Science and health program for Native American youth to shut down in Northern Arizona
Cheyla Daverman Cronkite News
PHOENIX – Lab coats hung on hooks and cabinets gave way to tall ceilings above typical blacktopped science tables. The windows framed Flagstaff's canopy of trees and mountains in the distance.
The room was cluttered with expensive scientific equipment, pipettes and an abundance of gloves. Instead of food, the freezer contained cell cultures and isolated DNA samples. It smelled clean and had everything needed for a fully functional lab.
Amber Kelly, a lab student worker at Northern Arizona University who is Navajo, was born in Tuba City and raised in Flagstaff.
She's always been interested in science but many careers in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine) require lab or research experience, so when she saw a flier offering a paid internship through the Cultural and Academic Research Experience (CARE) at Northern Arizona University, she jumped at the chance to get involved.
'I think it's mainly cancer that made me push to public health because most people don't even know that Native Americans are more prone to cancerous diseases,' Kelly said.
Kelly studied the health impacts and the legacy of contamination from more than 500 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation.
'There's a particular hotspot, like 40 minutes away from Flagstaff, in the small town called Cameron,' Kelly said.
She has family living near Cameron, one of the places with higher health risks due to radiation exposure and contaminated water, dirt and livestock.
Although CARE worked mainly with Indigenous students hoping to increase the number of Native Americans in STEMM, the program welcomed everyone.
After President Donald Trump issued several executive orders banning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), CARE has scaled back significantly and is in danger of shutting down.
Trump's directives, calling DEI programs 'illegal' and 'immoral,' were hitting the Indigenous health communities hard.
'At least initially, they laid off 800 Indian Health Service employees (nationally), impacting all across the country,' said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes during the Rural Health Forum held in Phoenix on Feb. 18.
The National Council of Urban Indian Health issued a press release deeming 'federal layoffs targeting essential tribal programs … catastrophic for Indian Country.'
'DEI requires context,' said Tempe Chief Diversity Officer Velicia McMillan Humes. 'You have to understand that this is addressing a greater, longer, pervasive issue.'
Diversity training began with affirmative action after President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order in 1961 that required federal contractors to create equal employment for all.
'You have to learn how to create strategies to engage individuals who don't feel safe or comfortable or don't feel like they'll be heard,' Humes said. 'But the first thing we need to do is recognize that we have played a role in that inequity.'
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 created the base for much of today's nondiscriminatory legislation. It made all discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin illegal for any program that received federal funding.
'I feel like that term is being criminalized because DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) really includes everyone,' said Dr. Naomi Lee, who is Seneca, and spearheads CARE as the program director. 'For my program, while we had a majority of Native students, it wasn't strictly Native. You know, we had all racial and ethnic backgrounds and needs.'
In the summer of 2024, 61 percent of the students identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, and 57 percent identified as first-generation college students.
CARE also provided a virtual option for out-of-state students. After successful completion, seniors are admitted into the Honors College at NAU with fees waived.
According to the program's proposal, CARE received nearly 70 applications last year, accepting approximately 30 percent.
CARE spent around $400,000 annually on training, housing, student stipends, staff and supplies for roughly two dozen in-person students. The funding also covered trips to a national conference for eight students annually to present research they completed over the summer.
In 2022, Kelly went to her first conference. 'I was feeling so much anxiety. I was so scared because it was my first time presenting in front of judges and new people,' Kelly said.
That year, Kelly won an honorable mention and a computer as a prize for her presentation at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) fall conference.
The program wove students' professional identities with their cultural heritage. Tribal elders visited to share stories and traditions. Instructors encouraged them to speak their languages, wear traditional clothing and connect personally. CARE also highlighted Indigenous practices and voices through a book club.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), which funds almost all medical research in the country, provided roughly one-fifth of CARE's funding. Lee was looking to renew the two-year contract with NIH, but on Jan. 22 she received an email from the Contracts Management Branch of NIH stating, 'All DEIA-focused contract actions are to be terminated effective immediately.'
'The current contract had about $25,000 left on it, and then we were supposed to get another $125,000 in May,' Lee said. 'So it's about $150,000 that was terminated from this executive order.'
This funding loss immediately barred at least 20 students from entering the program.
The NIH spent more than $35 billion in the fiscal year 2023 on almost 50,000 grants nationally, supporting medical schools and research institutions. Of this funding, approximately $26 billion went to cover direct costs for research, such as program staff salaries, travel expenses, materials and consultants.
In early February, the NIH announced a significant reduction of overhead costs to a maximum of 15 percent, which funds things like facilities and equipment.
A total of 113 students have gone through CARE since its founding in 2019. The 2025 program planned to accept 30 in-person and 20 online students and hoped to expand the latter to 25. COVID-19 created a need for a virtual program and cost an additional $100,000.
