This episode, Traditional Food Program Successes at Urban Indian Organizations, provides a deep dive into traditional food programming at Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), expanding on themes from the previous episode. Drawing from NCUIH’s 2024 report and interviews with various health care providers and leaders, hosts Nahla Holland (Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation), research associate at NCUIH, and Alex Sampson (Lumbee), federal relations associate at NCUIH, examine how UIOs are incorporating traditional foods into services such as nutritional counseling, community gardens, and educational opportunities.

Nutritional counseling varies widely across UIOs, with some offering large group sessions that include cooking demonstrations and Native chef partnerships; others provide more personalized or small group support tailored to specific health conditions. These programs promote better physical health and foster cultural reconnection, social support, and emotional well-being—key elements of holistic Indigenous health care.

The conversation continues with a look at community gardens, which serve as a valuable extension of health care by providing fresh, culturally significant produce while promoting physical activity, mental wellness, and community engagement. Gardens offer UIOs flexibility in tailoring traditional recipes to what’s seasonally available and help reduce feelings of isolation. The episode also highlights emerging food and produce prescription programs, where patients receive access to fresh foods through prescriptions from health care providers.

Holland and Sampson highlight the importance of making traditional foods both accessible and culturally relevant within UIOs. While nutritious produce is often available through external food assistance or prescription programs, they stressed that these offerings may not align with Native communities’ cultural food practices or be easy to incorporate into daily meals. UIOs emphasized that direct and consistent access to traditional foods is crucial in addressing both food insecurity and chronic diseases. Programs like the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) were praised for offering culturally informed, community-based approaches to diabetes care. These programs shift the focus from restrictive Western diets to encouraging the inclusion of traditional, nourishing foods, which leads to better health outcomes such as lower blood pressure, reduced A1C levels, and weight management.

Beyond clinical outcomes, the podcast explores how traditional food programming nurtures cultural, emotional, and social well-being. UIOs are creating engaging events like cooking classes, “Chopped”-style competitions, traditional food bingo, and storytelling meals, which foster a deeper connection to cultural identity and community. Some UIOs even provide tangible resources like juicers, gym memberships, and educational materials to support healthy behaviors. The underlying theme across all these efforts is education—not just on disease management but also on traditions, preparation methods, and the nutritional value of ancestral foods. Learn more at https://ncuih.org/research/third-party-billing/#traditionalfood.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), director of communications and events, and introduced by River Carroll, MLS (Cheyenne and Arapaho), policy and communications associate at NCUIH. 

In this episode, hosts Nahla Holland (Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation), research associate at NCUIH, and Alex Sampson (Lumbee), federal relations associate at NCUIH, discuss traditional foods for American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) people, including the way food is considered, the policies supporting access to traditional foods, and foods integral to Indigenous people.

Nahla kicks off the conversation by sharing traditional foods important to the Eastern Pequot Tribe and explains that traditional foods vary from tribe to tribe, as well as the physical properties and benefits of Indigenous food. Food is also a cultural and spiritual connection to the land and facilitates social connection.

The highest rates of food insecurity in the last decade are among AI/AN people because of a lack of access and a possible disconnect from social programs. The relief from historical government distribution programs included food that wasn’t Indigenous to Tribal lands. These included processed flour and canned goods. Traditional foods have nutrients which protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health diseases. Indigenous food also reconnects one with the culture through hunting, fishing, gathering, and farming. Gathering food is a social event that connects people with community.

Next, the conversation shifts to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and traditional food programs. UIOs are integrating traditional foods into health care through four specific programs: nutritional counseling, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), community gardens, and food prescriptions.

Federal agencies have taken steps to address food insecurity for AI/AN people. There is a USDA indigenous food sovereignty initiative that uplifts and supports traditional food. It is available for free on the USDA website, and it also includes child nutrition programs. IHS has also launched the pilot program, but more funding is needed to continue these programs. These programs will continue to increase healthy change in Indigenous people, connecting AI/AN people to their culture, ancestry, and people. Visit https://ncuih.org/traditional/#2024 for NCUIH’s 2024 report, “Thematic Analysis of Traditional Food Programs at Urban Indian Organizations and Research on Traditional Healing (Summer 2024).”

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), director of communications and events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), policy and communications associate at NCUIH.

In this episode, host Jessica Gilbertson, director of communications and events at the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), interviews NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier about the need for sustainable funding for behavioral health programming in Indian Country and NCUIH’s new “Investing in Wellness” toolkit. The conversation covers the state of behavioral health care in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and prospective future funding ideas. AI/AN communities experience higher rates of alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and suicide, yet continue to lack adequate funding.

Behavioral health services are funded through a combination of public and private insurance and grants tend to be restricted and short-term. In addition, Traditional Healing programs are often not recognized or adequately funded. NCUIH’s “Investing in Wellness” toolkit was built by voices across Native communities. The toolkit includes a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, funding options, actionable strategies including optimizing Medicaid reimbursement, and a comprehensive resource guide. Visit NCUIH.org/InvestingInWellness to access the toolkit.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), director of communications and events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), policy and communications associate at NCUIH.

