UND Indigenous Health Department

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Several NHSC students are attending the 2026 Health Science Summer Institute at the University of North Dakota. The program is funded by the NIH Narch-Birch grant, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium in partnership with the University of North Dakota. The program offers TCU students to develop research skills, attend seminars on research methodology, Tribal data sovereignty, and network with Native faculty and students!

We are so proud of our students!
Justin Strait, Bryson Rainbow, Michael Red Tomahawk, Kalen Martin, Seana Two Crow, and Rose Clifford.

🌟 Dissertation Defense Announcement 🌟

Please join us in supporting Diana Hawkins, PhD candidate in Indigenous Health, as she presents her dissertation defense:

“Ceremony Assisted Treatment to Promote Recovery Among American Indians”

📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM (CST)
💻 Zoom: https://und.zoom.us/j/93644407380

This important work highlights culturally grounded approaches to healing and recovery in Indigenous communities. Your presence and support are greatly appreciated!

✨ Let’s show up and celebrate this milestone!

Please join us next Thursday for the dissertation defense of Gem Wilson, PhD candidate in Indigenous Health.

Dissertation Title:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Tribes Program: Uncertainty Around Executive Orders During 2025 – A Qualitative Study

Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 12-1 pm Central Time; 11-12 pm Mountain Time
Zoom Link: https://und.zoom.us/j/92513895036?pwd=JI0bEn5mT7C9txuMNs0Bzqjnd7ouFj.1

Our program is global, and we love seeing our students and faculty cross paths in meaningful ways!

Celena and Loretta are attending the NW NARCH 2026 Summer Research Training Institute in Portland, Oregon, hosted by the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.

Celena is teaching in the AI/AN Adolescent Health Track, while Loretta is participating in the Epidemiology and Community-Based Participatory Research Track. We are grateful for opportunities like these that foster learning, collaboration, and mentorship while supporting the next generation of Indigenous health researchers and leaders.

Welcome to UND campus! 💚

The 2026 Health Sciences Summer Institute's in-person learning initiative is underway, courtesy of a NIH NARCH-BIRCH grant.

Through a partnership with the University of North Dakota, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium offers Tribal College students a platform to develop research expertise and connect with peers and faculty.

Today at 9am CST 💚

🎉 Please join us for the dissertation defense of Anna Charlotta Kihlström, PhD candidate in Indigenous Health. 🎉

Dissertation Title:
Bridging Relational and Institutional Accountability: A Mixed Methods Study of Implementing Sámi Ethical Research Guidelines in Finland’s Public Health Sector

Thursday, June 4, 2026
9-10 am Central Time
https://und.zoom.us/j/94938035328

We hope you'll join us in supporting Anna as she defends her doctoral work. 🎓

Today, the North Dakota State Office of Rural Health presented Dr. Shawnda Schroeder with the Outstanding Rural Health Educator/Mentor award at the Dakota Conference on Rural Health.

Dr. Schroeder's unwavering commitment to education is highly valued, and the Department appreciates her outstanding service.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Schroeder.

Today at 9am CST 💚

You will be seeing a few of these in the next few weeks and we are so proud! 💚

Please join us for the dissertation defense of Mangan Golden, PhD candidate in Indigenous Health.

Dissertation Title:
BROADENING THE VIEW OF MEDICAL EDUCATION TO BETTER SERVE INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS

Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 9-10:30 am Central Time
Zoom Link: https://und.zoom.us/j/94130498951?pwd=WAZOzqNqYhBXbvJyqpIRWnBn11OaLW.1

We hope you'll join us in supporting Mangan as she defends her doctoral work.

Today at 11am CST 💚

🎉 Please join us in celebrating Michelle Gutiérrez's Oral Dissertation Defense! 🎉

Dissertation Title:
A Mixed Methods Study: Exploring the Concept of Rematriation Through the Work of Indigenous Doulas in New Mexico

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
11 – 12 pm CT / 10 – 11 am MT
https://und.zoom.us/j/96644610111

We hope you'll join us in supporting Michelle as she defends her doctoral work.