Celebrating tribal communities in Western Colorado
The Western Slope of Colorado is home to thousands of Native American residents.1 Engaging directly with indigenous people in our region is essential to understanding and addressing the health inequities that Native American communities experience. Last month, I was honored to attend the first annual Uncompahgre Pow Wow in Montrose, Colorado.
The event was hosted by the Western Slope Native American Resource Center (WSNARC) and the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose.2 It was a vibrant celebration of tradition and community. The event included dancing competitions for participants of all ages. It brought together tribal members and the extended community.
I attended the event alongside Monique Sturgeon, a member of the Weeminuche Band of the Ute Mountain Tribe and the founder of WSNARC. WSNARC was founded in 2022 with support from a $200,000 investment from Rocky Mountain Health Plans. The organization created a one-stop resource for Native Americans in Western Colorado to access resources related to health care, social drivers of health, and culturally-responsive supports.
Our close, ongoing collaboration with WSNARC is just one example of our commitment to health equity. Our goal is to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in Native American communities. We can achieve those goals by building trust.
Joining the first annual Uncompahgre Pow Wow was an exciting opportunity to talk with leaders and community members, and to honor and recognize the incredible impact and rich traditions of Native American nations in Colorado. This event reinvigorated our dedication to supporting the health and well-being of Native American residents throughout our community.
