This article is reprinted with permission from Sunrise Banks’ online Stories Page, originally published on October 16th.
By AMANDA THEISEN, Communications Manager for Sunrise Banks
American Indian communities in the U.S. face serious health challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 25% of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals rate their health as fair to poor. Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic liver conditions are leading causes of death. The life expectancy for American Indians is just over 70 years—nearly eight years shorter than the national average.
The Indian Health Board (IHB) in Minneapolis has been a vital resource, aiming to improve health outcomes for urban Indigenous populations. This nonprofit is dedicated to ensuring access to quality healthcare while tackling barriers that hinder this access.
To create healthier communities, IHB provides culturally relevant care and incorporates traditional practices. They recently partnered with Sunrise Banks to fund a new medical clinic now under construction.
Origins of IHB
The IHB was born out of necessity. In the late 1960s, an Ojibwe woman named Gloria struggled to receive care in Minneapolis due to her ethnicity, ultimately leading to her tragic death. This incident was a catalyst for activism during the American Indian Rights movement, sparking the need for clinics focused on American Indians in urban areas.
“Community members recognized they needed their own healthcare providers,” says Michael Harris, Communications Director at IHB. They pooled resources to open the first urban American Indian health clinic in 1971, changing the landscape of healthcare for their community.
The IHB now operates in three locations, providing medical and dental services along with counseling and recovery support. This holistic approach addresses not just physical health but mental well-being too.
Culturally Tailored Care
What sets IHB apart is its commitment to blending traditional practices with modern healthcare. Patients can engage with services like ceremonial tobacco offerings and drumming classes. According to Richard Wright, a tribal elder at IHB, it’s crucial to rebuild trust between the medical community and urban Indigenous people. “Our history is marked by trauma, but IHB offers new options for healthcare,” he explains.
A New Place of Healing
The next big step for IHB is the Menaandawiwe Wellness Campus, translating to “a place of healing” in Ojibwe. This new facility will consolidate medical and community services, designed to reflect Native culture and traditions. Construction began on Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2023 and is set to finish by fall 2026, with substantial support from Sunrise Banks contributing $10 million.
Mary Stoick, senior vice president at Sunrise Banks, emphasizes the importance of this project. “It centralizes care and makes it more accessible for the community,” she states. “This is about healthcare equity for Indigenous members.”
Michael highlights the value of having a supportive financial partner like Sunrise Banks. “We’re focused on providing quality services. Having a partner who understands that is crucial,” he adds.
Healthcare equity remains a pressing issue in the U.S., with Indigenous communities often facing steeper obstacles. A recent report found that American Indian adults are 1.8 times more likely to be uninsured compared to non-Hispanic whites, highlighting the urgent need for supportive initiatives like those from the IHB.
AMANDA THEISEN is the communications manager for Sunrise Banks.
