Trust is the foundation of healing, and empowering the next generation of providers is key to ensuring equitable care in Indigenous communities.
In the final episode of this three-part series, Sherese Ezelle, a distinguished therapist and advocate Sherese Ezelle discusses how advocacy, mentorship, and accessible resources can inspire Indigenous youth to pursue healthcare careers and strengthen community wellness. She emphasizes the importance of relatability between patients and providers, the availability of scholarships through programs like the Indian Health Service, and the transformative role of mentorship in guiding passion and purpose. Sherese also explores the cultural significance of holistic care, where family involvement and shared experiences foster trust and spark an interest in healthcare. She reminds us that progress lies not only in fixing systems, but also in celebrating resilience, honoring our ancestors, and inspiring hope for future generations.
Tune in and learn how empowerment, advocacy, and resilience can shape a healthier, more equitable future for Indigenous communities.
Resources
Connect with and follow Sherese Ezelle on LinkedIn.
To initiate therapy with Sherese, please visit her website.
If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to Valerie Flynn at +1 602-206-4847 or on her email.
Healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it happens in community.
In this episode, Sherese Ezelle, a therapist and advocate for culturally-grounded care, shows how blending traditional practices with modern approaches supports healing for Native communities. She highlights community-driven initiatives and emphasizes cultural humility, reframing Indigenous healing as a story of resilience and collective empowerment.
Tune in and learn how blending traditional wisdom with modern care is transforming health outcomes and restoring trust in Native communities!
Echoes and Embers: A Native Journey Through Holistic Healing
Part 1: The Mental Health Crisis: Understanding Disparities Through Data
Trust built through culturally sensitive care is the gateway to healing Indigenous communities facing a mental health crisis.
In this episode, Sherese Ezelle, a licensed therapist and behavioral health leader, examines how intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and underfunding disproportionately high PTSD and suicide rates among Indigenous communities and stresses that “data must inform change.” She highlights cultural barriers, emphasizes the role of sensitivity and trust in healing, and shares practical steps such as trauma-informed care, bias training, and expanding Indigenous provider pipelines.
Tune in and learn how culturally grounded, relationship-first care can turn statistics into solutions!
What does it take to blend evidence-based therapy with cultural sensitivity to truly heal communities?
In this episode, Sherese Ezelle, a licensed mental health counselor and National Certified Counselor, shares how she blends evidence-based practices with cultural sensitivity to empower underserved and Indigenous communities. Through her EmpowerED Youth program and work with families, she emphasizes authentic, intentional care that builds resilience, honors lived experience, and weaves healing together like a tapestry.
Listen to Sherese Ezelle share her journey, insights, and passion for empowering underserved and Indigenous communities through intentional, authentic care!
What if healing meant more than just medicine? What if it meant reconnecting with culture, land, and spirit?
In this episode, Quanah Yellow Cloud, a mental health practitioner from the Oglala Lakota Nation, shares his vision for blending Indigenous healing practices with modern psychiatric care. He advocates for cultural humility, community engagement, and a relational approach that sees patients as “relatives” rather than cases. By emphasizing balance between mind, body, spirit, and environment, Quanah offers a powerful model for more holistic and inclusive care.
Tune in as Quanah Yellow Cloud shares how Indigenous knowledge can transform the way we approach mental health, community care, and the future of healing.
Earning trust in Indigenous communities is not a given; it is a privilege earned through humility, cultural respect, and deep listening.
In this conversation, Dr. Kelly Hallman unpacks how systemic inequalities, historical traumas, and gender-based disparities shape Indigenous health today. She discusses the mental health crisis among Native youth, the importance of culturally sensitive care, and the unique role of sovereignty in shaping tribal responses. She also shares how women-led community groups are creating life-saving early-warning systems to prevent MMIP cases and strengthen community resilience.
Tune in and learn how rebuilding Indigenous health and safety starts with listening, respect, and empowering the people who know their communities best!
Bridging the health equity gap for tribal nations demands culturally tailored strategies, better representation in research, and rebuilding trust.
In this episode, Roxanne Alaniz highlights the critical underrepresentation of Native Americans in clinical research, stemming from issues like limited access, historical mistrust from past unethical studies, and cultural factors influencing health-seeking behaviors and perceptions of illness. She emphasizes that effective science requires diverse participation, as different populations respond uniquely to treatments. Finally, Roxanne touches on the importance of preventative care education and the power of family and community dialogue in fostering better health.
Tune in and learn how fostering dialogue, understanding cultural contexts, and advocating for inclusive research can lead to better health outcomes for all!
