COVID-19 Resilience in Indigenous Communities: A Community Capitals Approach

Authors

Kristin A. Drexler, American Public University SystemFollow
Michelle Watts, American Public University SystemFollow
Casey Skvorc, American Public University SystemFollow
Bridget Kimsey, American Public UniversityFollow

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on rural American Indian/Alaska Native communities. During our multi-year study, in-depth interview data was collected in Indigenous communities from over 160 Tribal leaders and members in Alaska, New Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. In interviews, participants shared their lived experience during the pandemic, both negative impacts and factors of resilience. This article focuses on the methodology and theoretical framework of Community Capitals Framework (CCF). Using CCF, interview data was coded and analyzed using a modified CCF model. Our study aims to better understand how Indigenous communities and leaders drew on human and socio-cultural assets to influence innovation and resilience during the pandemic.

Recommended Citation

Drexler, Kristin A.; Watts, Michelle; Skvorc, Casey; and Kimsey, Bridget (2025) "COVID-19 Resilience in Indigenous Communities: A Community Capitals Approach," Journal of Indigenous Research: Vol. 13: Iss. 2025, Article 6.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/kicjir/vol13/iss2025/6