About the Native Diabetes Wellness Program

The Native Diabetes Wellness Program (NDWP), is part of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation (DDT). The program goals include

1. Sharing messages (including stories and art) about traditional ways of health that are remembered, retold, and talked about where people live, work, and play.
2. Supporting sustainable ecological approaches and health practices to promote traditional foods, physical activity and social support.

The National Diabetes Wellness Program worked with CDC divisions, centers, and DDT to develop programs for improving the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Collaborative partners have included:

• American Indian and Alaska Native communities (rural and urban).
• Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee.
• Indian Health Service Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention.
• Head Start Program.
• National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
• National Institutes of Health.
• CDC’s Tribal Advisory Committee.
• Tribal colleges and universities.

Wellness Tools

The Native Diabetes Wellness Program offers:

• The Eagle Books, a set of books and tools to help educate children about wellness and diabetes prevention.
• Information on traditional foods to promote health through tradition.

Principles of Practice

• Consult tribal leadership and tribal members.
• Honor the federal responsibility to tribal nations.
• Respect and incorporate Native American science.
• Share a vision of hope.
• Honor the power of storytelling.
• Establish direct relationships with tribal nations.
• Respect the power of words—keep our word.
• Seek reciprocity and balance.
• Be grateful for our work.
• Reflect critically and deeply.
• Be accountable for our actions.
• Assure that the stories are owned by the people.

CDC Tribal Consultation Policy

Consultation Policy