- Details
- By Kristen Lilya
Join Levi Rickert, Editor, and Elyse Wild, Senior Health Reporter, of Native News Online for a crucial discussion on the devastating toll of the opioid epidemic in tribal nations. This insightful interview, featuring special guest Philomena Kebec, will address myths surrounding genetic predisposition and the critical need for culturally centered solutions.
Philomena Kebec, J.D., a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, is dedicated to building systems and supports for harm reduction, overdose prevention, tribal healthcare optimization, small business growth and financing, and improving community access to local and traditional foods. As an attorney and judge licensed to practice law in tribal and state courts, she brings over a decade of experience providing legal and policy services to tribal nations.
This interview delves into the systemic issues fueling the opioid crisis, explores data gaps that obscure its true scale, and highlights innovative programs making a difference. Philomena will share actionable policy recommendations to support tribal sovereignty and empower communities to heal.
Whether you are a tribal leader, healthcare provider, policymaker, or concerned community member, this event is a must-watch. Join us as we shine a light on this urgent public health crisis and explore pathways to wellness and justice.
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Where: Native News Online’s Facebook page and YouTube channel
Don’t miss this important conversation!
📣 Spread the Word: Join us LIVE on Friday, January 24, at 12 PM ET on Native News Online’s Facebook or YouTube channel.
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Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
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Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher