Culture Matters to the Health and Resilience of Colonial Era Native American Tribes

Research Impact Story: Culture Matters to Health

This downloadable PDF was designed to share the impact and results of the University of Texas at Austin’s community-led research project.

Download Publication

A regional Health Council of tribal representatives of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware partnered with The University of Texas at Austin to assess the health status and needs of Colonial Era Native American Tribes in the Delmarva region. 

The project produced the first dedicated health data for communities that—due to colonization, displacement, and federal policies—are not federally recognized and lack access to federal tribal health services. Findings revealed high rates of diabetes and coronary artery disease among members. It was evident that many people avoid care due to lack of insurance, but cultural knowledge, beliefs, values, and practices enhanced their resilience. 

As a result, the Health Council is using these findings to drive change at the individual, community, and system levels by setting priorities and next steps, continuing health data collection for ongoing monitoring, and supporting a proposed Cultural and Environmental Center as a health resource hub.

Learn more: 

• Grantee Page: Native American Health Survey Among Marginalized Tribal Communities
• LOJ Nursing & Health Care Research Article: First contact colonial era Native American tribes become visible through the collection of health status data.
• AcademyHealth Grantee Reflections Interview