Mino-Bimaadiziwin: Culturally Responsive Health Messaging in Ojibwe Communities
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Date
2024-08-07
Authors
Mahliaire, Nii
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
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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Keywords
Addiction Recovery Messaging, Cultural Competency in Healthcare, Culturally Responsive Health Messaging, Grounded Theory, Indigenous Standpoint Theory, Opioid Use Disorder