Building Bridges: Using Data to Improve Service-Learning Experiences With a Chippewa Cree Community

Background and objectives: Cultural competency and awareness are imperative to building trust and relationships between tribal members and non-native health care providers. The Chippewa Cree leaders in Northern Montana and Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) collaborated to establish a service-learning opportunity focused on providing a children's summer day-camp, Camp Mi-yo-mah-chi-wi-n (“to be well ”). The purpose of this project was to assess cultural competency among graduate nursing students, identify evidence-based curriculums for future academic-community activities, and demonstrate a mutually agreed on mental health model for future camps. Methods: Eleven graduate nursing students and Chippewa Cree volunteers participated in a two-group, post-camp experience survey and key informant session at the conclusion of the initial youth camp. Results: The results indicated a positive and meaningful camp experience among all participants, indicating that the academic-community partnership should be cultivated and sustained. Graduate nursing student participants reported the need for enhanced cultural knowledge and understanding and a desire to ensure culturally competent care in collaboration with tribal volunteers. Conclusion: Service learning is an effective way to fortify academic-clinical partnerships that are mutually beneficial with inclusion of student preparation emphasizing knowledge, beliefs and cultural competency.