American Indian Adolescent Perspectives on COVID-19 Impacts Within Great Plains Area Reservations.

This article examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents' education and overall well-being in three rural Tribal communities in the Great Plains. Using qualitative methods and Indigenous talking circles with 14 adolescents aged 14 to 18, the study identified six key themes: disruptions to social networks, decreased physical activity, emotional well-being challenges, reliance on gaming for social connection, varied responses of reservation schools to COVID-19, and difficulties with virtual learning. While participants reported negative effects such as social isolation and academic struggles, family support and gaming emerged as important protective factors. The findings highlight the need for culturally responsive care and community-informed strategies to support resilience and healthy development among AI/AN youth in rural reservation settings.