Bridging the health equity gap for tribal nations demands culturally tailored strategies, better representation in research, and rebuilding trust. In this episode, Roxanne Alaniz highlights the critical underrepresentation of Native Americans in clinical research, stemming from issues like limited access, historical mistrust from past unethical studies, and cultural factors influencing health-seeking behaviors and perceptions of illness. She emphasizes that effective science requires diverse participation, as different populations respond uniquely to treatments. Finally, Roxanne touches on the importance of preventative care education and the power of family and community dialogue in fostering better health. Tune in and learn how fostering dialogue, understanding cultural contexts, and advocating for inclusive research can lead to better health outcomes for all!
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29:46
Interview with Gilbert Isaac and Mark Foster
What happens when sobriety journeys meet cultural practices? The result: a profound transformation that fosters trust, community, and spiritual grounding.In this episode, Gilbert Isaaca, a certified drug and alcohol counselor, and Mark Foster, a certified Wellbriety Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps facilitator, discuss the importance of culturally sensitive addiction treatment within Native American communities. They highlight practices such as mindful meditation, smudging, talk circles, and sweat lodges - and emphasize how these spiritual and cultural ceremonies foster healing, personal growth, and cultural reconnection.
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23:45
Interview with Dr. Misty Wilkie
What if the key to improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities is simply having more Indigenous voices in the room?In this episode, we talk to Dr. Misty Wilkie, a clinical associate professor, Director & Mentor for the Pathway to Doctoral Education for AI/AN Nurses, and Inaugural Director of the Center of Indigenous People, Health, and Nursing at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She shares her journey in advancing Indigenous health equity, including a pathway program that supports American Indian and Alaska Native nurses pursuing doctoral degrees. Dr. Wilkie explains how her personal story as a a young single mother fuels her passion for mentorship and community building. The program provides financial, academic, and cultural support - and is already empowering Indigenous nurses to lead change in their communities.Tune in to hear more from a true change agent in Indigenous health!
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31:39
Interview with Janice Briones-Landeros
Meet Janice Briones-Landeros, Healthcare Operations Director for United American Indian Involvement (UAII)! In this episode, she talks to us about her journey from for-profit healthcare to leading LA County’s only urban Indian organization. She explores UAII’s 51-year legacy and its comprehensive “one-stop shop” model, which provides medical, dental, behavioral, youth, housing, and workforce services while preserving a “Native way” of care. We loved hearing about Janice's innovative outreach strategies and street medicine initiatives - and how community-driven efforts during the LA fires led to the creation of a free “People’s Store.” She also highlights the integration of traditional and Western medicine and the need for clinician self-care to prevent burnout and sustain good healthcare delivery.Tune in to hear Janice's ideas on comprehensive care, community resilience, and holistic well-being!
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29:00
Interview with Rose Bear Don't Walk
Can traditional Indigenous foods and cultural practices improve community well-being? That's the focus of Rose Bear Don't Walk, a PhD candidate in Indigenous and Rural Health at Montana State University who is a health equity analyst and Account Manager at Indigenous Pact.Rose talked to us about her work with traditional Indigenous foods, healthcare equity, and holistic wellness. Growing up in the Salish and Crow communities of Montana, she developed a passion for reconnecting Indigenous people with their traditional food systems and healing the negative health impacts of colonization. Today her research highlights how traditional foods and cultural practices support well-being, while her work at Indigenous Pact focuses on improving healthcare access and advocating for whole-person care within Indigenous communities. Rose also shared the importance of having Indigenous professionals in healthcare spaces and integrating cultural knowledge into medical systems to provide equitable and effective care.Tune in to hear her insights on restoring health and culture in Indigenous communities!
Tribal Health the Podcast explores the healthcare and cultural topics that shape modern Indigenous lives, such as culture-centric care, mental health, chronic conditions, women’s health, and care disparities in the United States.
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