By Sean Daniels | Photos by Shayna Brown

On Aug. 3, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe was honored to welcome representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board to our homelands.

Through meaningful government-to-government dialogue, we shared how Muckleshoot continues to invest in the health, well-being, infrastructure, and future of our Tribal community while strengthening partnerships that support Tribal sovereignty and growth. During the visit, the HHS delegation toured several key Muckleshoot facilities, including the Muckleshoot Health & Wellness Center, where they learned about the Tribe's comprehensive health services, such as medical care, dental and optical services, pharmacy operations, fitness facilities, and aquatic programs.

The group also visited the Behavioral Health Program building and received an overview of the services and resources available to community members. During their visit to the Behavioral Health Program, the delegation was welcomed with traditional wellness items including nettle tea, sage with a shell, and a medicinal sleep aid. Staff explained the purpose of each item and demonstrated how they are traditionally used.

We are grateful for the opportunity to work together in service to our people. Thank you, Assistant Secretary, Gustav Chiarello, for your time, leadership, and commitment to strengthening Tribal-federal partnerships.

The visiting HHS Delegation included:

1. Gus Chiarello, Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, HHS
2. Norris Cochran, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources, HHS
3. Ed Heidig, Regional Director, Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs
4. Devin Delrow, Principal Advisor for Tribal Affairs
5. Carmela Roybal, Associate Director for Tribal Affairs
6. Jillian Curtis, Director of Finance, Indian Health Service (IHS)
7. Hilary Edwards, NPAIHB Director of Legal and Government Affairs
8. Veronica Smith, NPAIHB Government Affairs
9. Jason Lovett, NPAIHB Government Affairs