Lessons learned from working with an AODA Tribal consortium to build epidemiological capacity to collect and evaluate data in Indian Country

Background: To address disparities in underage drinking and binge drinking among American Indian youth, GLITC was awarded a five year SAMHSA grant to work with 10 of the 11 Tribes in Wisconsin, resulting in the formation of an AODA Tribal consortium for the first time in Wisconsin. Experience working with grants and meeting grant requirements to collect data and analyze data was minimal or non-existent for Tribal sub-grantees and there was a complete void of local community data. As the governing body, GLITC was responsible for building capacity among the sub-grantees.

Methods: In order to build a knowledge base, and build sub-grantees epidemiological capacity, GLITC conducted individual site visits and centralized trainings. Trainings were conducted both by outside entities and GLITC staff.

Results: Respecting Tribal sovereignty was central to how this grant was implemented; however varying interpretations of what sovereignty meant in terms of the grant and initially having unclear policies and procedures to govern the consortium, sometimes created tension within the group since each Tribe was able to implement the grant their own way. There was a perception among the consortium that some Tribes were not working as hard as others and not being held to the same standard.

Conclusions: It is important to recognize Tribal sovereignty when working with an AODA Tribal consortium. It is also important for the governing body to do pre-planning and develop clear policies and procedures for Tribal sub-grantee implementation and to maintain consistency throughout the life of the grant.