The Native Comic Book Project: native youth making comics and healthy decisions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Studies
• Youth Development

Background:

• Traditional Native American and Alaska Native practices utilize storytelling and art for community well-being.
• Existing health interventions for Native youth can be enhanced through culturally relevant methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot a curriculum training Native youth leaders in comic book creation for healthy decision-making.
• To adapt existing comic book project models with Native art, storytelling, and decision-making skills.

Main Methods:

• The Native Comic Book Project curriculum was developed by adapting an existing model.
• Five train-the-trainer sessions were conducted, followed by a pilot implementation in a Pacific Northwest tribal community.
• Data collection included surveys, participant observations, and an interactive meeting for feedback.

Main Results:

• Six youths (ages 12-15) participated in the pilot project.
• Participants reported increased knowledge about the harms of commercial tobacco use.
• Youth desired greater integration of comic book creation, decision-making, and Native storytelling.

Conclusions:

• This culturally adapted curriculum shows potential for promoting healthy decision-making and behaviors among Native youth.
• Engaging youth as active content producers in health interventions is a promising approach.
• Further curriculum refinement is suggested based on participant feedback for enhanced cultural relevance.