Diversity & Community Health Equity

UI Health Honors Native American Heritage Month: Honoring Resilience, Healing, and Heritage

This November, UI Health proudly recognizes Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the enduring legacy, cultures, and contributions of Native and Indigenous peoples across the United States. We celebrate their deep connections to community, land, and healing practices that continue to shape health and wellness today.

Honoring the Roots of Healing: Awareness and Acknowledgement

Native American communities have long held traditions of holistic healing that emphasize balance—between mind, body, spirit, and the natural world. At UI Health, we honor these traditions by uplifting awareness of Native and Indigenous health perspectives, as well as the ongoing efforts to address disparities and promote equity in healthcare access and outcomes.

Through reflection and education, we recognize the importance of acknowledging:

• The historical and ongoing impacts of colonization and displacement on Native health and well-being.
• The strength and resilience of Native communities in preserving traditional healing practices and cultural identity.
• The need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed care when serving Native and Indigenous patients.

Pathways to Awareness and Allyship

Pathways to Awareness and Allyship As part of our commitment to inclusion and cultural humility, we encourage our UI Health community to:

• Learn about the histories and sovereign rights of Native Nations and Tribal communities in Illinois and beyond.
• Reflect on the land we occupy and acknowledge the Native peoples whose homelands we share.
• Engage in allyship by supporting Native-led health, education, and community organizations.

Acknowledging the Land We Stand On

UI Health and the University of Illinois Chicago reside on the traditional homelands of the Three Fires Confederacy—Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, along with many other Tribal Nations including the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Miami, and Peoria peoples. We honor their enduring presence and stewardship of this land and commit to advancing equity, respect, and inclusion for all Indigenous peoples.

Continuing the Work

At UI Health, our mission extends beyond acknowledgement—it is about building trust, understanding, and equitable care for all. By honoring Native American Heritage Month, we reaffirm our ICARE values—Inclusion, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—and our ongoing work to provide care that respects every patient’s story, culture, and community.

For additional information or to learn more about our cultural awareness initiatives, contact the Office of Diversity and Community Health Equity at ODCHE.UIHealth.Care.

Archives

Learn more about how UI Health is honoring the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx community members through Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Hispanic Heritage Month 2022
• Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
• Hispanic Heritage Month 2024