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Banner Photos: Correy Morales
from American Indian Heritage Celebration 2022
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CEO, Sonya Tetnowski
Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony
The Warriors’ Circle of Honor memorial by Harvey Pratt was dedicated in a ceremony on the National Mall on November 11th, 2022. This tribute to Native heroes recognizes for the first time on a national scale the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the U.S. military. IHC CEO Sonya Tetnowski was there to represent IHC, Native Veterans, and our community.
The procession was powerful, emotional, and overwhelming to see hundreds of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians filling the streets of Washington, D.C. proudly representing their communities, tribes, and villages. In my discussion with a Vietnam veteran, he shared that he wished he was welcomed home in this way, with all the honor and respect present in the procession. This statement made me pause because I wish that for all of my fellow soldiers and veterans. This is the first monument dedicated to the service and sacrifice made by our people. The Warriors’ Circle recognizes that commitment while reminding us that our ceremonies, traditions, faith, and/or religion help us heal the hidden wounds that we all carry. It was truly an honor to be there, see the monument, and witness the lighting of the flame.
To learn more about the memorial and the artist behind its creation, visit The Smithsonian Institute.
Native Americans’ service to the U.S. is a complicated sacrifice of self by being willing to give your life to a country that has done unspeakable things for generations throughout the history of the U.S. Yet, Indigenous people have served at higher rates than any other population. They have served selflessly and with honor in every major conflict for more than 250 years. This memorial is significant because it reminds us of the sacrifice and acknowledges our willingness to give our lives to protect and defend this country for future generations.
Native American Veterans: Ensuring Access to V.A. Health Care and Benefits
On November 30th, I, alongside two panels of speakers, advocated on behalf of our Native American Veterans. Our primary goal was to ensure access to quality health care and the benefits our veterans earned.
In my testimony, I covered five key areas:
- Native Veterans and Urban Indian Organizations - With 67% of Native Veterans living in Urban areas, culturally competent care is vital to the survival and healing of our Native Veterans.
- Advanced Appropriations - Since more than 50% of Native Veterans use the I/T/U system for their health needs, securing advanced appropriations for Indian Health Service is critical.
- Co-Payment and Benefits Identification - Requesting VA to allow for Self-Attestation in determining Native Identity.
- Expanding the V.A. Reimbursement Agreement to UIOs - Many clinics are experiencing difficulty enrolling in the program.
- Urban Confer - Requesting that V.A. develop an Urban Confer Policy.
In case you missed my testimony, you can watch the recording here.
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Sonya Tetnowski
Chief Executive Officer
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End of the Year Fundraising Campaign
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4 Weeks Left!
Stand With American Indians!
In honor of American Indian Heritage Month, we invite you to join us to ensure the healing and survival of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN)!
Be a champion for future generations by participating in our end-of-the-year fundraising campaign and beyond. The raised funds will directly benefit American Indian and Alaskan Native youth and families in our community!
To become a champion, you can
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2. OR, send a check with the memo “EOTY,” payable to
Indian Health Center
C/O: Development
1333 Meridian Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125
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Questions?
igive@ihcscv.org
In addition, we invite you to join our Community of Champions Fundraiser Page on Facebook to stay informed on how you can help us ensure the survival and healing of American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and the greater community.
Those who donate to the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley will receive one or more Limited Edition - Democracy is Indigenous - Gifts of Gratitude, based on the following amounts:
● $100+ - Coral (Drawstring Bag!)
● $250+ - Obsidian (Drawstring Bag + Long-Sleeve!)
● $500+ - Turquoise (Drawstring Bag + Long-Sleeve + Water Bottle!)
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Congratulations! 100-Subscribers on Youtube
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Thanks to support like yours, we have reached
100+ subscribers on Youtube!
To learn more, click the subscribe button below.
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Community Message: Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to keep viruses at bay.
What’s New In Medical
Please check out our Christmas tree at Christmas in the Park Downtown, San Jose. Valley Health Plan donated a Christmas tree to IHC this year. The Medical Department held an ornament-making session on 11/18, where the staff came together for lunch and crafts. Staff from each site made ornaments representing their work. The tree was decorated by Vanessa Hernandez, Jessica Denetclaw, and our CWO manager Ronalyn Valdez. Thank you all for coming together and participating in making this possible.
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Beading Workshop
On Thursday, November 10th, our San Jose Native Youth Empowerment Group made beautiful beaded hair pipe necklaces with IHC Counseling Prevention staff! Youth were engaged in all aspects of the cultural art experience, learning about the history and cultural significance of the necklaces they created. We ended the evening with everyone feeling happy and proud of their finished creations. Activities that center around art and creativity help with emotional healing and creative expression for youth who may experience stress, anxiety, depression, or struggle with their mental health. The opportunity to express themselves through art inspires them to learn more about their own tribe’s history and cultural arts.
