The Sacred Hoop of Native Health & Wellbeing (SHHAW) is an intervention and community-based participatory research (CBPR) program that addresses health issues prevalent in American Indian populations in North Carolina. Developed by the UNC American Indian Center (AIC), this model explores the impact of Talking Circles on: (1) community connectedness; and (2) mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health and wellbeing for American Indians.
Key components of SHHAW:
- Implementation of Culturally-Relevant Health Initiatives – We offer financial support to tribal communities to create, administer, and sustain Talking Circles.
- Capacity-Building Consultation & Workshops – The AIC provides tailored technical assistance to Native community partners in the development, implementation and evaluation of Talking Circles to promote sustainable community change.
- Research & Dissemination – Tribally-driven research from a Native perspective is a critical component of SHHAW. Participating communities will receive training and technical assistance that will support Native communities in self-determined research objectives, collection of data, and dissemination of findings to improve health and wellbeing in a culturally-appropriate manner.
SHHAW is administered by the American Indian Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is made possible by the generous support of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.
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