'Right now we only have sustainable funding for in-person,' said Dr. Joslynn Lee, CARE co-director who is Navajo, Laguna and Acoma Pueblo. 'All of our online and non-summer activities have been canceled at this time.'
Kelly completed her third year in the program in 2024. She is pursuing a public health degree with a minor in applied Indigenous studies at NAU.
Kelly keeps her hair long, hanging past her lower back. Her ribbon skirt, a rainbow of bright florals, was tied at her waist with a sash belt. Her moccasins and traditional jewelry adorned her. She was ready to attend her final CARE celebration.
'My parents always taught me that you should never cut your hair because it is cutting off your wisdom,' said Kelly.
Her wisdom was on display at the end of the program celebration where instructors, mentors, students and their extended families gathered for the occasion.
'One student has 10 people coming,' Joslynn Lee said. 'We had kids there and elderly folks came. (Parents) were so thankful that their kids had an opportunity like this. It was just exciting to see them say that. We want them to know that they matter.'
It was crowded and loud and looked like a science fair, with students standing in front of their posters waiting to present their final research from the summer.
'It's heartbreaking honestly, knowing that future people that I've told to sign up for CARE, or the people that already are looking forward to it, won't have it anymore,' Kelly said.
Naomi Lee said she is looking into alternative financing sources, even if that means serving fewer students, 'which is sad, but at least we're still doing something. If our other non-federal funding agencies don't allow us to change our plans, we have to cancel the program.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Wire
17 hours ago
- Business Wire
Dove Men+Care Encourages Canadian Dads to Celebrate ‘My Most Important Role' on LinkedIn
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To mark Father's Day, Dove Men+Care invites Canadian Dads and father figures to update their LinkedIn profiles with one of their most meaningful life roles: 'Dad.' Rolling out across Canada, the campaign encourages fathers to recognize and celebrate fatherhood as a full-time role and claim space for it on a platform traditionally reserved for professional milestones. As part of the campaign, Canadian Dads are encouraged to use LinkedIn's 'Add position' feature to reflect their role as a father and join a growing movement of men reshaping the traditional definition of masculinity, identity, and care. Making fatherhood LinkedIn-official, Dove Men+Care sparks a broader conversation that urges men to treat personal milestones with the same importance and visibility as professional ones. 'Too often, men proudly share promotions, but rarely the presence and care they bring at home,' said Divya Singh, General Manager, Personal Care, Unilever Canada. 'With this campaign, we are redefining success to include care and celebrate the powerful role fathers and father figures play beyond the workplace.' To kickstart the movement, Dove Men+Care partnered with Founder/CEO Ross Simmonds, Sports Commentator Donnovan Bennett, Celebrity Chef and TV host Dave Rocco, Innovation Strategist Shawn Kanungo. Each thought leader, known in Canada for their professional achievements, are sharing their personal fatherhood stories alongside custom visuals designed by Toronto-based illustrator Mateusz Napieralski. Canadians are encouraged to download and re-share these custom illustrations along with their own fatherhood update and journey. "When men see fatherhood as a vital part of who they are, it positively shapes their mental health and emotional well-being," said Dr. Andrew Howlett, a Toronto-based Child and Family Psychiatrist, and co-founder of the Fathers' Mental Health Network. "By valuing and supporting active fatherhood, we help dads feel recognized and empowered - building resilient families and healthier communities." As a long-time partner of Dove Men+Care, Dad Central, a national organization that provides research, programming, resources, and a community to support father involvement, is helping amplify the campaign through its extensive community network. The group is also contributing expert insight on the cultural importance of active fatherhood and its long-term impact on society. The campaign runs nationally in the lead-up to Father's Day, encouraging Dads across Canada to take part on LinkedIn. To learn more about Dove Men+Care, visit To find out more about Dad Central visit: About Dove Men+Care Dove Men+Care is the first range of products from Dove developed specially for men. Manufactured by Unilever, the line includes the #1 dermatologist recommended male bar and body wash brand. Launched in 2010, the Dove Men+Care portfolio includes bars, body washes, anti-perspirant/deodorants, and hair care. Dove Men+Care is available nationwide in food, drug, and mass outlet stores. About Unilever Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. For more information about Unilever and our brands, please visit About Unilever in North America Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Our leading brands in North America include Dove, Hellmann's, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, TRESemmé, Knorr, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Nutrafol, Liquid I.V., Paula's Choice, and Dermalogica. For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands visit: For more information on Unilever Canada and its brands visit: About Unilever in Canada Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024. Our leading brands in Canada include Dove, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, SheaMoisture, TRESemmé, Knorr, Hellmann's, Breyers, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Liquid I.V., and OLLY. For more information on Unilever Canada and visit: or About Dad Central Dad Central is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting responsible father involvement in Canada. Through evidence-based research, resources, and community programming, Dad Central helps fathers, families, and organizations recognize and strengthen the important role dads play in child development and family well-being. With over two decades of experience, Dad Central works to ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from an involved and caring father.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
