Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy

The Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy brings together scientific collaborators, Indigenous knowledge holders, and community leaders to eliminate health disparities and cultivate health and wellness with Indigenous communities. These efforts are grounded in the principles of community-based participatory research and traditional Indigenous worldviews that emphasize equity, co-learning, and the interconnected and holistic nature of the health. The Center builds upon and extends the mission of Oklahoma State University to improve the health of Oklahoma’s most underserved populations. The Center efforts are focused in three primary areas: 1) Reconnection – the recognition and strengthening of Indigenous knowledge and practices that foster wellness; 2) Education – the provision of pipeline programs that are culturally-grounded as well as scientifically rigorous to develop the next generation of health sciences professionals working with Indigenous communities; and 3) Training – the development of cross-cultural and equitable learning opportunities that bring university and community partners together to address training needs within both settings so as to foster long-term, collaborative and co-learning relationships between Indigenous Nations and Oklahoma State University.

The Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy brings together scientific collaborators, Indigenous knowledge holders, and community leaders to eliminate health disparities and cultivate health and wellness with Indigenous communities. These efforts are grounded in the principles of community-based participatory research and traditional Indigenous worldviews that emphasize equity, co-learning, and the interconnected and holistic nature of the health. The Center builds upon and extends the mission of Oklahoma State University to improve the health of Oklahoma’s most underserved populations. The Center efforts are focused in three primary areas: 1) Reconnection – the recognition and strengthening of Indigenous knowledge and practices that foster wellness; 2) Education – the provision of pipeline programs that are culturally-grounded as well as scientifically rigorous to develop the next generation of health sciences professionals working with Indigenous communities; and 3) Training – the development of cross-cultural and equitable learning opportunities that bring university and community partners together to address training needs within both settings so as to foster long-term, collaborative and co-learning relationships between Indigenous Nations and Oklahoma State University.