In 2021, we launched the “ᏣᎳᎩ: Wherever We Are” virtual event series. We’ve held 10 great discussions about young Cherokees, our COVID-19 pandemic response, the great outdoors, Cherokee women, our legislative priorities, Cherokee language, Cherokee spirituality, Cherokee Removal, Cherokee Freedmen, and our values and traditions. (Did you miss any of them? You can still catch these events on the Cherokee Nation YouTube channel.)
We started these virtual events when COVID-19 first threatened the health of our community. It was a way to come together, wherever we were, to keep ourselves physically safe from disease and mentally healthy with social connection. Our health — both physical and mental, individual and communal — is absolutely essential. That’s why I’m excited to announce that our next virtual event will be “ᏣᎳᎩ: Wherever We Are, Health & Wellness Edition.” I hope you’ll join us on Saturday, April 23 at noon CT!
This conversation will cover a lot of ground. We’ll explore how Cherokees will benefit from the new Cherokee Nation Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, talk with mental health experts, and discuss addiction, alcoholism, and opioid use in our community.
Chief of Staff Corey Bunch will host this event, which will also feature remarks from Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, and special guests including Senior Director of Public Health Lisa Pivec, Public Health Senior Advisor Canaan Duncan, and Senior Director of Behavioral Health Juli Skinner.
Look out for a message from Canaan Duncan with more details about our 4/23 event. I hope to see you next Saturday!
Wado (Thank you),
Kevin Stretch
Director, Community & Cultural Outreach
Cherokee Nation
P.S. Do you have a question you’d like to ask Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. about health and wellness? Respond to this email and you may hear your question answered live during this event!