Indigenous Health

Belaynew Adugna Endeshaw ’23 leads projects that address his community’s health needs by blending Indigenous knowledge and local wisdom with scientific approaches. He studied traditional bone setting, which has a long history in Ethiopia, and concluded that it should be incorporated into the healthcare system due to its widespread acceptance.

Jasmine Maringmei ’24 highlights the health challenges facing India’s Indigenous communities, including high rates of malnutrition, disease, and chronic illness—worsened by isolation, discrimination, and limited access to care. Despite recommendations from the 2018 Tribal Health Report, progress is hindered by data gaps. Jasmine advocates for culturally sensitive policies and meaningful Indigenous participation in health governance to promote lasting, equitable change.

After joining Cherokee Nation Health Services as a Quality Management Nurse, Brandi Payton ’19 was promoted to Clinic Administrator within two years to help open the Cooweescoowee Health Center. She is working to expand primary care and dental services at CHC. She is an active member of the Oklahoma Nurses Association, where she helped develop the Oklahoma Indigenous Nurses Association.

Sara Selig ’17 co-founded the Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment Program, which aims to promote health equity among American Indian and Alaska Native communities. One method they use is the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, which encourages healthy eating by collaborating with healthcare providers and local Native retailers.