# Navajo Genetic Toolkit: A Culturally Tailored Guide for Engagement and Oversight of Genetic Research

> **NIH NIH S06** · DINE' COLLEGE · 2021 · $109,437

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 The Navajo Nation is currently re-examining a moratorium on genetic research studies to adopt a
policy to permit certain types of genetic research. Navajo people suffer disproportionately from high rates of
genetic diseases and disorders and experience more health disparities compared to the general population.
Due in part to underrepresentation in genetic research studies, there has been limited research on genetic
diseases and disorders, treatment, and prevention. There is a need for culturally-tailored guidance for Navajo
people and policy makers to understand, assess, and evaluate proposed genetic research with the Navajo
community.
 The proposed project will develop and test the effectiveness of multiple resources aimed at increasing
genetics knowledge and ways to assess proposed genetic studies. First, we will develop a genetic toolkit and
glossary of terminology to enhance the ways in which Navajo people and Navajo Nation Human Research
Review Board (NNHRRB) assess genetic research along with tools to discuss and understand the concepts.
Second, we will create digital content for the Navajo community regarding genetic research protocols and
education, thereby strengthening the evaluation and assessment of appropriate genetic research while
integrating cultural considerations. Third, we will develop a framework to orient concepts about genetics based
on fundamentals of Navajo culture and philosophy to engage traditional people and the community on genetic
research. Finally, we will host a conference to engage the larger Navajo community in all of the tools that we
develop and in deeper discussions about genetics. The project will solicit specific feedback from cultural
experts as well as medical professionals to articulate salient ethical, cultural, and social implications of genetic
research in the development of materials to support broader public discussions about the risks and benefits of
genetic research in the Navajo Nation.
 The overall goal of this project is to develop tools to improve how Navajo people converse about
genetics, thus allowing for more discussions that could strengthen knowledge and robust guidance for
assessing genetic research protocols. We hypothesize that culturally-informed tools will increase uptake in
how people use materials, thus increasing public understanding about genetics and empowering individuals
to engage in meaningful discussions about genetics and research participation. The unique features of this
work are the incorporation of Navajo understandings of genetics as well as extensive community input and
community- engaged research. The lead investigators and vast majority of the research team are enrolled
members of the Navajo tribe. This work can foster the Navajo Nation in discussions about genetics and these
tools may be adapted by other tribes, thus having potential significant impact on the rest of Indian Country.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10223751
- **Project number:** 1S06GM142121-01
- **Recipient organization:** DINE' COLLEGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Katrina G Claw
- **Activity code:** S06 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $109,437
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-23 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10223751

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10223751, Navajo Genetic Toolkit: A Culturally Tailored Guide for Engagement and Oversight of Genetic Research (1S06GM142121-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10223751. Licensed CC0.

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