Understanding Recovery Cultures in Tribal Communities
Official title: Assessing Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Communities - Research Core
Funded at Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations · NIH-10930033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special training program called xaʔtus that helps community members support people in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities who are dealing with mental health issues and addiction, to see how well it works in making a positive difference.
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) | $584,599 |
| NIH project number | 5S06GM146095-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include American Indian and Alaskan Native individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing mental health challenges or addictive behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the high rates of mental health challenges and addictive behaviors among American Indian and Alaskan Native populations. It aims to evaluate a culturally relevant training program called xaʔtus, which prepares community members to assist individuals facing mental health crises. The study will involve collaboration with seven tribes and will utilize a randomized waitlist control design to assess the effectiveness of the training over multiple time points. By emphasizing community needs, the research seeks to enhance access to mental health resources and support within these communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health support and addiction treatment access for American Indian and Alaskan Native populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally tailored interventions for mental health and addiction treatment in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
Spokane Valley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Sarah E — Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Sarah E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.