This episode looks at why youth engagement is essential. Guest speakers with extensive experience in mental health advocacy and youth engagement join Liz Best, manager of technical assistance at NCUIH. Colby Coughlin is a project director for the Tribal Opioid Response Project and Thrive, a suicide prevention initiative at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Shane Lopez-Johnson is the Thrive 988 project director at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, where he and his team work to inform and educate Northwest Tribes about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline and improve intertribal communications. Adan Vazquez is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a Detroit-based youth suicide prevention advocate, and an inaugural member of NCUIH’s Youth Council.

The discussion begins with why youth engagement is critical in mental health programming. Young people must have a voice in shaping protective and risk factors related to mental health. Because youth influence their peers, their involvement in curriculum development and program planning ensures that the strategies they learn resonate with their communities. Without youth buy-in, mental health initiatives may lack effectiveness. When youth feel empowered to ask for help, they become more likely to use available services, reducing stigma and improving long-term mental health outcomes.

The conversation shifts to strategies for engaging Native youth in mental health programs. Colby discusses how the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board serves 43 federally recognized Tribes across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Mental health consistently ranks as a top priority among Tribal communities, reinforcing the need for targeted programming. One major initiative is the We Are Native project, which is dedicated to Native youth by Native youth. This program started as a text messaging service where users receive motivational messages, contest opportunities, and mental health resources. It has since expanded into a widely recognized social media platform with international reach. The Thrive Youth Conference empowers youth by transforming personal struggles into creative expression. Another key initiative is the Native Youth Conference, held annually at Portland State University. This event brings together Native youth for workshops on mental health, leadership, and community building. The conference provides an opportunity to empower young people, giving them tools to advocate for themselves and their communities.

The discussion ends with the importance of integrating cultural teachings into mental health and prevention programs. Healing involves active participation through movement, traditional practices, or creative expression. This approach aligns with the philosophy that medicine is not just pharmaceuticals but also cultural practices like sage and sweetgrass ceremonies. By engaging in traditional activities, youth build resilience and develop a stronger sense of identity. Adan introduces his work with the Sacred Bundle Project, an initiative housed within the American Indian Health and Family Services organization. This project is unique as it is the only Urban Indian Organization serving Michigan, where a significant Native population resides.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), director of communications and events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), policy and communications associate at NCUIH.

Tune in to the NCUIH Native HealthCast for a conversation on the importance of marketing for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). Jessica Gilbertson, Director of Communications and Events, and Carmen Toft, Associate Director of Communications and Events, discuss the importance of promoting UIOs in a competitive health care landscape to ensure communities and patients are aware of the valuable services they offer. Discover how effective marketing tactics can lead to improved health outcomes and learn effective strategies to advance urban Indigenous health care. Listen as our hosts outline the basics, list best practices, and share opportunities for cost-effective and easy wins.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

This episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast delves into the crucial topic of civic engagement and social determinants of health (SDOH). The discussion between hosts Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy & Communications, and Jeremy Grabiner, Interim Congressional Relations Director, highlights how non-medical factors can significantly influence health outcomes in urban Indigenous communities. From access to housing, clean water, and nutritious food to the impact of voting on physical and mental health, this episode explores the intricate relationship between social conditions and well-being.

Political decisions can significantly influence SDOHs. Research shows that increased voter engagement correlates with better health outcomes. Addressing these disparities through civic participation can break the cycle of biased health policies perpetuating existing health disparities. Efforts by voting rights organizations are crucial in raising awareness and advocating for equitable voting access. Initiatives like integrating voter registration services into health facilities, led by the Biden administration, aim to make voting more accessible. By designating Urban Indian Organizations as National Voter Registration Act sites, individuals accessing health care services can register to vote easily.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.

In this episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast, Alexandra Payan, JD, federal relations manager, and Nahla Holland (Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation), research associate, explore how traditional healing practices can intertwine with Western health care systems, spotlighting the tangible positive impact of traditional healing on health outcomes at Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). Throughout the discussion, Alexandra and Nahla discuss the different types of traditional healing services utilized at UIOs, underscoring their pivotal role in cultural preservation and community well-being. They conclude by candidly addressing the pressing issue of funding constraints faced by UIOs in sustaining these invaluable services.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events at NCUIH.

Tune in to the episode of the NCUIH Native Healthcast, where we delve into topics that impact urban Indigenous communities. In this episode, NCUIH hosts River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate, Tiffani Stark, MHA, Public Health Manager, and Myca Grant Hunthrop, MPH, Public Health Project Coordinator, discuss the public health campaign, “Be a Good Relative” which focuses on vaccine equity and initiatives within urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Join the conversation as they share what made the campaign successful in encouraging vaccination against COVID-19 and how NCUIH later expanded the campaign to include flu and RSV vaccines.

The NCUIH Native Healthcast is produced by Jessica Gilbertson, MPA (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Director of Communications and Events, and introduced by River Carroll (Cheyenne and Arapaho), Policy and Communications Associate at NCUIH.