Understanding recovery support in Native American communities
Official title: Assessing Cultures of Recovery in Tribal Communities
Funded at Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations · NIH-10930010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Native American tribes help their young people recover from substance use issues by creating a support system that fits their cultural values, and it involves community members working together to find the best ways to help.
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) | $1,045,099 |
| NIH project number | 5S06GM146095-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Native American youth aged 21 and under who are seeking recovery from substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the participating tribal communities or who are not struggling with substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how tribal communities support their youth in recovering from substance use disorders. It involves collaboration with various Native American tribes to develop a culturally relevant mental health response system called xaʔtus, which is designed to align with indigenous values and needs. The project utilizes a participatory approach, engaging community members in the research process to ensure that the solutions are effective and meaningful. By assessing these recovery cultures, the research aims to identify best practices that can be implemented across tribal nations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance recovery support systems for Native American youth, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in culturally tailored interventions for substance use recovery in indigenous populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
Spokane Valley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whelshula, Martina — Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations
- Study coordinator: Whelshula, Martina
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.
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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.