College of NursingNewsGeneralSpotlight on Native American and Indigenous Engagement and Research at WSU College of Nursing

Spotlight on Native American and Indigenous Engagement and Research at WSU College of Nursing

Native American and Indigenous Health

The Washington State University College of Nursing acknowledges that our locations statewide are on the homelands of Native peoples, who have lived in this region from time immemorial. And we are committed to supporting Indigenous communities through education, research, and meaningful collaboration. From pre-nursing programs tailored for Native students to international efforts, these projects demonstrate our dedication to advancing health care equity. This article highlights several initiatives and the faculty and partners who are driving this important work forward.

Featured stories:

Advancing Indigenous Health and Pain Research

Dr. Marian Wilson (WSU College of Nursing) and Dr. Mike McDonell (WSU College of Medicine) co-lead Indigenous health research exploring cannabis’ impact on pain in a tribally operated clinic, supported by a Native American Research Centers for Health grant. The project trains Native students in culturally relevant research and highlights decolonizing methodologies. Another $2.2M initiative integrates tribal knowledge with modern health strategies to address substance use and pain, led by Native researchers. These efforts prioritize Indigenous voices and community-driven health equity.

Collaboration with the Indian Health Service (IHS) on Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Resources

WSU College of Nursing partners with UW and Indian Health Service (IHS) on TRIAD, a culturally tailored training initiative to address Alzheimer’s and dementia in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Co-directed by Dr. Catherine Van Son, the project focuses on improving diagnosis, care, and outcomes for AI/AN elders and their caregivers by integrating tribal values and traditions into evidence-based practices.

Indigenous Research: Insights from Dr. Melissa Vera

Dr. Melissa Vera, WSU College of Nursing Assistant Professor (Tsm’syen and Yaqui), leads transformative research focused on Indigenous wellbeing, climate change, and planetary health. Her work, including a Māori-adapted analysis method, centers Indigenous voices and decolonizes Western research practices, promoting health equity and cultural revitalization.

Reviving International Indigenous Programs: Spotlight on Peru

The WSU College of Nursing’s Peru program blends cultural immersion with hands-on healthcare, fostering core nursing values like social justice and holistic care. Students serve Indigenous communities while gaining transformative professional and personal growth. Next trip: Summer 2026.

Pre-Nursing Programs Supporting Native Students in Pullman, WA

The WSU College of Nursing’s Native Excellence through Trude Smith (NETS) program supports Native American pre-nursing students with mentorship, academic guidance, hands-on experiences, and scholarships. Open to all Native students, it fosters community and professional growth.

A Unified Vision for Indigenous and Global Health Equity

These diverse projects represent our unified commitment to health equity for Indigenous and underserved populations. From Pullman to Peru, WSU College of Nursing is focused on partnerships and programming that align with cultural values while advancing public health.

These diverse projects reflect WSU College of Nursing’s mission to advance health and well-being through education, scholarship, and community engagement. Guided by the values of COUG CARES—Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Social Justice—our initiatives emphasize culturally respectful partnerships that promote health equity. Whether locally in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Yakima, or internationally in Peru and beyond, we are committed to shaping accessible health care that meets the unique needs of Indigenous and underserved communities.

How You Can Support These Initiatives?

There are many ways to get involved and support WSU’s Indigenous health initiatives. Whether through volunteering, partnerships, or donations, every effort contributes to improving health outcomes for Indigenous populations.

Additional WSU Events Supporting
Native American Heritage Month

Ruth and Loren Olsen Festival of Native American Music featuring Artist-in-Residence Conor Chee (Navajo) 

The Ruth and Loren Olsen Festival of Native American Music is an annual event to highlight the depth of Indigenous artistry through performing and educational events. The Artist-in Residence for the 2024 inaugural year will be Navajo composer and pianist Conner Chee. The festival will be held Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13. For a full list of events, visit the College of Arts and Sciences School of Music website. The festival is presented in partnership with WSU Student Affairs, the Ruth and Loran Olsen Fund, the Center for Student Organizations and Leadership, and the David G. Pollart Center for Arts and Humanities. 
We are Still Here: Native American Diversity in Heritage and Research 
Several of WSU’s Native American faculty will be sharing their research during a panel discussion entitled We are Still Here: Native American Diversity in Heritage and Research, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., on Thursday, November 14.
This panel is hosted by the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships.

The discussion will feature panelists:

Cheryl Ellenwood (Nez Perce/Navajo), assistant professor in Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs and director of the Indigenous Organizations and Data Lab

Angel Sobotta (Nez Perce), assistant professor of Cultural Studies and Social Thought and director of Clearinghouse on Native Teaching and Learning

Michael Holloman (Colville Tribes), associate professor of Native American Art History

Ryan Booth (Upper Skagit), assistant professor of History, focusing upon Indigenous Military History.Moderated by Ken Lokensgard, PhD, co-director for the Center for Native American Research & Collaboration

This event will be held via Zoom. Please RSVP online to attend.