Improving indigenous health through food and water management
Official title: "ahbahjipdooneh woolibahmowsoowahkn": reclaiming indigenous health through water and food sovereignty
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-10935942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working with Maine tribes to help young people learn how to check for harmful substances in their water and food, so they can protect their health and culture while finding better ways to manage any risks from environmental pollution.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,229 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD018128-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are members of Maine tribes concerned about the health of their water and food sources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the Maine tribes or are not affected by environmental contamination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research engages Maine tribes in a community-based participatory approach to address environmental contamination risks affecting their water and food sources. It focuses on empowering tribal youth with tools for monitoring contaminants and documenting traditional ecological knowledge related to food and water use. By integrating this knowledge into health risk assessments, the project aims to develop culturally appropriate strategies for managing health risks associated with environmental exposure. The collaboration with local health organizations and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers ensures that the research is relevant and beneficial to the communities involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the health and well-being of indigenous communities by improving food and water safety.
How similar studies have gone: Similar community-based participatory research approaches have shown success in empowering communities and improving health outcomes, making this a promising initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Timothy Edgcumbe — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Ford, Timothy Edgcumbe
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.