**Forthcoming in Progress in Community Health Partnerships (PCHP) 20.2. All rights reserved.**
ABSTRACT
Background: Western and biomedically oriented mental health interventions are often influenced by colonial frameworks, emphasizing individual deficits and overlooking cultural and community dimensions of care.
Objective: The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) partnered with community-based researchers to strengthen culturally grounded wellness services and programs.
Method: The NunatuKavut Mental Wellness Initiative, a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) project, explored and promoted mental wellness among NunatuKavut Inuit. Guided by Inuit storytelling, we conducted sharing circles and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an electronic survey.
Lessons Learned: A grassroots CBPR approach allowed adaptation during COVID-19 while maintaining storytelling as a central method. Three key lessons emerged: 1) flexibility is essential in response to unexpected events, 2) adapting methods ensures engagement without overburdening participants, and 3) meaningful community involvement is central to program relevance.
Conclusions: Despite challenges, Inuit-led, culturally grounded methods supported wellness promotion. These reflections may serve as a guide for others in adapting CBPR projects to changing contexts.