United Indian Health Services

11/27/2025

11/26/2025

Tips On Tuesdays: Adding Native Thanksgiving Foods

As we gather with friends and family at this year’s thanksgiving table it is a good time to reflect on how native foods have become part of this holiday tradition. It is also an opportunity to try some new dishes that are indigenous to this country that maybe you are not used to eating during this annual feast.

You can start off your meal with a savory pumpkin soup. Add onions, leeks and shallots, all ingredients indigenous to this land, to compliment the natural sweetness of the pumpkin. Flavor with salt and pepper to your taste. You can try giving it a spicy kick by adding some cayenne powder as well.

The centerpiece of most thanksgiving meals is the turkey which is indeed a traditional native food. The stuffing on the other hand is more of a modern recipe made with ingredients that we have available today, mainly flour for the breaded croutons used. To make it more traditional try using a cornbread based formula that incorporates corn which was much more widely used by native peoples.

Side dishes are another area where you can add a native flair. Wild rice is a nutritious grain that is wonderfully nutty and crunchy. You can add a three-sister’s salad of corn, beans and squash for a very nutritious addition to your meal. Make a vinaigrette based dressing to bring out the natural flavors. Don’t forget the side of cranberry sauce (whole or jelly), another native staple.

Some of your favorite thanksgiving desserts all have native roots. Apple, pecan and pumpkin pie all use ingredients originally found in this part of the world and enjoyed by native peoples. Make mine with extra whipped cream please.

For more information and resources please got to:

VIDEO-American Indian Museum Celebrates Thanksgiving
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJmxnIbAMPY

VIDEO-Cooking With Indigenous Ingredients: A Day With The Sioux Chef
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvwgf6NAdNw

Seven Native American Chefs Share Thanksgiving Recipes
https://tinyurl.com/NativeThanksgivingFoods

11/22/2025

Dear Doctor Coyote,

Many members of my family have suffered from diabetes. I was just diagnosed with pre-diabetes. What more can you tell me about this dangerous disease and how I can improve my health? Signed, Trying to Change.

Dear Trying to Change,

According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) “American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults are almost 3 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes compared to White adults.” Having diabetes comes with a number of health-related risks such as blindness, amputation due to poor circulation, doubling your risk of stroke, kidney failure, and dialysis. Statistically, the AI/AN population has among the highest rates of diabetes, and related health complications, of any group in the world. Experts believe this higher rate reflects how quickly our communities were forced to shift from traditional, active ways of living and eating to modern diets and lifestyles that don’t match how our bodies learned to thrive over centuries.

November has been proclaimed as National Diabetes Awareness Month and this is a good chance to learn more about this disease that impacts so many AI/AN people. Take this opportunity to find out facts about diabetes and what you can do to reduce its impact on your life. The theme for this year’s observance is “Take Charge of Tomorrow,” and it encourages all of us to make changes to improve our overall health and diet.

According to the Mayo clinic there are 5 things you can do to improve your health in the face of diabetes:

1. Be more physically active – even simple daily walking helps lower blood sugar and build strength.
2. Eat healthy, fiber-rich plant foods – think leafy greens, beans, berries, and root vegetables that grow well around us.
3. Choose healthy unsaturated fats – like salmon (rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids), avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
4. Avoid high-carbohydrate processed foods – especially those that come in boxes and packaging or have added sugars.
5. Skip fad diets – instead, focus on steady, sustainable changes that fit your life and culture.
6. These habits together can help you lose extra weight naturally, which in turn improves blood sugar and heart health.

For more complete information on these recommendations go to: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-prevention/art-20047639

Suffice it to say you have a lot of control in your own hands when it comes to diabetes. If you focus your efforts you can help turn around the things that have led to your diagnosis of pre-diabetes. Many Native people feel a sense of hopeless about diabetes, like it is inevitable because of your family and community history, but by making changes in your lifestyle you can fight back against this disease that has plagued American Indians and Alaska Natives. Our bodies remember the old ways — hunting, gathering, moving, fasting. It’s only modern snacks that confuse the wisdom in our genes.

