{"id":6302,"date":"2024-10-01T07:45:36","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T14:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spipa.org\/staging\/?p=6302"},"modified":"2024-10-01T12:00:17","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T19:00:17","slug":"gathering-of-wisdom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spipa.org\/staging\/gathering-of-wisdom\/","title":{"rendered":"Gathering of Wisdom"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Gathering Wisdom: Crafting a 10 year cancer plan for Tribal Communities<\/strong><\/h2>

Wednesday, September 25th, 2024:\u00a0 The culminating event of the SPIPA Cancer Advisory Board, held at the Skabob Longhouse on the Skokomish Indian Reservation, brought together key figures to celebrate the next decade of work dedicated to keeping tribal communities cancer-free. The gathering began with a warm welcome from Skokomish Tribal members, Delbert Miller, sm3tcoom, and his daughter Jack-lyn Smith, waWuxWupkaya, who emphasized the cultural and communal importance of the work being done. Their words highlighted the deep significance of fighting cancer within tribal communities, where the well-being of each individual impacts the whole.<\/p>

Two witnesses were selected to observe and share their reflections on the event. Chris Pino, a member of the Navajo Tribe who works with SPIPA, and Joey Cole, a member of the Mohawk from Akwesasne in upstate New York who works at Fred Hutch, each gave testimony on what they had witnessed at the event. Their insights underscored the transformative nature of this work, and how they intend to bring the lessons learned back to their respective communities and workplaces.<\/p>

Chehalis Tribal member, Bobbie Bush shared a poignant analogy, comparing the collective efforts of the Cancer Advisory Board to the intricate process of basket-making. Just as all the materials must work together in harmony to form a strong and resilient basket, so too does the work of fighting cancer in tribal communities require the combined efforts of many hands and hearts. Her speech was deeply moving and resonated with the audience, setting the tone for the rest of the ceremony.<\/p>

Delbert followed with a powerful message about the tradition of wrapping individuals in a blanket at Skokomish. He explained that being robed in a new blanket gives the item a new purpose\u2014offering comfort, warmth, and protection from the negative forces that might arise. Each member of the Cancer Advisory Team was honored with a blanket, a symbol of their dedication and service to this vital cause.<\/p>

The event concluded with heartfelt testimonies from the witnesses, a song for those recognized followed by a blessing given by Chehalis Tribal Member, Christina Hicks of the meal prepared by the Health and Wellness team. As a lasting tribute to the work accomplished, Shoalwater Bay tribal member, Madison Judkins digitized a \u201con-the-fly\u201d \u00a0thought drawing-provoking drawing created by Jen Olson during an earlier advisory session. This artwork served as a powerful reminder of the ten-year plan that has guided the Cancer Advisory Board\u2019s work\u2014a plan born from many minds, hands, and hearts, all united for the future health of their tribal communities.<\/p>

A big thank you to the Chehalis, Nisqually, Shoalwater bay, Skokomish, and Squaxin Island Tribes, and representatives from Fred Hutch, Washington State Department of Health (DOH), UW Medicine, and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) for their insight and valuable contributions.\u00a0<\/p>

The 10 yr cancer plan can be viewed on the Health and Wellness page, as well as below.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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