American Indian Awareness
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
This week is very important to us here at Chapa-De as we observe American Indian Awareness Week. American Indian culture is and has always been critical to the history and future of our country.
Why are we raising awareness?
American Indian’s story is a major part of the development of our country, and one that many people do not realize or fully understand. Today, many basic parts of American culture pay homage to American Indian tradition, such as Thanksgiving, farming and agriculture, even the sport lacrosse. The list goes on. Learning about American Indian culture and tradition and how it has influenced our lives today is the purpose of this week.
What are we raising awareness of?
There are many aspects of American Indian history that are important to learn about and teach this week. Here are a few:
- The histories and evolutions of different tribes
- Different celebrations and rituals in American Indian tradition
- The history of American Indian women
- How American Indian traditions exist in American culture today
- Click HERE to read more about honoring American Indians this week.
How to raise awareness
There are many ways you can observe American Indian Awareness Week with us. Here are a few:
- Look into the history of Thanksgiving and understand why it’s a controversial topic for American Indians
- Research your nearby tribe and learn about who might have lived in the area before you arrived
- Attend a Pow Wow, or ceremony that consists of dancing and singing to honor their traditions and tribes from different regions
- Find Native American artists and support their work
- Watch a documentary about Native American culture
- Get involved with National Heritage Sites around the nation by visiting tribal sites
- Click HERE to read more about raising awareness this week.
In addition to educating others about American Indian culture this week, we here at Chapa-De want to emphasize the need to focus on American Indian healthcare as well.
In 1974, a study was released that showed that American Indians in California suffered from higher rates of diabetes, depression, and substance abuse. American Indians were also found to suffer from higher rates of infant mortality and have drastically shorter life expectancy rates. This study also revealed that American Indians had not had regular access to healthcare services, including basic dental care, since the 1950s.
These findings compelled a group of local American Indians to open Northern Sierra Indian Health, later to be renamed Chapa-De Indian Health. Today, Chapa-De Indian Health operates two clinics in Grass Valley and Auburn that offer a wide range of diverse health services. But the battle to raise awareness and increase efforts to help American Indians stay healthy is not over, which is why this week is so important.
Today, Chapa-De Indian Health is run by a board of five native members. In addition, a number of our staff identify as American Indian. Because of our mission and the people that make us who we are, we feel a great sense of duty to the American Indian community. We are especially proud of our communities today and this week.
Please remember Chapa-De is here to serve you. For more information please call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
American Indian Awareness
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley