Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health

10/15/2025

As we mark the sixth anniversary of the Great Lakes Hub, we are filled with gratitude for the remarkable journey we have shared together. Our team’s growth has been extraordinary—we have quadrupled both our projects and full-time team members since opening our doors, expanding so rapidly that we have outgrown our original office space. Our greatest measure of success lies in maintaining trusting partnerships with community-based team members and regional Tribal Nations. These relationships form the foundation of everything we do, reflecting our commitment to authentic collaboration and shared leadership in advancing Indigenous health and well-being throughout the Great Lakes Region.

Our vision at the Great Lakes Hub centers on healing the harms of colonization by supporting the inherent strengths of our communities. We celebrate the remarkable persistence of our roots as Indigenous Peoples, including our maintenance of connection to spiritual helpers, with nature, to one another, and across generations.

Read more https://cih.jhu.edu/great-lakes-hub-celebrated-6th-anniversary/

10/14/2025

10/14/2025

This month, across the Navajo Nation, low-cost vaccine and spay/neuter clinics will be traveling throughout to help our furry companions💉🐈🐕

Did you know?
🐕There are 11 veterinary clinics across the Navajo Nation (3 states), approx. 24,078 square miles.
🐈Studies show that most dog bites (60–80 percent) are caused by intact male dogs.
🐕 Pregnant or nursing female dogs are more likely to bite as well.
🐈Spayed/neutered pets are also less likely to engage in behaviors that could cause problems with neighbors.

Check out the Navajo Nation’s Clinic Calendar 🗓️ to see the closest clinic near you!
🔗 https://www.navajonationpets.com/clinic-calendar

Are you in Upper District 18? Keen to bring about Paws-itive Change to your community? Swipe right to learn more about a unique research opportunity! Call us for more info at (928)729-1627.

-itiveChange

10/13/2025

🪶𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀' 𝗗𝗮𝘆🪶 — Monday, October 13
For us, every day has always been Indigenous Peoples’ Day. When it was formally recognized, it became an invitation for others to learn about the original stewards of these lands and our shared history as a nation.

At the Center for Indigenous Health, we honor this day and our Indigenous team members, the communities we come from, and the partners we walk alongside. Today, we pause to recognize the strength, resilience, and truth that continue to guide our work.

We will always uplift our stories, our contributions, and our ways of being, today and every day. ✨🪶

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10/10/2025

💚💚

Posted • Did you know?
💚 October 10th is World Mental Health Day 💚

As a community of individuals together, we can help reduce the stigmatization and discrimination against Mental Health 🧠 Remember. There is unity in awareness & that you are not alone 🫂 We all have mental health to care for!

Look at our post for ways you can start strengthening your mental health! 🌱 Be a supporting friend, peer, relative, or coworker and check in with one another. Small acts of care go a long way in supporting mental health. 💚

📞 Call or Text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline in times of need. They offer emotional support that is non-judgmental 24/7 to help us when we need support- even with depression or anxiety!

10/10/2025

👉🏽Don't forget....Monday, October 13th, we will celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with a Powwow on the JHU campus from 12-2 pm. Join us for a beautiful day of Indigenous culture, dance, and education.

⭐For those who can't join us in person, join us LIVE on Facebook with Ashley White at 1 pm She will give you a taste of what is going on. ⭐

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with us on October 13, 2025, at Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus, Decker Quad from 12 - 2 pm. This is a day to honor the Indigenous cultures that enrich the Johns Hopkins University/Medical campuses and surrounding areas.

🪶Learn about the work of the Center for Indigenous Health and the innovations and impacts of Indigenous Peoples in various fields, including nursing, public health, music, and the arts.
🪶Community tables set up with information and Indigenous arts
🪶Singing and dancing
🪶Food

FREE...bring your friends, family, and children! No need to register...just show up and have fun!

➡️ Attention vendors and dancers - If you are interested in setting up a table at the event or dancing, visit https://jhu.campusgroups.com/MulticulturalAffairs/survey?survey_uid=fd4909a3-9e16-11f0-85ac-0afff28bcb1

Questions? Reach out to cdi@jhu.edu.

