Sanford Health kicks off Native American Heritage Month with opening ceremony

Nov. 5—BEMIDJI — Recognizing that it serves 20% to 30% Native Americans,

Sanford Bemidji

is highlighting Indigenous culture and history in more ways than one.

Kicking off with an opening ceremony on Friday, Sanford Health recognized the start of Native American Heritage Month which former president George H. W. Bush first proclaimed in 1990.

Given its location between

Red Lake,

Leech Lake

and White Earth Nations, Sanford will host a smattering of events throughout the month that aim to acknowledge Indigenous traditions and issues.

"One thing about health care is always being willing to learn and being curious," Sanford Health CEO Karla Eischens said. "Learning how to provide more equitable and culturally appropriate care is one of our goals."

Included in the opening ceremony was a blessing by George Goggle Eye Sr., an elder of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Goggle Eye noted numerous afflictions that the medical personnel in attendance would treat, during and after November.

"Drug abuse, alcohol abuse, physical abuse, it's all out there," he said to the attendees. "We're trying to address these things with our people, we're trying to address the issues that you're going to be dealing with as helpers."

Peer Recovery Specialist Joe Beaudreau played an integral role in Friday's ceremony as he sits on a subcommittee of the Native American Health Outreach Committee responsible for planning the month's events. Beaudreau noted considerable growth of Sanford Bemidji's observance of Native American Heritage Month since he became active.

"This has been building," Beaudreau said. "A few years ago, we just had banners saying that it was (Native American Heritage Month) and here we are now having an opening ceremony."

Other events included Red Shirt Day on Monday, which aimed to bring awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous people. A star quilt presentation is set for 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, in Sanford's east lobby and a free Indigenous meal will be served in the Sanford cafeteria on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Those observing the month are encouraged to rock their mocs on Friday, Nov. 15, and to wear orange on Monday, Nov. 18.

"Orange Shirt Day signifies and pays acknowledgment to the boarding schools and the children that are still there," Beaudreau added. "There's more work to be done, but we're bringing them home."

A health care leader panel will take place at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in Sanford's education room. The month will close out with "Ribbon Skirt Day" on Monday, Nov. 25, and a closing ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in the east lobby.

Once the end of November rolls around, Beaudreau hopes the Bemidji area is a bit more aware of the triumphs and challenges faced by Indigenous people.

"There have always been preconceived, ingrained behaviors that we witness growing up, and they stick with us. If you were told, 'Those people are not good' then you grew up thinking that way," Beaudreau said. "There's a lot more work to be done in our community, but I think we can make a difference in our own Sanford community.

"Because of the work we do in health care with all of our patients — including those who are Native American — I hope they will someday look at this hospital and say, 'I'll go there because I trust them.'"