Browsing by Author "Mahliaire, Nii"

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    Mino-Bimaadiziwin: Culturally Responsive Health Messaging in Ojibwe Communities
    (University of Oregon, 2024-08-07) Mahliaire, Nii; Mundy, Dean
    In response to the opioid crisis disproportionately affecting Native American populations, this dissertation examines the communication preferences of the Ojibwe community in Northern Minnesota for addiction recovery program materials. It seeks to answer the question: What preferences do Ojibwe community members have for messaging within addiction recovery program materials, and in what ways can their preferences inform the creation of effective communication tools that encourage engagement with available recovery resources?Employing grounded theory and Indigenous Standpoint Theory, the study unfolds in phases, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of effective communication strategies within Ojibwe communities. Initial pretesting at Northern Minnesota Addiction Wellness Center informed the development of culturally sensitive research tools, laying the groundwork for future phases and ensuring the study's approach resonated with the cultural context and recovery practices of the Ojibwe community. The first phase gathers insights through interviews with a diverse group of participants: healthcare professionals who treat opioid use disorder, community Elders, and Ojibwe individuals who have experienced addiction recovery. These interviews aim to identify the specific barriers and facilitators to effective communication, revealing the complexities of addressing substance use disorder within this cultural context. The second phase shifts toward active community involvement through Collaborative Creation Circles. This approach engages Ojibwe members who are currently clients at Northern Minnesota Addiction Wellness Center in the process of designing culturally resonant recovery materials. This participatory co-design method ensures the materials reflect genuine recovery narratives and empower participants to share authentically. The final result of this research was the creation of a comprehensive website named Mino-Bimaadiziwin, a digital resource platform inspired by the insights from the community. It features several key components: Personal Stories, offering narratives of recovery; a Decolonial Perspective, which challenges conventional narratives around addiction; Cultural Practices, highlighting traditional healing and recovery methods; Artistic Representations, showcasing community art; and an interactive map of Resources. Each element is crafted to address the distinct needs of the Ojibwe community, aiming to provide a holistic and accessible repository of recovery resources. This dissertation contributes to the broader field of communication and public health by illustrating the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into health messaging. Through a detailed exploration of the Ojibwe community's communication preferences, the study highlights the potential for culturally tailored messaging to enhance engagement with recovery programs. Ultimately, it seeks to offer pathways for improving health outcomes and well-being in Ojibwe communities, advocating for a respectful integration of cultural values and practices in public health initiatives. This work not only addresses a critical health issue but also reinforces the value of culturally informed research methodologies in creating meaningful and effective health communication strategies.
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    Social Media in the Middle East 2022: A Year in Review
    (University of Oregon, 2023-03-31) Radcliffe, Damian; Abuhmaid, Hadil; Mahliaire, Nii
    Welcome to the latest annual study on Middle East Social Media Trends. This report, the eleventh in a series dating back to 2012, provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of social media in the Middle East. As the most comprehensive and up-to-date study of its kind, it is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the region's digital landscape. In this report, we examine the most popular social media platforms and the ways in which people are using them. We explore the impact of social media on politics, business and culture in the region. Our findings will be of interest to anyone interested in how social media shapes the way we connect with one another, as well as the ways in which we consume and find information. These trends are relevant to marketers, journalists, brands and businesses, as well as government agencies and public bodies. Over the past decade, the Middle East has seen a significant increase in social media adoption. Today, it boasts some of the highest penetration rates of social media in the world, making it a key market for platforms and businesses looking to engage with Arab audiences. From staying in touch with friends and family to consuming news and entertainment, social media - as it is around the world - is an integral part of daily life in the region. Social media is also playing an increasingly important role in politics, with many politicians and activists using the platforms to connect with the public and mobilize support for their policies.