Embedded Files
Growing a Community-Based Research Partnership to Address Type 2 Diabetes in the Sault Tribe: Exploring Nutrition and Food Sovereignty Practices
Background: What is the study?
This study is a partnership between the University of Michigan and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians focused on understanding nutrition, food sovereignty, and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) among Sault Tribe members. The study will explore how access to and participation in traditional food practices, such as hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural food traditions, may support health and wellbeing. Researchers will also examine whether a non-invasive skin scan called the Veggie Meter can help measure nutrition and traditional food intake. Findings from this study will help inform future culturally grounded nutrition and T2D prevention efforts within the community.
Details: What will be asked of participants?
Participants will complete surveys about their health, nutrition, food access, cultural food practices, physical activity, and wellbeing. Participants will also complete a brief skin carotenoid scan using the Veggie Meter, which measures nutrients in the skin by placing a finger into a small scanner. Some participants may also complete a 24-hour dietary recall about food they consumed recently. Participation will take place in person and participants will receive gift card incentives for completing study activities.
How Can I Participate?
If you are interested in the study, please fill out this interest form: https://forms.gle/iSHvMSGnBcbUWudj7
Additionally, you can find our team tabling at the following events:
Sault Tribe Powwow (7/3-7/5)
Sugar Island Powwow (7/18)
Sault Tribe Board of Directors Meeting (7/21)
Munising Powwow (8/8)
Hessel Powwow (8/14-8/16)
Resource Guide:
(website) Seeding Change Resource Guide.pdfIf you have questions or concerns, call us at (906)-240-4004 or email us at nativenourishment@umich.edu.
This project is led by Dr. Tara Maudrie and has received approval
from the Sault Tribe IRB (Approval #: 060192026) and the University of Michigan IRB (HUM#: HUM00292432 ).
Community Venison Donation Project
Background: What is the study?
This study is a partnership between the University of Michigan and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians focused on understanding the impact of a community venison donation program. The study is a community-based participatory research evaluation project designed to understand the cultural, nutritional, and community impacts of a tribally led pilot venison donation program.
The study’s objectives are to:
1. Explore community perspectives on the physical, cultural, and spiritual importance of venison and the act of sharing food (including through the Unit 1 Elders garden).
2. Identify barriers and facilitators to implementing a sustainable and culturally grounded venison donation program.
3. Gather insights to guide the development of future policies and programs that support traditional food access and community health.
Details: What will be asked of participants?
We conducted semi-structured interviews with three participant groups: 1) Elders (recipients of donations), 2) hunters (donators of venison), and 3) key stakeholders, including representatives from the Sault Tribe Health and Elder Divisions, local meat processors, and members of the Tribe’s Board of Directors. The interviews help ensure that the venison donation program reflects community priorities, honors traditional teachings about respect and reciprocity, and contributes to broader efforts to nourish Sault Tribe families through Indigenous food systems.
Participation took place by completing a one-time, 30-60 minute interview (in-person, phone, or Zoom). Participants received gift card incentives for completing study activities.
How Can I Participate?
The recruitment period for interviews has since ended. A community report will be forthcoming pending IRB approval.
If you have questions or concerns, call us at (906)-240-4004 or email us at nativenourishment@umich.edu.
This project is led by Dr. Tara Maudrie and has received approval
from the Sault Tribe IRB (Approval #: 12112025) and the University of Michigan IRB (HUM#: HUM00284635).
Page updated
Report abuse