“Wherever I Go, I Have It Inside of Me”: Indigenous Cultural Dance Narratives as Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention in an Urban Danza Mexica Community

Abstract

Introduction“Mexican American Indian” (MAI) is a large and diverse population for which little empirical research on alcohol and other drug (AOD) use and HIV is available, yet for which there is a disproportionate risk. Indigenous health narratives and participation in place- and settings-based cultural practices can be protective in chronic and co-occurring disease prevention and health promotion for Indigenous people. This study explores the role of participation in cultural dance in generating narratives of prevention and health promotion among a sample of MAIs from an Urban Danza Mexica Community (UDMC), framed within a decolonizing narratives of health (DNOH) model.MethodsThis secondary data analysis (n = 9) is drawn from a qualitative AOD and HIV health needs assessment of UDMC living in the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountain West (n = 21). This study uses a community-based participatory research approach and employs narrative, Indigenized methods to analyze in-depth interviews from adult cisgender females (n = 5) and males (n = 4). The DNOH model is developed as a relational, analytic framework that contextualizes Indigenous stories in relationship to three distinct yet interconnected levels—the personal, the communal, and Indigeneity in the larger world. These levels of narrative analysis function as culturally grounded, relational pathways through which to articulate health education and promotion approaches.ResultsNarratives delve into the complex and nuanced relationships within participants' internal worlds (personal), between themselves and their Danza community (communal), and between themselves and their complex, intersectional Indigenous identities within society (Indigeneity). Stories of ancestral teachings about health and prevention shared within the Danza circle create spaces wherein participants navigate complex conversations that resist oppressive colonial narratives, reconnect with and strengthen their Indigenous identities, and strive toward ancestral visions of health and well-being.DiscussionThis study contributes to Indigenized theoretical and methodological expansion and the development of place/settings-based, narrative, cultural health interventions aimed at preventing chronic and co-occurring disease and promoting wellness among populations similar to the UDMC. Identifying cultural practices as Native Hubs (relational, socially constructed places) that foster decolonizing narratives helps increase understanding of their role in public health education and promotion through recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems and frameworks.

Ethnic discrimination, acculturative stress, and sexual risk among Latinx emerging adults: Examining moderation effects of familism support and ethnic identity.

“…Our findings suggest that familism support and ethnic identity are targeted intervention points in sexual risk prevention efforts for LEA who experience acculturative stress. Clinical practice strategies could include assessment questions and treatment plans that account for discrimination and acculturation-related stressors, as well as familism and ethnic identity as potential protective factors (Fernandez & Beltrán, 2022). Tailoring sexual and reproductive health interventions for LEA can increase effectiveness of interventions (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2020).…”

“…Using culturally informed, historically situated theoretical frameworks (Krieger, 2011; Krieger et al, 2010; Ramírez García, 2019) can drive more equitable policy interventions, such as funding community development projects and programs that center culturally relevant protective factors for LEA (Fernandez & Beltrán, 2022). These frameworks highlight structural factors influencing predictors while accounting for Latinx heterogeneity.…”

“…Content may be shared at no cost, but any requests to reuse this content in part or whole must go through the American Psychological Association. include assessment questions and treatment plans that account for discrimination and acculturation-related stressors, as well as familism and ethnic identity as potential protective factors (Fernandez & Beltrán, 2022). Tailoring sexual and reproductive health interventions for LEA can increase effectiveness of interventions (Guilamo-Ramos et al, 2020).…”

Like Water, We Re-Member: A Conceptual Model of Identity (Re)formation through Cultural Reclamation for Indigenous Peoples of Mexico in the United States

“…Indigenous communities living with contested identity labels and a diverse range of related experiences share commonalities in how they maintain and transport connections to land, culture, and memory and create their own ways of preserving and passing on cultural ties and practices (Alberto 2017;Fernandez and Beltrán 2022;Casanova et al 2016). For Indigenous peoples, connection to their original land and place is central to identity, self, purpose, and overall worldview (Walters et al 2011;Beltrán et al 2018;Casanova et al 2016;Clarke and Yellow Bird 2021;Fernandez 2019). Cultivating spaces of connection and practicing place-based traditions in new spaces has helped communities maintain a connection to their original lands while resisting forces of assimilation and colonization (Fernandez and Beltrán 2022;Casanova et al 2016;Fernandez 2019).…”

“…For Indigenous peoples, connection to their original land and place is central to identity, self, purpose, and overall worldview (Walters et al 2011;Beltrán et al 2018;Casanova et al 2016;Clarke and Yellow Bird 2021;Fernandez 2019). Cultivating spaces of connection and practicing place-based traditions in new spaces has helped communities maintain a connection to their original lands while resisting forces of assimilation and colonization (Fernandez and Beltrán 2022;Casanova et al 2016;Fernandez 2019). For Indigenous people disconnected from family, culture, tribe, or community, enculturation, reclamation of Indigenous languages and traditions, and positive cultural identity promote health and well-being and identity formation (Beltrán et al 2020;Fernandez and Beltrán 2022;Beltrán et al 2023;Evans-Campbell 2008;Fernandez 2019;Gone 2011;Masotti et al 2023;Walters and Simoni 2002).…”