The Evolution of an Indigenous Mindfulness Program: Qualitative Findings from the IndigenousMIND Study

This study describes the collaborative design and implementation of the Indigenous MIND (IM) program, a culturally adapted mindfulness intervention developed in partnership with Indigenous communities in the USA. The aim was to explore the program's acceptability and cultural resonance and to document the processes by which IM evolved in each of our partner communities and explore how the program may be exported to other Indigenous communities.

Indigenous MIND was developed with close cooperation and oversight from tribal communities through two-step participant-driven adaptation. A standard Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program was initially delivered to two culturally distinct Indigenous communities-one coastal and one alpine. Participant feedback informed the tailored 8-week IM program, which was implemented online with 20 participants across both tribal communities.

Thematic analysis of recorded classes and feedback sessions indicated high acceptability and alignment with cultural values. Emergent themes included (a) coping strategies (for stress, anxiety, and depression); (b) mindfulness for relief of stress, anxiety, and depression; and (c) elements specific to Indigenous people, such as spirituality, tradition, and community identity.

Importantly, this project underscores the value of co-creating wellness interventions that are grounded in sovereignty, relational accountability, and cultural continuity. By centering Indigenous knowledge systems and investing in community-led sustainability through teacher training, such efforts can serve as models for future culturally resonant health promotion program development.