Rooting the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project in Indigenous values

The Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project (ksdpp.org) in the First Nations reserve of the Mohawks of the Kahnawake in Quebec, Canada aims to prevent type 2 diabetes in Kahnawake by empowering community members to care for their health. Project leaders were informed at the outset by evidence that demonstrated a two-fold higher risk of diabetes and diabetes-related complications in adults (Tremblay et al., 2018). 

To be meaningful for community members, the change was rooted in the values and traditions of Kanien’kehá:ka beliefs, incorporating a holistic approach of spiritual, emotional, physical and mental dimensions that reflect wellbeing. The project’s focus aligned with the value of protecting and promoting the health of future generations. By linking the change in values, families and other community members were more invested in the cause.