A TRADITIONAL HEALING PROGRAM ON THE NAVAJO NATION DURING COVID
2024

Traditional Healing Program on the Navajo Nation During COVID

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kopera-Frye Karen, John Karen, Frank Robynn

Primary Institution: New Mexico State University

Hypothesis

How did COVID disrupt cultural ways and Indigenous Ways of Knowing in the Navajo community?

Conclusion

The revived program successfully improved well-being and increased connectedness among the Native community.

Supporting Evidence

  • The program began in 2007 and involved community workshops.
  • COVID-19 caused social isolation and disrupted traditional gatherings.
  • The revival of the program helped restore Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

Takeaway

This study shows that bringing back traditional healing practices helped the Navajo community feel better and more connected after being isolated during COVID.

Methodology

The project involved community-based participatory research to revive traditional healing practices.

Participant Demographics

Navajo community members, including two students and a faculty member.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1469

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