Adaptations of a Community-Based NunatuKavut Inuit Mental Wellness Research Initiative During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND

Western and biomedically oriented mental health interventions are often influenced by colonial frameworks, emphasizing individual deficits and overlooking cultural and community dimensions of care.

OBJECTIVE

The NunatuKavut Community Council partnered with community-based researchers to strengthen culturally grounded wellness services and programs.

METHODS

The NunatuKavut Mental Wellness Initiative, a community-based participatory research project, explored and promoted mental wellness among NunatuKavut Inuit. Guided by Inuit storytelling, we conducted sharing circles and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an electronic survey.

LESSONS LEARNED: A grassroots community-based participatory research approach allowed adaptation during COVID-19 while maintaining storytelling as a central method. Three key lessons emerged: 1) flexibility is essential in response to unexpected events, 2) adapting methods ensures engagement without overburdening participants, and 3) meaningful community involvement is central to program relevance.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite challenges, Inuit-led, culturally grounded methods supported wellness promotion. These reflections may serve as a guide for others in adapting community-based participatory research projects to changing contexts.