10/09/2025

Embrace the season of learning and community!

We are proud to offer two powerful online courses this winter, check it out!

The Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health conducts two to three week-long courses in AI/AN public health every summer (June/July) and winter (January). The courses are part of the Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Summer and Winter Institute Programs.

Courses are designed to introduce Indigenous health leaders to public health approaches for addressing health disparities in tribal communities.

We have scholarships available to help you get there !
⏳ Priority Deadline: October 17, 5pm ET
⏳ General Deadline: November 7, 5pm ET

Have questions? Reach out to Ashley White (awhit115@jhu.edu)

10/08/2025

🪶𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀' 𝗗𝗮𝘆?🪶
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀’ 𝗗𝗮𝘆 (𝗜𝗣𝗗) is a time where we celebrate the diverse and beautiful Indigenous communities across the globe. Since IPD was federally recognized three years ago, approximately 29 states, including Washington DC, and 216 cities officially recognize IPD over Columbus Day. A reclamation of the historical narrative that the land and people were "discovered".

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?
Instead of celebrating the colonial and harmful legacy of Christopher Columbus, we must remember and celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous ancestors and us, as their descendants. Indigenous communities thrived for thousands of years before contact with Christopher Columbus and European settlers.

Although many U.S. states still do not officially recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day, we must persist in sharing the stories, contributions, and perspectives of our People. Recognition, rights, and land justice are not just historical corrections they, are actions we must continue to advocate for today. History cannot rewrite itself, but we can shape the present to honor truth, resilience, and the original stewards of Turtle Island.



Chinle - Center for Indigenous Health Azhe’é Bidziil - Strong Fathers Family Spirit Home Visiting Program Johns Hopkins Center For Indigenous Health - Great Lakes Hub

10/07/2025

🔥 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 🔥

In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day (10/13), we’re proud to spotlight a global systematic review co-authored by Dr. Courtney Claussen and Dr. Donald Warne of the Center for Indigenous Health.

This research shows that 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝟮 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, and at much younger ages. In some communities, the number of young adults with diabetes is concerningly high, up to 64 out of every 1,000 people.

Why does this matter?
Because early-onset diabetes can lead to serious health problems early in life, including heart disease, kidney issues and more! The study calls for 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀-𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀—programs designed by and for Indigenous communities that respect cultural values and address unique health challenges.

This work, conducted by an international team of researchers, is a powerful example of how 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 are leading efforts to advance health equity and protect the well-being of future generations.

Read the full article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-025-06556-7

Stay tuned for the companion paper focused on type 2 diabetes among global Indigenous adults led by Dr. Courtney Claussen (currently in press).



Chinle - Center for Indigenous Health Azhe’é Bidziil - Strong Fathers Family Spirit Home Visiting Program Johns Hopkins Center For Indigenous Health - Great Lakes Hub

10/06/2025

🌍✨ Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 10/13 ✨🌍

As Indigenous Peoples’ Day approaches on October 13th, we honor the power of intergenerational knowledge, cultural revitalization, and Indigenous-led wellness. The LEGO Spirit Global Gathering hosted by the First Nations Health Authority brought together communities from Aotearoa, Australia, the U.S., and Canada to uplift Indigenous parenting, play, and healing.

From spearfishing traditions along the Cowichan River to language nests in Australia, the gathering showcased how Indigenous programs are helping families uphold traditions and practices with pride, hope and solidarity. 🌿👣

Let’s continue to support Indigenous-led programs like Family Spirit that center cultural practices, community care, and the sacred connections between generations.

View the video https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/fnha-hosts-family-wellness-at-2025-lego-spirit-global-gathering



Chinle - Center for Indigenous Health Azhe’é Bidziil - Strong Fathers Family Spirit Home Visiting Program Johns Hopkins Center For Indigenous Health - Great Lakes Hub

Along the banks of the Cowichan River, families have passed down ancient knowledge of spearfishing with slender cedar poles since time immemorial on Vancouver Island. This traditional way of fishing weaves together sustenance and ceremony. This unbroken bond between the Cowichan Tribes and the river...