Adaptations of a Community-Based NunatuKavut Inuit Mental Wellness Research Initiative During the COVID-19 Pandemic

AI Summary

Maintain flexibility to adapt research activities and timelines in response to unexpected events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adapt methods, using electronic surveys and remote options, to sustain engagement while avoiding participant overburden.
Ensure meaningful community involvement through Inuit-led storytelling and sharing circles to keep programmes culturally grounded and relevant.

Prog Community Health Partnersh. 2026;20(2):215-222. doi: 10.1353/cpr.2026.a993189.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Western and biomedically oriented mental health interventions are often influenced by colonial frameworks, emphasizing individual deficits and overlooking cultural and community dimensions of care.

OBJECTIVE: The NunatuKavut Community Council partnered with community-based researchers to strengthen culturally grounded wellness services and programs.

METHODS: The NunatuKavut Mental Wellness Initiative, a community-based participatory research project, explored and promoted mental wellness among NunatuKavut Inuit. Guided by Inuit storytelling, we conducted sharing circles and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an electronic survey.

LESSONS LEARNED: A grassroots community-based participatory research approach allowed adaptation during COVID-19 while maintaining storytelling as a central method. Three key lessons emerged: 1) flexibility is essential in response to unexpected events, 2) adapting methods ensures engagement without overburdening participants, and 3) meaningful community involvement is central to program relevance.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges, Inuit-led, culturally grounded methods supported wellness promotion. These reflections may serve as a guide for others in adapting community-based participatory research projects to changing contexts.

PMID:42366981 | DOI:10.1353/cpr.2026.a993189

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