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Native American tribe, The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), has announced a landmark initiative, pledging $6 million over the next three years to improve the physical and mental health of Native American children across Minnesota. The project, IndigeFit Kids, intends to combat the growing health disparities faced by Native youth and other racial groups.
SMSC is a federally recognized, sovereign tribe of Mdewakanton Dakota people located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. It is dedicated to building strong, healthy communities and is committed to helping others. Ashley Cornforth, SMSC secretary and treasurer, emphasized the initiative’s primary goal of improving physical activity of Native youth. “Too many children today don’t get enough physical activity,” she said. “We believe it is important for our tribe to dedicate ourselves to helping ensure the good health of future generations of Native people.”
Low physical activity levels has led to significant challenges in mental health, obesity and substance abuse. These issues are exacerbated due to the different challenges facing Native communities as compared to other American children or teenagers. “There are many long-standing environmental factors and social determinants of health that impact the overall health and wellness of Native youth, but by focusing on physical activity, good nutrition and healthy habits, we can create brighter futures for Native kids and communities,” said secretary/treasurer Cornforth.
The IndigeFit Kids campaign will focus on improving physical fitness and wellness opportunities for Native American children through a variety of programs. The first major project involves a $1.5 million donation to KABOOM!, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. KABOOM! will conduct a study of “playspaces” in 11 Native communities across Minnesota, with the goal of building five new playgrounds and recreational areas to give children more opportunities for physical activity.
IndigeFit Kids will also expand team sports opportunities for Native youth through a new partnership with the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. Details of the partnership are still coming, but it is expected to create more avenues for Native children and teens to engage in structured athletic activities, fostering teamwork and physical fitness in the process.
In addition to funding research and athletic programs, the project will support a range of initiatives, including gardening and dance programs, policy advocacy and grants to other organizations working to promote the physical health of Native youth.
The campaign will also grant $500,000 to the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. The center will use the funds to conduct a two-year study assessing the unique barriers and opportunities to promoting health and wellness among Native youth. Co-directors Melissa Walls and Donald Warne said that the study aims to correct what they called “data genocide”—the historical omission of Native American health data from public health research. “A representative study of our youth is historically needed,” said Walls. “We’re going to work hard to make sure that we do acknowledge the beautiful diversity of our tribal peoples in this state.”
The SMSC is known for its charitable contributions, including funding the renovation of the American Indian Center and a $5 million campaign launched in 2019 to promote understanding of Native American history and culture in schools. Its Understand Native Minnesota initiative funded grants, curriculum development, research and workshops for educators statewide and concluded last year.
Source: The Minnesota Star Tribune
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