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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Carolee Dodge Francis, EdD, American Indian Research and Education Center, University of Nevada Las Vegas, School of Public Health, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453060, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3060, 702-895-5586, carolee.dodgefrancis@unlv.edu, Lemyra DeBruyn, PhD, Native Diabetes Wellness Program, CDC, 1720 Louisiana Blvd. NE Tuite 208, Albuquerque, NM 87110, and Michelle Chino, PhD, University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Public Health, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453060, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3060.

The current epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations has increased the need for individual and community education. However, the melding of cultural distinctions related to AIAN people and health within an educational framework poses unique pedagogical issues. The Diabetes Education in Tribal Schools [DETS] project is part of national efforts to decrease the incidence of T2DM and increase community prevention strategies through the development of a multidisciplinary K-12 curriculum for AIAN students. The process of developing a culturally responsive health education curriculum that integrates AIAN history, language, Native knowledge, and community perspectives has pushed the curricula from innocent intentions to political stances. Throughout the curriculum development process, angst between AIAN cultural context and the culture of education has fashioned acts of illumination between DETS participants with regard to the marginalization of AIAN people, historically and within a contemporary setting. A metaphor depicting the tension that exists between a dominant Westernized educational process and AIAN people has been an important conceptual tool for the DETS team. The “Art of Looping Linear” reflects the significance of the circle (loop) as the perpetuating premise for American Indian traditions, culture, and knowledge. This circular concept encompasses the belief that every element in our world has direct relationship to all others and the balance of these relationships impacts the survival of AIAN people. The use of this metaphor has assisted the DETS curriculum developers reflect the relevancy of AIAN culture within a health education framework.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the relevancy of AIAN culture in the development of health education curriculum.
• Articulate the roles that AIAN culture, health education curriculum and an educational institution plays in a student's learning.
• Develop health education curriculum that reflects AIAN cultural ideals and aspirations, the Art of Looping Linear.

Keywords: Health Education Strategies, Native Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation