Haudenosaunee Culture and Identity: Promoting Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects on Indigenous communities worldwide. However, communities continued in various ways to preserve cultural connections and practice land and family-based activities central to health and well-being. This study was a collaborative effort between a university, a community agency, and a Haudenosaunee community to explore how culture and identity promoted mental health during the pandemic. A cultural program, Firekeepers, was delivered to promote and maintain connections and wellness. Semi-structured interviews with 19 community member participants focused on how knowing about your culture and identity helps you be mentally healthy. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and six themes were identified. Results add to the growing literature on the health restoring and affirming effects of culturally based belonging and participation in Indigenous cultural communities.