Defining Community Well-Being Through Community-Engaged Research: Toward a Diné-Centered Transformative Approach to Rebuilding Community

• In Event: Indigenous Methodologies and the Centering of Humility, Self-Reflection, Generosity, and Relationships

Abstract

This paper shares findings from a study that examines educational and health disparities using an Indigenous centered community based participatory research (CBPR) approach to explore community wellbeing. The aims of this mixed methods research study included understanding community engaged research and community wellbeing while sharing the findings with local community members to develop culture-based intervention models for addressing behavioral/mental health and educational disparities. The findings of this study provide insight into ways that Indigenous communities can be actively engaged in research for their own communities with the goal of transformative praxis. One of the key implications of this study highlights how community assets that are identified from this project can be shared with educators to enhance school curriculum.

Authors

• Vincent R. Werito, The University of New Mexico

• Lorenda Belone, University of New Mexico