(PS10-44) When we go into ceremony, we’re practicing mindfulness: Adaptation of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities

Abstract Text: Accessibility to mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) is becoming more prevalent in mental health care settings, yet American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals remain underrepresented in MBI research. While MBIs may offer a framework for delivering culturally relevant mental health services to AI/AN communities, research detailing the implementation and cultural and contextual adaptations of MBIs also remains nascent. This study examined the mental health providers’ experience utilizing MBIs with AI/AN clients with a focus on how providers adapt and implement MBIs. Twenty-five providers from across the U.S. who use MBIs with AI/AN clients participated in individual interviews (n = 20 or 80% of providers in the study identified as AI/AN or Indigenous). Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data and themes were identified across techniques providers used to both (1) culturally adapt MBI skills and (2) engage in a process of localization to better fit MBI concepts to local context and culture. Adaptations and localizations included: defining mindfulness in local AI/AN contexts, naming ceremonies as mindfulness practices, connecting mindfulness concepts to cultural teachings, using mindfulness experiences in nature, mindful awareness in traditional practices (e.g., smudging, talking circles, sweat lodge), and translating mindfulness practices into Tribal languages. Feedback from provider-participants offers a guide for providing the cultural responsiveness of MBIs for AI/AN clients. However, given the cultural content of many adaptations suggested and that most providers in the study identified as AI/AN, providers implementing MBIs must utilize cultural humility and follow guidance from cultural consultants and Tribal leaders to ensure culturally appropriate delivery of MBIs. This work emphasizes the potential for adapting MBIs to better meet the cultural needs of AI/AN clients and underscores the alignment between mindfulness and the longstanding cultural traditions of AI/AN communities.