What happens when sobriety journeys meet cultural practices? The result: a profound transformation that fosters trust, community, and spiritual grounding.
In this episode, Gilbert Isaaca, a certified drug and alcohol counselor, and Mark Foster, a certified Wellbriety Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps facilitator, discuss the importance of culturally sensitive addiction treatment within Native American communities. They highlight practices such as mindful meditation, smudging, talk circles, and sweat lodges - and emphasize how these spiritual and cultural ceremonies foster healing, personal growth, and cultural reconnection.
What if the key to improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities is simply having more Indigenous voices in the room?
In this episode, we talk to Dr. Misty Wilkie, a clinical associate professor, Director & Mentor for the Pathway to Doctoral Education for AI/AN Nurses, and Inaugural Director of the Center of Indigenous People, Health, and Nursing at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. She shares her journey in advancing Indigenous health equity, including a pathway program that supports American Indian and Alaska Native nurses pursuing doctoral degrees.
Dr. Wilkie explains how her personal story as a a young single mother fuels her passion for mentorship and community building. The program provides financial, academic, and cultural support - and is already empowering Indigenous nurses to lead change in their communities.
Tune in to hear more from a true change agent in Indigenous health!
Meet Janice Briones-Landeros, Healthcare Operations Director for United American Indian Involvement (UAII)!
In this episode, she talks to us about her journey from for-profit healthcare to leading LA County’s only urban Indian organization. She explores UAII’s 51-year legacy and its comprehensive “one-stop shop” model, which provides medical, dental, behavioral, youth, housing, and workforce services while preserving a “Native way” of care.
We loved hearing about Janice's innovative outreach strategies and street medicine initiatives - and how community-driven efforts during the LA fires led to the creation of a free “People’s Store.” She also highlights the integration of traditional and Western medicine and the need for clinician self-care to prevent burnout and sustain good healthcare delivery.
Tune in to hear Janice's ideas on comprehensive care, community resilience, and holistic well-being!
Can traditional Indigenous foods and cultural practices improve community well-being? That's the focus of Rose Bear Don't Walk, a PhD candidate in Indigenous and Rural Health at Montana State University who is a health equity analyst and Account Manager at Indigenous Pact.
Rose talked to us about her work with traditional Indigenous foods, healthcare equity, and holistic wellness. Growing up in the Salish and Crow communities of Montana, she developed a passion for reconnecting Indigenous people with their traditional food systems and healing the negative health impacts of colonization. Today her research highlights how traditional foods and cultural practices support well-being, while her work at Indigenous Pact focuses on improving healthcare access and advocating for whole-person care within Indigenous communities.
Rose also shared the importance of having Indigenous professionals in healthcare spaces and integrating cultural knowledge into medical systems to provide equitable and effective care.
Tune in to hear her insights on restoring health and culture in Indigenous communities!
Social determinants of health - they have everything to do with improving overall health outcomes but addressing them requires a nuanced touch.
In this episode, Douglas Olivo, Director of Community Engagement (SDOH), Telehealth, and Rural Care at Centene’s Oklahoma Complete Health, talks to us about the challenges and opportunities in providing healthcare to Oklahoma's Tribal members.
He highlights the Medicaid managed care expansion in Oklahoma, emphasizing benefits tailored to tribal members, such as traditional healing practices and comfort items for children entering foster care. He also touches on the payer's role in supporting rural hospitals and bridging care gaps.
Tune in and learn about Oklahoma Complete Health's innovative approach to driving change in Indigenous healthcare!
On our new episode of the Tribal Health Podcast, we talk about something we haven't before: health education materials!
Designer Alicia Edwards, owner of Turtle Island Media Group, talked to us about Indigenizing health education materials for Tribal communities. Seeing yourself in websites, guides, and other materials can inspire engagement and positive behavior change - and Alicia has put her skills to use with the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, focusing on COVID-19 education, STI awareness, and HIV prevention.
Alicia explained the importance of culturally relevant designs and the need for more Native stock images and diverse representation in media. She also shared some of her own work in creating media and art to foster health equity for Native kids.Tune in to learn how culturally relevant design can improve health outcomes in Tribal communities!
What if the key to solving health disparities isn’t in treating the symptoms but in transforming the very foundation of our communities?
In this episode, Kristal Popp, social epidemiologist, emphasizes addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as structural racism and socioeconomic inequities, rather than focusing solely on health outcomes. She highlights how institutional, personally mediated, and internalized racism shapes health disparities, particularly in under-resourced and Indigenous communities. Through her work, Kristal has demonstrated that improving community conditions leads to better health outcomes, including reduced cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. However, structural barriers, such as limited data access for Tribal Epidemiology Centers, persist, hindering efforts to empower Indigenous communities to address their own health needs. Kristal calls for collective action, systemic change, and cultural competence in healthcare to ensure long-term equity and trust for marginalized populations.
