How do you bridge modern health care with Indigenous tradition? 🌾🏥 Meet Ashley Johnson, Tribal Relations Director for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, as she shares the powerful, often untold story of Medicaid’s impact in Indian Country—and why cultural identity is key to health leadership. 🌍✨

Discover how Ashley and her small-but-mighty team are transforming tribal health care: advocating for sovereignty, building trust, and ensuring Native communities receive the support they deserve. 💪🏽🤝 Hear the truth about Medicaid (it’s not “welfare”!), how it uplifts working families, and why every word in your Native language is an act of sovereignty and healing. 🗣️❤️ From reclaiming heritage to practical tips for maximizing health resources, this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk, and actionable insights for everyone—Native and non-Native alike. 🌟

Ready to rethink what health care can mean for your community? Tap to listen and join the movement for empowered, culturally-rooted care! 🎧🌱

#OsageHealthWatch #TribalHealth #MedicaidMatters #NativeVoices #CommunityCare #HealthEquity #Sovereignty #IndigenousLeadership #KeepCareLocal #ListenNow

🌽✨ Recorded at the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium spring conference in Shawnee, OK - dive into the roots of Osage and tribal wellness! In this episode of Osage Health Watch, join hosts Michael Bristow and Lindsay King as they sit down with Veronica Pipestem - seed steward, cultural advocate, and food sovereignty leader-to explore the revival of ancestral foods and their power to heal Native communities. Discover the hidden history of Osage corn, the challenges and triumphs of seed rematriation, and how traditional foodways offer hope in the fight against diabetes. From heartfelt stories to practical tips for growing and sourcing heirloom foods, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about health, heritage, and the future of Native nations. 🌱🪶👩‍🌾

🎧 Click to listen and be inspired to reclaim your roots and your health!

The latest episode of *Osage Health Watch* dives into the theme of resilience in uncertain times, offering a heartfelt and insightful discussion on mental health, community, and personal growth. Hosts Producer Mike, Brandy Lemon, Michael Bristow, and guest Meredith Drent explore how challenges like federal policy changes and societal pressures uniquely impact Indigenous communities. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies to navigate these difficulties, emphasizing the importance of small habits, community connections, and cultural traditions in fostering resilience. From reflections on the healing power of storms to the significance of reaching out to loved ones, this episode is a celebration of strength and togetherness.

Listeners will also hear an inspiring dialogue on mental health awareness, with a focus on combating feelings of hopelessness through meaningful actions and support networks. The hosts candidly discuss struggles such as suicide rates among Native populations while highlighting the power of empathy, habit-building, and cultural grounding as tools for healing. Whether it’s through walking at dawn, lifting others with small acts of kindness, or reconnecting with traditions like community dances, this episode reminds us all to choose resilience and embrace the beauty of life’s small victories.