The pandemic has highlighted the gaps in our current health care system like nothing else, but what does it take to really achieve health? This call will explore programs throughout the Northwest that are integrating culturally responsive practices into health care. From serving traditional Indigenous foods at the Alaska Native Medical Center to an Indigenous-led COVID-19 vaccination campaign featuring Native artists, elders and health providers, we will learn about all of these practices and examine the role of philanthropy in supporting and resourcing community designed and led health programs.

While we have seen many examples of institutional philanthropy supporting culturally responsive education and youth programs, culturally responsive health is a relatively new and emergent area for the sector. Join us as we learn about the impact of culturally responsive health programs in response to the pandemic and lessons to take forward in our health funding practices.

Speakers

Jessilyn Dunegan, Medical Nutrition Therapy Manager, Alaska Native Medical Center

Jessilyn Dunegan, Mé Mé Que Kwé, is an enrolled tribal member of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHPB) from Michigan. She is currently the medical nutrition therapy manager at the Alaska Native Medical Center and holds advanced certifications in nutrition in addition to being a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience working in Alaska. These certifications include certified nutrition support clinician (CNSC) as well as a certified specialist in pediatric nutrition (CSP). Jessilyn is supported by her husband, who’s family originates from the village of Emmonak, and two small children. It is her pride and passion to bring the highest level of nutrition support to the native community with the vision that food is medicine and traditional foods can improve overall health and wellbeing. 

 

Vivian Echavarria, Vice President, Professional and Support Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Vivian is Athabascan Indian born and raised in Alaska. In her role, Vivian brings institutional knowledge of the facility and the importance of Alaska Native culture and values to her people as well as Alaska familiarity to Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC). She was born in Glennallen, raised in Tanana and Anchorage, and has worked in the Tribal health system in Alaska for more than 35 years.

As an ANTHC employee since its inception in 1997, Vivian manages ancillary and support services functions at ANMC and oversees a staff of around 450 employees that work in departments across the hospital covering areas from in-patient services and pharmacy to security and food service. Vivian is the first-ever Alaska Native to be certified as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and strives to ensure ANMC provides safe, quality, efficient care that is culturally relevant while also keeping costs down. She has also been recognized as ANTHC Outstanding Employee of the Year.
 

Iris Friday, President and Co-Founder, Native Action Network

Iris Friday (Tlingit) is a Native American program specialist with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Performance and Planning in headquarters. She works to bring affordable housing and homeownership opportunities to tribal communities and Native families both on and off reservation. Iris has served as a past chair of the Center for Women and Democracy, on the Seattle Tlingit and Haida Community Council delegate, and on the Kake Tribal Corporation board of directors. Currently, she serves as treasurer of the Seattle Indian Services Commission.

Iris has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington and an MPA in Tribal Governance from Evergreen State College. She resides in Bremerton, WA with her husband, four children and granddaughter.

 

Tressie White, Program Director, Montana Healthcare Foundation

Tressie White directs all our American Indian health programming with calm leadership and tireless dedication to improving health and reducing disparities for American Indian people in Montana. Tressie and her team provide funding, programming support, strategic guidance and technical assistance for all of our grantees participating in the American Indian Health focus area and initiatives and the Meadowlark Initiative. Before joining our team in 2017, Tressie served as executive director of the Helena Indian Alliance, and the director of the Wakina Sky Multicultural After School Program. Tressie is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and a descendant of the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe. She currently lives in Helena and enjoys spending time with her three children.

 

Eligibility 

Participation in this meeting is open to philanthropic organizations that currently make grants. This includes corporate giving offices, private and public foundations, community foundations, government grantmakers and CDFI institutions with a philanthropic focus. You do not need to be a Philanthropy Northwest member to participate, but do need to represent an organizational philanthropic institution. Please do not join this call if you are a nonprofit organization. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact JulieAnne Behar.