered approach that integrates traditional Tribal wellness practices, aiming to empower the community and improve health outcomes. The research will also involve building local research capacity and establishing an Institutional Review Board to ensure ethical oversight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce opioid-related deaths and improve overall mental health among Native American youth.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches integrating cultural practices into health interventions have shown promise in improving outcomes for Indigenous populations, suggesting potential success for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC.
Lac Du Flambeau, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lenz, Kade — Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lenz, Kade
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Perch: Indigenous approach to wellness through culture and community
A tribally led project with Native youth and families aims to improve wellness and reduce substance use and overdose by grounding care in culturally meaningful practices.
-
Great Lakes Tribal College Research Network capacity building
This grant aims to strengthen and connect Tribal Colleges in the Great Lakes region to build shared research capacity and collaboration.
-
Great Lakes Indigenous Student Career Enhancement Program
Aimed at helping Indigenous students enter healing and health-related careers through mentorship, internships, networking, and tailored resources.
-
Great Lakes Native Students Biomedical Path to College
A Native American student program blends tribal traditions with hands-on biomedical experiences to broaden exposure and education in science.
-
Great Lakes Native American Health Centers Administrative Core
A Native American health research administrative core supports partnerships and training across a regional network to improve health research capacity.
-
Great Lakes Native American Research Center for Health (GLNARCH) initiative to grow Native biomedical research talent
A Native-led NIH program is funding a multi-component effort to build research capacity and support Native students and researchers across the Great Lakes region.
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.