The 17th Annual CHOP Pediatric Global Health Conference was a powerful gathering centered on the conference theme, “Health for Every Child: Strengths-based Approaches Locally and Globally.” It was an honor for the CHOP Indigenous Health Unit to help shape this year’s pre-conference on “Voices of Resilience: Storytelling and Insights from Indigenous Leaders”, which highlighted the stories, strengths, and leadership of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.
The pre-conference session was preceded by a delectable culinary offering from Chef Joe Rocchi, a Pamunkey Citizen. He shared healthy treats made from traditional Native American ingredients — a reminder that food itself is medicine and culture. The session was moderated by Chermiqua Tsosie (Diné) from the CHOP Indigenous Health Unit and featured an interdisciplinary, riveting panel of speakers, including Dr. Cassie Kline (Pueblo of Isleta), Dr. John Sanchez (Nde/Apache Nation), Gwynne Evans-Lomayesva (Snow Clan, Hopi Tribal Nation), and Mary Ann Kalei Baricuatro of Wahiawā, Hawaiʻi.
Panelists shared deeply personal stories about identity, community, and the interconnectedness of health and culture. They invited attendees to reflect on how Indigenous teachings — rooted in balance, reciprocity, and collective well-being — can guide healthcare practice and policy. Their reflections underscored the need for strengths-based approaches, culturally grounded care, and authentic community engagement in all aspects of pediatric health.
The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Donald Warne (Oglala Lakota), a physician, public health leader, and long-time advocate for Indigenous health equity. Dr. Warne, who comes from a lineage of traditional healers and medicine men from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, shared a visionary talk on the intersection of history, policy, and resilience. His message — that health in Indigenous populations cannot be separated from the systems and stories that shape lived experience — resonated deeply with attendees.
Later in the day, Makenna Fitzsimmons delivered a thoughtful presentation on the history and legacy of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, grounding the conference in acknowledgment of the historical trauma that continues to impact Native communities, and highlighting opportunities for healing and truth-telling.
The conference concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Cornelia Dimalanta (Lumbee), whose words urged attendees to continue this work with humility, respect, and accountability, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous leaders remain at the center of every conversation about health equity.
Throughout the day, there was a palpable sense of connection — between institutions and communities, between past and present, and between story and science. The CHOP Indigenous Health Unit is deeply grateful to all who contributed to this meaningful event and remains committed to walking alongside Tribal Nations and Indigenous partners in advancing equitable, culturally grounded healthcare for children and families everywhere.
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The 17th Annual CHOP Pediatric Global Health Conference was a powerful gathering centered on the conference theme, “Health for Every Child: Strengths-based Approaches Locally and Globally.” It was an honor for the CHOP Indigenous Health Unit to help shape this year’s pre-conference on “Voices of Resilience: Storytelling and Insights from Indigenous Leaders”, which highlighted the stories, strengths, and leadership of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.
The pre-conference session was preceded by a delectable culinary offering from Chef Joe Rocchi, a Pamunkey Citizen. He shared healthy treats made from traditional Native American ingredients — a reminder that food itself is medicine and culture. The session was moderated by Chermiqua Tsosie (Diné) from the CHOP Indigenous Health Unit and featured an interdisciplinary, riveting panel of speakers, including Dr. Cassie Kline (Pueblo of Isleta), Dr. John Sanchez (Nde/Apache Nation), Gwynne Evans-Lomayesva (Snow Clan, Hopi Tribal Nation), and Mary Ann Kalei Baricuatro of Wahiawā, Hawaiʻi.
Panelists shared deeply personal stories about identity, community, and the interconnectedness of health and culture. They invited attendees to reflect on how Indigenous teachings — rooted in balance, reciprocity, and collective well-being — can guide healthcare practice and policy. Their reflections underscored the need for strengths-based approaches, culturally grounded care, and authentic community engagement in all aspects of pediatric health.
The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Donald Warne (Oglala Lakota), a physician, public health leader, and long-time advocate for Indigenous health equity. Dr. Warne, who comes from a lineage of traditional healers and medicine men from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, shared a visionary talk on the intersection of history, policy, and resilience. His message — that health in Indigenous populations cannot be separated from the systems and stories that shape lived experience — resonated deeply with attendees.
Later in the day, Makenna Fitzsimmons delivered a thoughtful presentation on the history and legacy of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, grounding the conference in acknowledgment of the historical trauma that continues to impact Native communities, and highlighting opportunities for healing and truth-telling.
The conference concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Cornelia Dimalanta (Lumbee), whose words urged attendees to continue this work with humility, respect, and accountability, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous leaders remain at the center of every conversation about health equity.
Throughout the day, there was a palpable sense of connection — between institutions and communities, between past and present, and between story and science. The CHOP Indigenous Health Unit is deeply grateful to all who contributed to this meaningful event and remains committed to walking alongside Tribal Nations and Indigenous partners in advancing equitable, culturally grounded healthcare for children and families everywhere.
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