The Crow Mens Health Project A collaborative research

The Crow Men's Health Project: A collaborative research initiative between Crow Indian Reservation and Montana State University Paul Lachapelle Assistant Professor Department of Political Science Montana State University

Objectives ü Apply Community-based Participatory Research Approach ü Begin discussions on men’s health issues ü Collectively identify health issue of concern ü Determine methods to address ü Secure funding

Community-based Participatory Research ü Apprehension to engage in research by Native American communities b/c of negative experiences (Christopher, Watts, Mc. Cormick, & Young, 2008; Holkup, Rodehorst, & Wilhelm, 2009). ü Active collaboration and power sharing - leads to trust (Strickland, 2006; Beil, 2009; La. Veaux & Christopher, 2009). ü Few studies evaluate the quality and outcome of the NA-University partnerships (Christopher, Watts, Knows His Gun, & Young, 2008; Holkup, Tripp-Reimer, Salois, & Weinert, 2004)

History 1. Letters of interest sent in Aug. 2007 2. Invite men / Recruit students 3. First meeting held Oct. 15, 2007 4. Formed an Advisory Council (winter 07 -08) 5. Held 21 community meetings in 11 locations (Oct. 07 – Aug. 10)

Preliminary Outcomes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Funding from the MSU Center for Native Health Partnerships (3 -years, $39, 000) Formed 5 -member Advisory Council Discussed many topics: Prostate / Colorectal cancer focus Designed / Distributed Survey (n=64) Received formal endorsement from former Crow Tribal Chair Carl Venne and current Chair Cedric Black Eagle Held Crow Men’s Health Ride (June 2008) Passed Tribal Resolution endorsing program Website: http: //crowmenshealth. org/ 10 -minute Health Documentary (entered in 3 NA Film Festivals) Advisory Council Retreat (Jan. 2009) Diversity Award, National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals, for Crow Men’s Health Project DVD (2009) Two NIH R-21 grant proposals ($990 k and $348 k) Native American Men’s Health Summit (April 2010) Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) 2010 Magrath Engagement Award (nominated) Crow Men’s Health Project Article: Lachapelle, P. R. , J. Real Bird, and T. Dunnagan. (Revise and resubmit). Applying Innovative Approaches to Address Health Disparities in Native Populations: An Assessment of the Crow Men’s Health Project. Community Development: Journal of the Community Development Society.

Community Conversations / Focus Groups A. Issues that influence good health: 1. Non-traditional lifestyle (food, non-active) 2. Lack of role models 3. Quality of care (IHS, Efficiency, Confidentiality) 4. Lack of health promotion 5. Ability to be Express (Warrior mindset; Self-esteem-what does it mean to be a Crow man? ) 6. Economics 7. Superstitious / psychological

Health Issues identified by meeting attendees • obesity • alcohol-related diseases • PTSD • diabetes • mental illness • heart disease • cancer (prostate, colorectal)

Community Conversations / Focus Groups B. Intervention Programs to address / promote good health: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Clan / Family System mentoring Worksite wellness Mobile lab screening events: rodeo, community feed, etc. Support / involvement from Tribal Admin. / Health Dept. / IHS / BIA Youth – Elder mentoring (hunting, camping) Education at cultural events (Incentives) – Pow wows, drum circles, etc.

Crow Men’s Health Survey 1. Received Approval from Crow Advisory Council / MSU IRB 2. Objectives - Assess the following: a. Knowledge b. Behaviors c. Attitudes d. Beliefs …related to prostate cancer.

Age = 55. 2 Results (n=64) I have had a screening for prostate cancer In the last 2 years. No=47% Don’t Know (6%) Number of general health exams / screenings I have received in the last 5 years. 0=20. 5% 1= 23. 1% My risk for being diagnosed with prostate cancer in my lifetime is very low No=10. 2% Don’t Know =65. 3% I would learn more about prostate cancer if the information was readily available. Yes=87. 5% My risk of prostate cancer increases if an immediate family member has been diagnosed. No=28. 6% Don’t know=21. 4%

Results Knowledge of risk is varied Attitudes about IHS are generally negative Reasons for low screening rates: Embarrassment Low risk perceptions Problems w/ IHS

Billings Gazette June 25, 2008 Men's ride kicks off Crow Native Days Nearly 40 Crow men dressed in full regalia rode horses to the top of Sacrifice Cliff on Tuesday to honor their ancestors and kick off Crow Native Days with the Men's Health Ride. The ride was a re-enactment of the sacrifice two Crow men made for their tribe nearly 150 years ago. The two men, whose tribe had contracted smallpox, blindfolded their horses and rode off the cliff as offerings in hopes of saving their tribe. The group on Tuesday rode up to the hill from Old Hardin Road and gathered with the Yellowstone Valley as the backdrop. Five men performed a pipe ceremony on a buffalo hide laid out in the dry grass on top of Sacrifice Cliff. Another purpose of the ride was to create awareness for men's health issues. It was part of a research project on Crow men's health by the Center for Native Health Partnerships at Montana State University.

Next Steps 1) Continue discussions (general health concerns, specific interventions) 2) Continue data collection (better understand address present and future health-related needs and issues) 3) Screenings of educational video (footage from Health Ride) 4) Pursue funding (address cancer intervention)

Challenges 1) Time: Indian vs. grant 2) Peer review pubs: Academic vs. anecdotal orientation 3) Nepotism 4) Health Stats 5) Superstition

Paul Lachapelle Assistant Professor, Extension Community Development Specialist Department of Political Science Wilson Hall 1 -156 P. O. Box 172240 Montana State University Bozeman, MT 59717 http: //extn. msu. montana. edu Tel: (406) 994 -3620 E-mail: paul. lachapelle@montana. edu