Báa nnilah means providing love and nurturing through advice in the Apsáalooke language. This program helps people with chronic illnesses and those wanting to prevent illness by encouraging self-care, support, and advocacy. It was created from stories that Apsáalooke community members shared about their health and what helps and hinders health management.

The program has seven gatherings led by trusted community members who have a chronic illness and who are seen in their community as someone others turn to for advice. Topics include self-care, healthy communication, trauma and resilience, healthy food/nutrition, exercise, being in partnership with health care providers, and ends with an honoring for participants’ accomplishments.

Program structure

Target Audience: Older adults who want to learn about or improve their health. 

Health Outcomes:

• Improved self-management of chronic illnesses
• Increased knowledge and application of healthy behaviors and disease prevention both personally and among family and community
• Enhanced communication skills and improved relationships with family/friends/healthcare providers

Delivered By: One Trained Lay Leader/facilitator or Community Health Worker who is seen in their community as a trusted resource. Known in the Apsáalooke Nation as an Aakbaabaawiilea (those who give advice).

Training: The training is divided into two parts: the first focuses on the history of the program and nonprofit that developed it and general facilitation skills, and the second provides specific guidance on the Báa nnilah program and leading each of the seven gatherings. The facilitation training lasts 2–3 hours, and the Báa nnilah training takes approximately one full day, with the option to divide it over multiple days for convenience. Training can be in person or virtual.

Program Type: In-person in community

Format: Group

Length: 7 gatherings/sessions

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIAL: “I have more confidence in myself. It helps to know someone is like me. I feel more confident talking with my doctor.”

Professional Required: No

Accessibility adaptations available: No

Cultural adaptations available: Yes

Available in languages other than English: Yes. Báa nnilah has been successfully adapted and implemented with other Indigenous communities.

Topic(s):

• Physical Activity
• Healthy Food/Nutrition
• Self-care
• Being a partner with health care providers
• Trauma and Resilience
• Healthy Communication
• Non-Western goal setting

Contact: Christiane Woody info@messengersforhealth.org

Additional resources:

• Learn more about Báa nnilah.