AI/AN Learning
at OHSU

NNACoE provides culturally impactful support and community building for AI/AN students attending OHSU’s 5 schools. We provide access to mentors and mentorship events, research opportunities, and connection to our wide network of AI/AN partners.

We support students to stay connected with their culture and build opportunities for them to connect with AI/AN communities in the Pacific Northwest.

Cultural Support

NNACoE offers programming to foster cultural wellness and support student retention. We aim to build a supportive community for all Native learners to thrive.

Naik’uksha Learner Gatherings

  • Naik’uksha - (Pronounced Nye-COOK-sha) is an ichishkiin word (Warm Springs language) that means “Gathering”. In this area, people would gather at the Columbia River to exchange goods and nurture intertribal relationships.

  • These gatherings are for the exchanging of ideas and nurturing a community space among learners

  • Gathering activities include:

    • Moccasin Making Workshops

    • Yarn Basket Making Workshops

    • Beading Workshops

    • Native Health Seminars with Native speakers

Local Native Community Connections

  • Fostering relationships with local Native organizations

  • Sharing information about local Native Community events

UME & GME Electives

NNACoE has developed curriculum that spans the Medical School to Residency spectrum that was built alongside -and specific to- Native Communities across Oregon. The curriculum reflects non-clinical electives as well as immersive clinical electives that seek to reflect the strength and richness of AI/AN communities and enlighten all learners on the historical and cultural context in which patients are receiving care.

Learn more about NNACoE’s Native Health Curriculum at OHSU:

Native Health Experience

  • American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities exist across Oregon and in every part of the United States. While complex, the health system that serves this varied population is a fundamental part of treaty obligations made by the United States Government with sovereign Tribal Nations and thus affects every corner of the United States. Despite this, education of medical providers regarding AI/AN communities has long been inadequate and frequently harmful to communities that continue to experience health outcomes related to racism, historical trauma, and ongoing poor access to quality healthcare. Providing experiences that better prepare physicians to learn from (not just about) and serve in these communities is imperative. Deep knowledge and strengths have always existed in AI/AN communities. Partnerships for medical student training that align with community values and priorities can present a path towards equity and sustainable systems change. Click here to learn more about goals, timeline and application process for the Native Health Experience.

Native Health Electives

  • Featuring a 2-week virtual Native Health Non-Clinical Elective to serve as an entry for students into thinking more widely about the health of AI/AN health disparities driven by historical and present-day injustices that persist in our country and our systems of care.

  • NNACoE continues to partner with tribes locally and regionally to expand virtual and clinical electives. Thus far, we have developed clinical electives and experiences for Residents and Medical students in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, and Kodiak Area Native Association.

Student Organizations

ANAMS (Association of Native American Medical Students

  • The Association of Native American Medical Students (ANAMS) is a student organization representing Native American graduates, health professionals and students throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their goals include providing support and resources for all Native Americans currently enrolled in various allied health professions schools. The OHSU ANAMS chapter organizes and hosts various gatherings and events and members strive to increase the number of Native American students in medicine and other health professions.

SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos / Hispanics & Native Americans in Science)

  • SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.

Education & Career Support

NNACoE is committed to supporting AI/AN learners throughout their journey to becoming a health professional. Two of the ways we currently do this are:

  • Fostering mentorship opportunities with other AI/AN Faculty and Health Professionals

  • Hosting clinical skills training workshops based on the needs and requests of AI/AN learners

Indigenous Food Garden

NNACoE's Indigenous Food Garden is a space for AI/AN learners, staff and faculty at OHSU to express their culture and connect with local Native community. Native students and NNACoE staff built the garden and continue to plant, maintain and harvest. We plan to invite community partners to the space to pass on cultural teachings/knowledge.

Through all of the NNACoE Initiatives and Programs we make space for mentorship and create time for AI/AN learners at OHSU to interact with other students and communities we work with, speakers, other health professionals etc.

For questions, email Rosa Frutos at frutos@ohsu.edu and Natalee Sparks at sparksn@ohsu.edu.