Future Fires: An Urban Indian Health Podcast

In this episode, Virginia Hedrick and Frankie Myers break down the recent election results and what they mean for Native communities. We’ll explore how these outcomes could shape health policies and other critical issues affecting our people. Plus, we discuss actionable strategies to stay engaged in civic engagement beyond election season and continue advocating for health equity and wellness. Tune in to learn how to keep the momentum going and ensure our voices remain strong in shaping the future. AHO!

In this episode, we dive into why voting is a vital tool for protecting sovereignty and shaping the future of our AIAN communities. Frankie Myers, Vice-Chairman of the Yurok Tribe, shares insights into how electoral participation influences essential policies on healthcare, land rights, education, and more. With voting power, Native communities can drive lasting change and secure resources for generations to come. Join us as we discuss why every Native vote counts and how you can help shape a stronger future.

In our first episode of this quick-release season, we explore the critical role and deep history of voting in shaping Native American rights and health outcomes. Jim Crouch, a member of the Cherokee Nation and former Executive Director of the California Rural Indian Health Board Inc (CRIHB), joins us to discuss the history of Native voting rights, the challenges faced, and the milestones achieved. We dive into the data showing how Native voter participation impacts community health and share powerful stories of change driven by the Native vote. Tune in to understand why your vote matters more than ever and how it can help shape health policy for the next seven generations.

In this episode, we take a closer look at Long Covid and how it affects our AIAN communities. We explain what Long Covid is and how it differs from regular Covid-19 symptoms. We also discuss the unique challenges that people in AIAN communities face during recovery. You'll learn about the prevalence of Long Covid among our tribal people and which age groups are most affected. We talk about the specific issues and what the long-term recovery process looks like. Additionally, we share stories of strength and resilience within the community as they navigate the effects of Long Covid. Join us to hear these important insights and experiences.

In this episode, we explore the impact of extreme heat on California and our Tribal communities, delving into what defines extreme heat and its historical effects. Dirk Charley, a member of the Dunlap Band of Mono Indians and former firefighter, discusses the traditional knowledge and practices our communities use to cope with rising temperatures and how these methods are evolving in response to more severe heat waves. We also dive into the significance of cultural burns, understanding their role in managing extreme heat and their deeper cultural meanings.

In this episode we explore the generational divide in technology, information access, and beliefs within our Native communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look at the unique challenges faced by youth and elders, inspiring stories of collaboration, and how respect for elders led to high vaccination rates. Through listening you can learn how intergenerational communication can strengthen community resilience in public health crises. Join us to uncover ways to build stronger, more resilient communities for the future. ORDER PPE HERE

In this episode, you will hear from community superstar, Danielle Rey Frank. Danielle Frank is a Hupa tribal member and Yurok descendant. Frank has been deeply involved in the cultural and political aspects of her community from a very early age. Born during the beginning of a 20-year resistance to undam the Klamath River led by her tribal communities, she grew up learning from strong indigenous activists. In this episode, we discuss California's climate, its impact on the land, youth leadership, and the critical issues climate change poses to our people.

Welcome back to another season of Future Fires! This season, we'll be engaging in rich conversations about COVID-19, extreme heat, and climate change. In our first episode, we explore the current reality of COVID-19, focusing on the data and how our community is moving forward. Our guest, Virginia Hedrick, will guide us through the numbers and share insights from communities across the state. Join us by the fire as new episodes will be released all summer.

Welcome back to another impactful episode of Future Fires, where we dive deep into the many facets of wellness and well-being. In today's episode, we are talking about healthy relationships and practical insights and tips to foster strong connections, whether in romantic partnerships, friendships, or family dynamics. Our two guests, Michelle and Camille Higginbotham, a mother-and-daughter duo, will be our guides as we explore the aspects of what a healthy relationship means.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Future Fires, where we dive deep into the many facets of wellness and well-being. In today's episode, we embark on a journey to discover the significance of physical well-being within our community. Our guest, Nathan Nunez, a dedicated Health Educator at UAII (United American Indian Involvement), will be our guide as we explore the world of physical health, encompassing aspects such as physical activity, healthy eating, and the richness of our traditional foods and practices. Nathan offers practical tips on how you can seamlessly integrate these elements into your daily life to elevate your overall wellness.

In this episode you will hear from our CalHope RedLine navigators; the conversation highlights RedLine navigators experiences through working on the warmline and the conversations they have had with youth and community members regarding overall wellness and wellbeing.

Building on and inspired by the work of our CalHope Warmline, CCUIH is proud to announce the launch of season 2 of ‘Future Fires: An Urban Indian Health Podcast’. This season, CCUIH is focusing on AIAN youth guests sharing their experiences through Covid-19 concerning self-care, traditional healing, and communal courage. The podcast series will address how Covid-19 has impacted AIAN youth's overall wellness. Our first episode titled "Navigating Adulthood" features guest host TK asking his questions related to navigating adulthood and growing into the person you want to be.

“Care for All” is an episode that focuses on the importance of HCV/HIV awareness in the LGBTQ2S+ community. For this episode, we brought on a remarkable community member who works in Native health and is heavily involved in the LGBTQ2S+ community, Manny Luna. In this conversation, Manny speaks to creative projects that he is working on in the community as well as what he is hearing from community members and how we as a community can come together to create greater change.

This episode focuses on the importance of providers and physicians working in Native country and developing new and strategic ways to do work surrounding HCV/HIV. For this episode, we brought on two guest speakers from Native American Health Center in San Francisco, Dr. Sombredero & Nurse Byrne. The conversation highlights how providers and physicians navigate through this work as well as their perspectives on the current progress toward creating a healthier future for our Native communities. Most importantly, this episode reminds us that despite all of the structural inequities and inequalities that our AIAN communities experience, we continue to move forward and build a better future for the next seven generations.

In this episode, we brought on two knowledgeable public health workers to discuss working with AIAN youth on developing strategies for youth HCV and STI prevention. Through listening, you will learn a bit about what they are seeing in the community in relation to specific beliefs and behaviors about HCV and STI prevention and how we, as a collective, can work together to make a change. Through discussing current projects and community efforts, Teyah Lopez and Adrienne Leddy, showcase the ways in which this work impacts our community at large.

Welcome to Future Fires! For our first episode, you will hear from Jax Stewart, a senior community outreach specialist at Akua Mind & Body. Jax focuses on community work related to HCV throughout Native country. Our conversation focuses on developing programs and strategies for HCV and STI prevention. Through listening, you will learn a bit about what efforts are currently being made and how they are impacting our communities health. In this episode, we examine barriers, stigma, and education efforts to envision a healthier future for our Native communities.

The California Consortium of Urban Indian Health is launching our first ever podcast titled, Future Fires . The Future Fires Podcast is a conversation with the American Indian Alaska Native community throughout California and beyond where we focus on creating healthy Native futures.