Examining Psychological Openness Through an Intergenerational Arts-Based Mindfulness Intervention Grounded in Indigenous Cultural Strengths: Results from the IndigenousMIND Project in a Northeast Tribal Community
Clinical Social Work Journal June 16, 2026 Chase M. Bryer, Marinna Okawa, Sherente Harris et al.
A culturally grounded mindfulness intervention, IndigenousMIND-crafts, paired Elders and youth from a Northeastern tribal nation in weekend workshops that combined mindfulness with traditional crafts like corn husk dolls and finger weaving. Rapid Qualitative Analysis of interviews with 24 tribal citizens revealed three themes: cultural crafts fostered openness and affirmed identity, intergenerational engagement enhanced emotional well-being and community connection, and cultural transmission was seen as a vital responsibility linked to survival and ancestral ties. Participants reported immediate emotional benefits and a desire for sustained, culturally rooted programming, suggesting the intervention's potential for adaptation across tribal contexts.