Area of Interest 3: Engage Tribal Nations and Urban and Non-Tribal Land Based AI/AN Populations in Wisconsin

Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield WI

Investigators

Abstract

Background: The Investigators and research staff of the of the All of Us Wisconsin Consortium (AoUWI) recognize the land we currently live and work is the ancestral homes of many other nations who were forcibly displaced by white settlers. Wisconsin has one of the largest concentrations of Native American Tribes east of the Mississippi River, and each has a distinct culture and rich heritage. Of the 12 Tribes in Wisconsin, 11 are federally recognized. The history of colonization informs our work. We recognize the need to engage indigenous people that live in both urban centers and rural reservation lands to develop a vision and process for future individual and collective AoU engagement with these Nations. The overarching goal of this program is to facilitate as much diversity of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in the AoU precision medicine research program as possible by partnering with Wisconsin tribes and organizations with urban Indian expertise The aims and work plan presented in this application support an inclusive engagement process, educational programs and research infrastructure development to be determined and directed by representatives of Tribal Nations and the non-reservationbased AI/AN community to ensure that the project will be conducted in a manner that is respectful of applicable tribal customs, culture, and laws. We will leverage the established relationships and resources afforded by the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, University of Wisconsin Madison and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Each AoU-WI Consortium partners has research and institutional programs supporting AI/AN students, investigators, health and education programs with Tribal Nations and urban Indigenous communities. The AoU-WI program will work closely with our Community Co-Investigator (CCI) Elaina Seep and Aniwahya Consulting Services to create an overall engagement program and research infrastructure in conjunction with representatives of the Great Lakes Inter- Tribal Epidemiology Center (GLITEC), the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, and Native American leaders of community health and social service organizations. Methods: We are proposing the following Aims to meet the goals of the AoU Native American Engagement Program: Aim 1: Co-design a multilevel outreach and engagement program with representatives of tribal organizations, Indigenous governance groups and agencies of AI/AN Indigenous communities and non-reservation based representatives. Aim 2: Promote the training and career enhancement of student and/or faculty research scientists interested in precision medicine to address health equity issues within Tribal Nations and urban AI/AN communities. Aim 3: Support the expansion of AI/AN led precision health and medicine research infrastructure within AI/AN and Indigenous communities ensuring sustainability of precision medicine research. Aim 4: Create and evaluate culturally appropriate and locally vetted education materials and engagement assets and resources for Wisconsin AI/AN and Urban Indigenous populations and partners. Outcome: Successful achievement of these aims will provide a firm foundation for AoU research through individually designed programs that reflect the unique goals and priorities of each Tribal Organization.