Tune in for powerful insights on tackling structural racism, empowering Indigenous communities, and why changing the 'soil' we all grow is essential for building a healthier, more equitable future!
Mobile cancer treatment centers are an innovative solution for Tribal communities facing significant barriers to care.
In this episode, Kellen Polingyumptewa, manager of Hopi Cancer Support Services, discusses the challenges faced by the Hopi tribe in accessing cancer treatment, including the lack of local facilities.
These are challenges common to many rural and Native communities - and Kellen talked to us about how mobile cancer treatment can bridge the gap and improve access to care for Native Americans. He also highlighted helpful programs such as early cancer detection, tobacco cessation for youth, and financial assistance for cancer patients.
We loved hearing about innovations in cancer treatment - and we think you will too. Thank you, Kellen, for sharing your insights with us!
Did you know Native Americans face the highest rates of untreated dental issues in the U.S, with children experiencing four times more tooth decay than their peers?
Mallory Miles-Lee, Tribal Liaison and Outreach Specialist with SunLife DentaQuest, talked to us about the severe dental crisis affecting Native American communities. Some of the problems: poverty and inadequate access to care contribute to disproportionately high rates of untreated dental decay, tooth loss, and related health complications.
Mallory talked to us about educating children early about oral health and the need to raise awareness about available resources, such as free dental insurance programs. She also talked to us about addressing cultural mistrust by building bridges between traditional practices and modern innovations.
Despite the challenges, Mallory expressed optimism about a future where education, collaboration, and advocacy can transform dentistry for underserved populations. We loved our conversation with her - give it a listen!
Can true healing happen without embracing cultural wisdom?
In this episode, Dr. Larry Murillo, founder and executive director of Tribal Illumine LLC, highlights the challenges of addressing chronic diseases in Native communities. He emphasizes the disconnect between the Western medical system and the lifestyle-related health issues these communities face. Advocating for cultural health practices and bridging communication gaps between medical professionals, traditional healers, and the community, he encourages Native people to take ownership of their health.
Dr. Murillo also critiques the healthcare system’s failure to address cultural approaches and stresses the role of emotional responses, like accumulated anger, in impacting health. He promotes holistic approaches that combine modern medicine with cultural practices while leveraging AI tools to simplify his educational work. Ultimately, Dr. Murillo believes healing requires personal responsibility and hopes to inspire proactive, culturally integrated efforts to improve health outcomes in Native communities.
Tune in as Dr. Larry Murillo combines cultural wisdom, emotional health, and modern medicine to empower Native communities to improve their health!
Food sovereignty in Indigenous communities - what is the connection between food, culture, and health?
Danielle Lucero, a public health professional and social worker from the Pueblo of Isleta, talked to us about the need to revitalize traditional food practices and create accessible, culturally relevant food systems. She offers recommendations for improving access to healthy, traditional foods, including the development of a tribally-owned grocery store - and how connecting with traditional food practices can improve both physical and mental health.
Tune in and learn how Indigenous communities are reclaiming their food sovereignty and transforming healthcare!
Underserved communities are empowered through healthcare, education, and innovative research to bridge critical gaps in access and equity.
In this episode, Gabriel Baca talks about how he supports patient transfers and works as a community health educator in Phoenix. He also conducts cancer prevention research and plans to attend PA school to provide local healthcare, emphasizing the importance of building trust in rural communities.
Listen to explore how healthcare, education, and community-driven initiatives are transforming access and equity for underserved populations!
In Montana, urban Indian healthcare is evolving through community empowerment, cultural integration, and advocacy for essential policies like Medicaid expansion.
In this episode, Lisa James, Director of Development at the Montana Consortium for Urban Indian Health (MCUIH), and Rachel Arthur, Executive Director of the Indian Family Health Clinic (IFHC), talk about the roles of their organizations in supporting urban Indian health services. Rachel highlights how the MCUIH provides crucial technical assistance, advocacy, and Medicaid support to urban Indian healthcare facilities like the IFHC, which is especially critical during election years when policies like Medicaid expansion are at risk. Lisa shares how MCUIH initiatives focus on empowering communities through workforce development, data management for grant applications, and cultural integration in healthcare services. Throughout the conversation, both emphasize the importance of trust and cultural sensitivity in healthcare, encouraging new workers to approach Native communities with respect and an open mind.
Listen to explore how Montana’s urban Indian healthcare is empowering communities and preserving culture!