Signed, Dr. Coyote-Who Will Take Any Reason To Eat More Salmon

For more information and resources please go to:

VIDEO: We Can Prevent Diabetes - Native Americans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpDQrkOZUTk

VIDEO: Importance of Culturally Appropriate Care for Native Americans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDXs0Rtqn8
Advancing Diabetes Prevention and Control in American Indians and Alaska Natives
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9924140/

Indian Health Service-Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
https://www.ihs.gov/diabetes/

Improving Health in Indian Country-Diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/health-equity/health-american-indian.html

American Diabetes Association:
https://diabetes.org/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes

11/21/2025

On Saturday, November 22, we will gather for International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. A day when those who have lost someone to su***de can come together to find understanding, connection, and hope. This event offers a compassionate space to share stories, honor loved ones and support one another.

We will feature guidance and teaching by Dr. Gina Belton focused on healing, resilience, and the strength found in community.

Join us at Potawot Health Village, 1600 Weeot Way, Arcata, from 10am to 2pm. Coffee and tea will be available.
Register at arcata-california.isosld.afsp.org

11/20/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and uplift the family members, friends, and community members who care for loved ones across Indian Country. In American Indian and Alaska Native communities, caregiving is more than a responsibility — it is a reflection of our values, traditions, and deep respect for our elders and families.

“Caregiving taught me the true essence of strength, purpose, and resilience. Though the journey was not easy, ensuring our loved one could remain at home in their final days was an honor beyond measure—one that will stay with us always,” said Acting Deputy Director for Management Operations Dr. Rose Weahkee.

Family caregivers embody love, strength, and resilience. This month, we honor their compassion and encourage caregivers to care for themselves, too. Read more in the IHS Blog: https://bit.ly/4hX0X93

Learn more about caregiver support and resources from the Indian Health Service:

👉 IHS Elder Care Program: https://www.ihs.gov/dccs/eldercare/
👉 IHS Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Resources: https://www.ihs.gov/alzheimers/alztraining/otherresources/

11/19/2025

Every third Thursday in November is the Great American Smokeout, this year it is on November 20. This is a day, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, to challenge people to try quitting on that day and to implement a plan to remain ni****ne free. Remember that smokeless to***co such as chew or s***f and va**ng are NOT healthy alternatives to smoking ci******es. For more information on the Smokeout and quitting resources go to https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/to***co/great-american-smokeout.html

According to the Truth Initiative “American Indians and Alaska Natives use to***co more than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.” Smoking takes a toll on every major organ in the human body. It increases your risk for cancer, heart disease and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease, death and disability.

By quitting now, you are giving yourself, your family and your friends a great gift. Plus, you will not be responsible for second hand smoke that can harm others. With a pack of ci******es now costing upwards of $10 thinking of how much money you will save.

American Indians have a cultural practice of using to***co as a sacred medicine. For many tribes, to***co used in ceremony, prayer, and offerings. It is not used recreationally is given as an offering to the Creator and to the earth. The commercial to***co that causes disease is heavily processed, filled with additives and ni****ne levels far beyond anything in traditional plants. Returning to the original respect for to***co as medicine, not habit can help guide the healing process of quitting.

For more information and resources please go to the following links:
VIDEO-American Lung Association: Smoking Cessation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA2RQLygZx0

VIDEO: Traditional To***co Use
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXFPBD6k73I

https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/i-want-to-quit/how-to-quit-smoking

https://keepitsacred.itcmi.org/

https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/smoking.html

https://www.cancer.org/healthy/stay-away-from-to***co/great-american-smokeout.html

https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2017/11/gaso/

https://www.undo.org/

https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/targeted-communities/to***co-use-american-indianalaska-native-community

11/18/2025

In honor of Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, all UIHS clinics and offices will be closed on Thurs Nov 27, Fri Nov 28, and Sat Nov 29th. 🦃❤️ This is a time for family, friends, gratitude and honoring the resilience and culture of Native peoples. We hope you’re able to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and take time for rest and connection.

