Promoting Healthy Indigenous Communities: The Resilience Roles of Indigenous Cultures and Traditional Practice

Purpose: Health disparities are significant issues in Taiwan, especially between indigenous populations and the majority Han populations. Indigenous peoples have a higher mortality rate than Han populations with lower life expectancy that is 8.9 years lower than the national average. Although facing numerous health challenges, many Taiwanese indigenous peoples still show strengths and positive health outcomes. However, the preponderance of Taiwanese indigenous people’s research focuses on determinants of indigenous health disparities or pathological outcomes. Few studies use a strength-based perspective to investigate resilience factors among indigenous communities in Taiwan that can mitigate health disparities. This current study explores the existing resilience factors among Taiwanese indigenous communities that can promote their health, with a special attention on a specific indigenous tribe.

Methods: Data & Sample: This study used a community-engagement approach that involves collaborating with an indigenous tribe. Analysis drew on qualitative data from 30 indigenous tribal members (20-83 years) who live in a rural locale in the East Taiwan. Participants included tribal leaders, elders, adults and young adults.

Analysis:Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the existing resilience factors among the indigenous tribal communities. We conducted inductive thematic analysis approach to analyze transcripts. The approach involved both within- and cross-case analysis to identify major themes. To provide cultural validity, findings were reviewed with tribal leaders as they were developed.

Results: Findings indicated socioeconomic status, discrimination and historical trauma are major social and historical determinants of indigenous health disparities. Participants also mentioned that many tribal people still demonstrate resilience to promote healthy tribal communities when faced with social-economic and historical challenges.  Three major themes regarding existing indigenous resilience emerged: 1) relationship and responsibilities with other tribal members, 2) the role of spirituality and traditional healing, and 3) the practice of traditional hunting culture. Strong relationship with other tribal members came with responsibility to take care of self and others that is an important tribal health value. Spirituality and traditional healing play major roles to promote tribal people’s health or prevent them from health-risk behaviors. Participants also emphasized that traditional hunting practices not only bolster tribal people’s physical health but also improve their mental well-being through reconnecting themselves with mountain lands as well as spirits of ancestors of the lands.

Conclusions and Implications: Findings suggest indigenous cultures and traditions as crucial resilience factors among Taiwanese indigenous tribal communities to promote their health. For improving indigenous health and well-being, health intervention or prevention programs in Taiwan should embed indigenous resilience factors to develop strength-based community programs.