Daasachchuchik:A Trauma-Informed Approach to Developing a Chronic Illness Self-Management Program for the Apsáalooke People

Abstract

In Montana, American Indians with chronic illnesses (CIs) die 20 years earlier than their White counterparts highlighting an urgent need to develop culturally consonant CI self-management programs. Historical and current trauma places Indigenous peoples at increased health risk relative to others, and negatively influences CI self-management. The Apsáalooke Nation and Montana State University worked together to develop and implement a trauma-informed CI self-management program to improve the Apsáalooke community's health. This paper describes the origins and development of the trauma-informed components of the program. Using community stories and a literature review of trauma-informed interventions, partners co-developed culturally consonant trauma materials and activities grounded in community values and spirituality. Trauma-informed content was woven throughout three intervention gatherings and was the central focus of the gathering, Daasachchuchik ('Strong Heart'). Apsáalooke ancestors survived because of their cultural strengths and resilience; these cultural roots continue to be essential to healing from historical and current trauma.