Exploring recovery cultures in tribal communities
Official title: Assessing Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Communities - Administrative Core
Funded at Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations · NIH-10930032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping tribal communities improve mental health support by creating a friendly and culturally relevant system called xaʔtus, which will involve training local youth and adults to work together and share ideas to make mental health resources better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Spokane Valley, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $64,786 |
| NIH project number | 5S06GM146095-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Alaska Native and American Indian individuals aged 21 and older who are interested in mental health and community support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to tribal communities or are outside the age range may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the capacity for mental health support within tribal communities by implementing a culturally-appropriate community-based mental health first response system called xaʔtus. The project aims to build collaboration and training opportunities among tribal members, particularly targeting youth and adults. By gathering insights and feedback from these communities, the research seeks to develop new educational materials and improve mental health resources tailored to their unique cultural needs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health support and recovery resources for tribal communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in similar culturally-focused approaches to mental health support within indigenous populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
Spokane Valley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Laplante, Debi a — Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
- Study coordinator: Laplante, Debi a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Research Operations and Technical Assistance for Indigenous Health Research
A program to strengthen how Indigenous communities lead and participate in health research, with activities at Tribal sites and youth involvement.
-
First Face for Adolescents (adapting a tribal program for teens)
A youth-focused mental health and substance-use program is being adapted for AI/AN teens to help with self-management, peer support, and when to seek professional help.
-
Optimizing Tribal Youth Outcomes for Leas & Legal Professionals
A culturally grounded training program for Tribal law enforcement and legal professionals to better support youth with mental health and substance-use challenges.
-
First Face in the Classroom: Helping Youth Thrive with Mental Health Training
A school-based mental health training program, adapted from First Face, is being developed to support youth in preventing and responding to mental health crises.
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Administrative Core supports tribal youth mental health research and collaboration
This grant funds an Administrative Core to boost collaboration, planning, and culturally grounded mental health work with Indigenous communities and youth.
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Advancing Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Communities
A tribal youth addiction-recovery program is partnering with researchers to strengthen culturally grounded support and mental health services for American Indian youth in recovery.
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.