Contact jduran@ihcscv.org for more information on how your youth can be a part of our San Jose Native Youth Empowerment Group!
#YouthEmpowerment #CultureisPrevention
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Depression Awareness For Youth
Understanding depression, recognizing the signs, and taking action to provide the best support for youth can help prevent depression and suicidal thoughts. Awareness can create safe spaces for youth to help them feel accepted and heard without judgment. The more we understand and support our friends, peers, and loved ones, the closer we are to building a healthy community.
If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please call or text the 24/7 Toll-Free and Confidential Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.
#CultureIsPrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicideAwareness
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Setting Healthy Boundaries with Youth
Establishing healthy boundaries with teens is crucial for their mental health and overall development in interacting and forming relationships with others. Teaching youth how to set boundaries helps prevent them from experiencing abuse, unsafe environments, and unhealthy relationships with friends, family, and peers.
#LoveIsRespect #HealthyBoundaries #MentalHealth
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Powwow Song and Dance Class
Our Counseling Prevention Services invites community members to join us every Tuesday evening for in-person Powwow Song and Dance classes from 5:30PM-7:00PM back at Roosevelt Community Center. Please bring water and dress comfortably. All ages are welcome!
Please RSVP with jduran@ihcscv.org.
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SAVE THE DATE: Transitional Age Youth Workforce Development
Dear community member,
Are you a Native youth looking for a job and need help writing your resume and cover letter? Or trying to prepare for an interview? We can help you!
Join us for the Transitional Age Youth Workforce Development Workshop Saturday, December 10th, from 9 am to 5 pm. Please share this information with youth interested in supporting their futures!
Sign up through the link below
https://bit.ly/IHCSCV-TAYWFD-RSVP
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Community Wellness & Outreach
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Family Fun Night
- Thursday, December 15th
- 5:00-6:30 pm
- *Gift giveaway for kids up to 14 years old. You must RSVP before the event and join the ZOOM meeting to receive items.
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Fit Kids
- Thursday, December 22nd
- 2:00-3:00pm
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Produce Mobile
Reminder: CWO’s next Produce distributions will be on December 7th and 21st, from 11:30am-1:30pm (or until items run out). Everyone, including staff, is welcome to come to pick up food.
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Two Spirit Group
Join IHC CWO on Friday, December 16th, from 12-1 PM! (Hybrid Event)
*For white elephant gift exchange rules, reach out to Marissa.*
TO RSVP:
Call or email Marissa today!
Call: 408-960-0662
Email: Mhemstreet@ihcscv.org
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PSA: New Downtown Wellness Center Hours 2023
IHC's Downtown Wellness Center's hours are changing in 2023! We have extended our hours of operation to
- Location: 602 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112
- Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Fridays from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
In order to better serve our patients and community members, we hope this new schedule allows better access to the IHC Downtown Wellness Center.
Start your new year off right by joining us! To get started, call 408-960-0662 or email mhemstreet@ihcscv.org.
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Inter-Tribal Resource Department
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American Indian Heritage Celebration 2022
This year’s American Indian Heritage Celebration, a three-day event, honored the beauty and resilience of the American Indian community during Native Heritage Month. The event was held at ConXion to Community.
The event included musical performances for all ages, dance presentations of a variety of traditional powwow styles, native artist vendors, a resource fair, Veterans Honoring, and California Indian Dance Special–in support of the local tribe’s efforts to restore their cultural traditions that have been kept in hiding for over 130-years–and, so much more.
We kicked off with an honoring for our American Indian/Alaskan Native Veterans. Then, there was a musical showcase of many different Indigenous artists and performers. The second day opened with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Land Acknowledgement, followed by performances from Sage Romero (Hoop Dancer), Taanta Kwan Tei Kweidee (Alaskan Dance Group), and our local Calpulli Tonalehqueh (Mexica Dance Group). Our Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation Member hosted a historical play about the Heritage of OCEN that evening. Day two wrapped up with festivities alongside the California Big Time Dancers, which consists of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the S.F. Bay Area Dance Group, Sacramento Youth Dance Group, Sonoma County Pomo Dance Group, and California American Indian Bear Dancers. On the final day, we closed off with a full day of powwow dancing with contests for the crowd to enjoy.
IHCSCV’s Inter-Tribal Department (ITRD) leads the efforts to produce this annual event. It is their priority to create healing, inclusive spaces and events inviting to American Indians, culturally relevant and trauma-informed, to ensure they are aware of the services provided by IHC, the only agency in Santa Clara County that specializes in the unique healthcare needs of American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
Thank you to our community and tribal sponsors who made this event possible!
● The County of Santa Clara
● Valley Water, Health Net
● GAIN
● NASO
● The Honorable Karina Dominguez (Milpitas City Council Member)
● ConXion to Community
● Muwekma Ohlone Tribe
● Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation
● and Amah Mutsun Tribe
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Winter Gathering
This event is free, and all are welcome!
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