Digital “Talking Circles” Connect Indigenous Elders

To better serve its community of indigenous elders, the International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA²) developed impactful culturally tailored health outreach programs around vaccine education.  Historically, indigenous community engagement has been rooted in the tradition of talking circles, safe discussion spaces where every participant has a chance to contribute. IA² drew on this traditional concept and adapted it for the digital realm, inviting individuals from its Facebook community to participate in virtual one-on-one discussions about vaccines. From the ideas that came out of these “digital talking circles,” IA² then developed three new COVID-19 and flu vaccination communication toolkits, designed by and for indigenous populations, and also launched a new vaccination campaign. “I appreciate someone taking the time to find out what is more acceptable to the elders,” said one IA² community member about the effort. “I am very happy that you are reaching out to Natives, as Natives to Natives.”