Our observance of Native American Heritage Month begins in November. It is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples in the United States.
We acknowledge that the University of Washington is located on the land of Indigenous people, both past and present. One of the latest initiatives at UW is the establishment of the Center for Indigenous Health, located in the Pediatrics RR-Wing of the UW Medical Center. The Center's mission is to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in medicine, significantly increasing the number of Indigenous physicians in Washington State and nationwide.
Despite the significant contributions of Indigenous peoples, representation in the medical field remains stark, with Indigenous physicians accounting for less than 1% of the total physician population in the United States.
We encourage everyone to learn more about Native cultures and contributions by visiting the Burke Museum or participating in the Indigenous Walking Tour on the UW campus. Additional learning resources are available on The Huddle's Native American Heritage Month page. For resources on equity, diversity, inclusion and justice, visit the Office of Healthcare Equity page.
Join us in honoring and celebrating the rich heritages of our Native American colleagues and patients this month.