University of Michigan
The goal of this study is to examine whether a place-based, community-led, and culturally grounded Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) intervention can prevent and reduce interpersonal community violence (ICV) among youth living on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The study will evaluate The Wancantognaka Project (The Generosity Project; TGP), which combines community-led environmental improvement projects with culturally grounded youth programming. Youth ages 13-19 will participate in sessions led by Lakota Elders, Traditional Healers, and/or Traditional Knowledge Keepers focused on leadership, cultural teachings, community engagement, and implementing projects to improve community spaces. The primary aims of the study are to: (1) Develop and implement TGP in partnership with community members; (2) Assess implementation, community acceptance, perceived impact, and costs; (3) Examine whether TGP increases protective factors and reduces risk factors for interpersonal violence among youth in the intervention community compared to youth in a similar comparison community not receiving the intervention; and (4) Examine whether TGP reduces rates of community violence compared to the comparison community.
Interpersonal community violence (ICV), including physical assaults, violence between groups, and threats or use of weapons, is a significant public health concern among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, including youth. Lakota youth living on the Pine Ridge Reservation face substantial challenges related to community violence. Despite growing knowledge about factors associated with community violence, research evaluating culturally grounded violence prevention approaches in Tribal communities remains limited. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a promisi…
Inclusion Criteria: * Must be between the ages of 13 to 19 * Must live in or spend the majority of their time in the Treatment or Control Community. Exclusion Criteria: * NOT between the ages of 13 to 19 * DO NOT live in or spend the majority of their time in the Treatment or Control Community.
The Wancantognaka Project (The Generosity Project; TGP) for Treatment Community will involve programming sessions for youth taught by Lakota Elders, Traditional Healers, and/or Traditional Knowledge Keepers. TGP will also involve planning and implementing CPTED projects in residential areas. Example CPTED projects include building inipis (sweat lodges) for ceremony and culturally-grounded murals.