11/18/2025

⚠️ ByHeart Recall Notice – Please Read

ByHeart has issued a recall of specific lots of Infant Formula due to an ongoing infant botulism investigation.
• Do not use the recalled formula - discard or return it to the place of purchase.
• Wash any items or surfaces that may have touched the recalled formula with hot, soapy water.
• Seek medical help immediately If your infant consumed ByHeart formula and is showing symptoms such as:
Poor feeding - Loss of head control - Difficulty swallowing - Decreased facial expression.
Symptoms of infant botulism can take weeks to appear.
Refund Information >> Orders placed on ByHeart.com on or after October 1, 2025 are eligible for a refund. Please call 866-201-9069 - support is available 24/7. Learn more at https://byheart.com

11/15/2025

23rd Annual UIHS American Indian Winter Arts & Crafts Fair. Saturday December 6, 2025, 10: a.m. - 5:00 p.m., UIHS Potawot Health Village. Please join us at the UIHS Potawot Health Village located at 1600 Weeot Way, off Janes Road in Arcata, CA in celebration of the season and in support of local American Indian artists.

11/15/2025

Dear Dr. Coyote,

What can you tell me about the mushrooms that are gathered at this time of year.

Signed,
Hungry for Traditional Food

Dear Hungry, with more rain coming down on us now is the time mushrooms are ready to be harvested. The kind that is most usually gathered locally are tan oak or matsutake mushrooms. These fungi have a unique, slightly spicy, aroma that reminds some of cinnamon. These mushrooms are enjoyed by local tribal people and harvested in our traditional homelands.

Go out to your favorite mushroom gathering site during a break between rain storms and go scavenging for this delicious treat. Look around the roots of fir trees as these are where matsutakes like to grow. Keep any eye out for the whitish brown speckled flesh of the mushroom peeking out from the soil. Matsutake mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, protein, copper, potassium, zinc and selenium. All essential minerals to a healthy diet. They are also a good source of beneficial fiber.

Pull up the mushroom or you can cut it along the ground if you like. Be sure and fill in any holes with dirt and other forest floor materials so next year’s crop has a good head start. Knock off any stray dirt and put inside your burlap sack or mushroom basket. Only take as many as you will be using and giving to elders or other family members. Over harvesting can damage the fragile environment in which they grow.

Take home what you have collected and wash thoroughly. These mushrooms have a light delicate flavor so do not let other ingredients overpower them in taste. Try them pan fried with a little butter and salt and enjoy what you have harvested from nature.

Signed,
Dr. C Who is always ready for seconds on mushrooms

For more information please go to:
VIDEO: Matsutake Mushroom Identification
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jm4WcsnpqM

VIDEO: Quick & Tasty: Easy Matsutake Mushroom Cooking Methods for Beginners!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymuuo2nO2fI

https://foragerchef.com/category/wild-mushroom-recipes-2/matsutake/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsutake

https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/matsutake-mushrooms/pdf/

11/11/2025

Honoring All Who Have Served!

For more information and resources please go to:

VIDEO: Soldiers Unknown Discussion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxdPlAqVMPo

https://nvf.org/veteran-resources/

https://www.nicoa.org/elder-resources/veterans/

https://nativevets.org/

11/11/2025

Today!! Tuesday November 11 is Veterans Day and a chance to recognize the many contributions of American Indians to the military units of this country. According to the website of the National Congress of American Indians “Natives Veterans are highly regarded within tribal communities for their dedication and commitment to serving in the Armed Services throughout America’s history and up to the present day. American Indian and Alaska Native people serve in the US Armed Services at a higher rate than any other group.”

Native people have served in every conflict fought by the United States even though American Indians were not granted citizenship until 1924. On November 11, 2020, the National Native American Veterans Memorial was opened. This is the first time that the service of American Indians of every branch of the military has been recognized on a national scale. Known as the “Warrior’s Circle of Honor,” it was designed by Marine and Vietnam era veteran Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.

When asked what he would like to say about American Indian veterans Chag Lowry of Yurok, Maidu, and Achumawi ancestry, and author of the book “Original Patriots-Northern California Veterans of World War II,” said simply, “Remember that Native World War I veterans were not even citizens when they fought in that war, that always causes me to think.” It should be noted here that over 12,000 American Indians served during the first World War.

Veterans Day allows us to honor the brave men and women who worked to support our democratic principles. It is a time to show respect for all who have served. They sacrificed so we can have freedom.

VIDEO-Why We Serve: Stories of Native American Service
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBZEKQdP_rM

Native American Veterans Association
https://www.navavets.org/

Native American Veterans Benefits
https://www.benefits.va.gov/persona/veteran-tribal.asp

The National Native American Veterans Memorial
https://americanindian.si.edu/visit/washington/nnavm