Page 9 - July 2012

“Professional Development & Cultural Competency Training for Health Care Providers of American Indian Women” By: Christina Hicks, Community Health Coordinator On Thursday, May 31at the We then asked for the 3 witnesses Chehalis Tribal Community to come forward and give their Center’s Gathering Room, about remarks of this training. Jhon gathered for a “Professional Valencia said “the conference was Development & Cultural a big step forward to bringing Competency Training for Health awareness about women’s health Care Providers of American issues within native communities. Indian Women”, Participation It was also a courageous and of this event was Providers powerful program that touched and outreach workers from the audience deeply with the the SPIPA’s Native Women’s stories about two spirit women Wellness Program (NWWP), and their long lasting struggles various tribal programs and with discrimination. This kind invited tribal members. Providers and outreach workers from the SPIPA’s Native Women’s of event is extremely important Wellness Program (NWWP), various tribal programs and invited and necessary to educate and The day was started out with an tribal members to learn more about Cancer. improve human conditions in opening prayer done by Cindy our communities. Historically, Andy, Chehalis Elder. Everyone Cancer Research Center taught a female, and many Native American natives have been discriminated was welcomed by Rita Andrews, presentation on “What is Cancer?” cultures held places of honor for against just for who they are and NWWP Program Coordinator at and Sue Szabo, PA-C, Public people of integrated genders. that kind of attitude shouldn’t be SPIPA. Everyone was asked to Health-Seattle & King County This movie was very moving and perpetuated, especially when it introduce themselves, and then we STD Clinic and Seattle STD/ emotional and there wasn’t a dry affects our own people. called 3 witnesses, who at the end HIV Prevention Training Center, eye in sight. of the day will be called upon to provided information on “HPV Rita Andrews, NWWP Coordinator give their input to the training. The Education,” We then had a Two Spirit Panel: remarked, “I would like to express 3 witnesses were: Lorna Kalama, Julia Lea, Chandra Sims and Juliet my gratitude to the Chehalis Tribe, Chandra Sims and Jhon Valencia. In the afternoon, Karina Waters, Benado “Open discussion for participants that attended, the This training was funded by the from University of Washington, questions regarding the Two Spirit presenters, the sponsors, the NWWP CDC as a special educational event Indigenous Wellness Research experience with medical services, staff and in particular: Christina to include the Two Spirit topics. Institute “Cultural Awareness for and the strength of celebrating Hicks, NWWP Outreach Worker, for The UW~Native People for Cancer Providing Services to Two Spirit their identity, and how they told outstanding support and assistance Control provided a breakfast and American Indian Women”. We then their families about being Two in coordination this extraordinary lunch for this training. Afternoon watched the short DVD Video “Two Spirit. This was the frst time for educational event.” refreshments were provided by Spirits.” This video that interweaves them talking openly and publicly to Journey Woman. the tragic story of a mother’s loss any group, and we thank them for July is Cancer Awareness Month of her son. This gave a revealing participating and sharing with us. In the morning Katherine Briant, look at a time when the world The NWWP honored them all with “Cancer is preventable, from the Fred Hutchinson wasn’t simply divided into male and a gift. be tested early” Indian Wills and Estate Summer Time is a Perfect Planning Services Opportunity for Dental Care Indian Wills and Estate Planning currently do not have a Will. The two months of summer that we up and get their teeth cleaned Services are now being offered to all have left are going to fy quickly. or fnally schedule those fllings Chehalis Tribal Members who are Please Call Christina Hicks @ 360- Please take advantage of your that have been put on hold for a 18 years and older. 709-1741 to set up an appointment children’s time off from school while, now is the time to come see and get the paperwork needed to get and call the Chehalis Tribal Dental us. This service is without cost to started. Clinic at 360-709-1659 or 360-709- Chehalis Tribal members who 1875 and make an appointment. Looking forward to your call, Whether they need to have a check- Christina L. Rolfe, EFDA chehalistribe.org  greatwolfodge.com  luckyeagle.com  eagleslandinghotel.net Page 9