Buzz Off Cousin: Protecting Our Communities from Mosquito-Borne Illness
At The Raven Collective, we know that the health of our communities is deeply connected to the land, waters, and all living beings. This summer, we partnered with the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB) to launch the Buzz Off Cousin campaign — a culturally tailored public health initiative aimed at preventing mosquito-borne illnesses in Tribal communities across California.
Why This Matters
Mosquitoes are more than a seasonal nuisance — they can carry diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, and other illnesses that can cause serious health problems. Climate change, shifting weather patterns, and standing water from seasonal rains have created the perfect conditions for mosquitoes to thrive in many Tribal regions. Protecting our communities means taking proactive steps to keep mosquitoes — and the illnesses they spread — at bay.
A Culturally Rooted Approach
The Buzz Off Campaign blends modern public health strategies with cultural storytelling and imagery that resonate in Indigenous communities. CRIHB and The Raven Collective worked together to design coloring sheets, sticker sheets, yard signs, posters and more that not only share prevention tips, but also highlight the interconnectedness of human health and the natural world.
From artwork featuring wrens, dragonflies and mosquitofish to messages rooted in reciprocity and care for the next generations, the campaign reminds us that keeping our environment healthy and balanced is a form of community protection.
Prevention is Power
The Buzz Off Campaign encourages simple but effective prevention steps:
Eliminate standing water around homes and gathering spaces.
Use mosquito fish in ponds to naturally control larvae.
Wear long sleeves and pants in mosquito-heavy areas.
Use repellents safely on skin and clothing.
Check screens and doorways to keep mosquitoes outside.
These actions, when done together, form a strong shield — much like a circle of relatives protecting one another.
Centering Youth and Families
One of the most joyful parts of this campaign is its focus on youth engagement. The coloring sheets invite children to learn while they play, sparking conversations with parents and grandparents about the importance of prevention. Stickers serve as fun, visible reminders that mosquito control is everyone’s responsibility.
Looking Ahead
The Buzz Off Campaign is more than a one-time effort — it’s part of a broader commitment to building Tribal health resilience through culturally meaningful education. By blending Indigenous knowledge with modern science, we ensure our communities have the tools and confidence to protect themselves from preventable illnesses.
As summer unfolds and mosquito season continues, we invite everyone to join us: take action, share the campaign, and help your community keep mosquitoes away for good. They may be our relatives, but they are not invited!