We don't talk about DEI: Wisconsin hospital systems are quietly removing diversity language
American Family Children's Hospital, part of the UW Health system, is seen in Madison, Wis., on April 1, 2020. (Photo by Dee J. Hall/Wisconsin Watch) Click here to read highlights from the story Health care systems including SSM Health, Aurora Health, UW Health and, most recently, Ascension have removed from their websites language related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The changes have come in the months since President Donald Trump has signed executive orders abolishing federal DEI programs. UW Health publicly announced changes such as the removal of anti-racism modules titled 'Being a leader in anti-racism' and 'anti-racism funding' and replacement with modules called 'Being a social impact leader' and 'Community giving.' Republished from Wisconsin Watch. Multiple Wisconsin health care systems have removed diversity, equity and inclusion language or resources from their websites in the wake of President Donald Trump's federal ban on funding for DEI programming. The systems include SSM Health, Aurora Health, UW Health and, most recently, Ascension. Froedtert ThedaCare Health has maintained its DEI webpage, though it removed a link to its equal employment opportunity policy in recent months. Aurora Health, Ascension, Froedtert and SSM Health made the changes quietly, without directly alerting the public. UW Health, however, released an op-ed in Madison 365 April 8 explaining the changes. 'As we enter the next phase of this important work, we are further aligning with our organizational mission under the name of Social Impact and Belonging,' the op-ed said. 'This reflects both the evolved nature of the work and our desire that these mission-focused priorities endure despite the current tumultuous political environment.' The changes occurred in the weeks after President Donald Trump's executive order abolishing DEI programs from all federally funded institutions and programs. The executive order, issued Jan. 20, states the 'Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military.' In response to attacks on DEI programs by the federal government, some organizations have pushed back, arguing Trump's actions are a threat to a multiracial democracy. Some institutions are also suing the federal government for its actions, such as threatening to withhold federal grants and funding. Harvard University has filed a lawsuit, citing First Amendment principles to protect 'academic freedom' and 'private actors' speech.' But while some federally funded institutions are pushing back, others are not. In the past couple of months, SSM Health removed the word 'diversity' from its website, including changing a page titled 'Our Commitment to Diversity' to 'Our Commitment to Culture & Inclusion.' SSM has hospitals located throughout Wisconsin including Ripon, Fond du Lac, Waupun, Baraboo, Janesville, Madison and Monroe. In changing the webpage, SSM Health also removed an entire section regarding its commitment to fostering a diverse workplace and health care center, including a section that read, 'SSM Health makes it a point to work with diverse organizations broadening our reach into the communities we serve to support and promote a more inclusive society.' SSM Health also notably replaced the section discussing diversity with comment on SSM Health's mission as a Catholic ministry. On the updated page, the system discusses its commitment to follow in the footsteps of its founders to ensure 'all people have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they need.' In removing the word 'diversity,' SSM replaced the statement 'At SSM Health, diversity is an integral part of who we are and a reflection of our mission and values' with 'At SSM Health, inclusion is an integral part of who we are and a reflection of our Mission, Vision and Values.' 'Today, our belief that every person was created in the image of God with inherent dignity and value calls us to foster a healthy culture, inviting each person to be the best version of themselves,' SSM Health communications consultant Shari Wrezinski said when asked for comment. Wrezinski said the organization's mission has remained the same, and its communications, policies, programs and practices reflect the organization's mission. 'This has not and will not change,' Wrezinski said. 'As such, our website and other communications materials are continually updated as we strive to clearly convey our commitment to a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected.' Despite removing the section on diversity, SSM Health has maintained its equal opportunity section. Froedtert did the opposite, by maintaining its webpages on diversity, equity and inclusion, but removing its equal opportunity policy document from the pages. The equal opportunity document, which can still be found online but was removed from the DEI website, specifically outlines Froedtert's commitment and policy to maintain equitable and nondiscriminatory recruitment, hiring and human resources practices. The document outlines two policies specifically: 'FH is committed to its affirmative action policies and practices in employment programs to achieve a balanced workforce' and 'FH will provide equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military and veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or any other characteristics protected by state or federal law.' Froedtert did not respond to requests for comment. The Froedtert system serves patients primarily in the Milwaukee area. Froedtert recently merged with ThedaCare, serving Wisconsin residents in the Fox Valley and Green Bay. In 2020, the system reported receiving tens of millions in federal funding through the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While removing a link to an equal opportunity document may be a simple change, the Rev. Marilyn Miller, a partner in Leading for Racial Equity LLC, said every small change pushes society further back in achieving full access and equity. 'So it might be a small tweak now, but what does that open the door to later? So, yeah, it's impactful because any change that's stepping back from full equity is a problem,' Miller said. 'There's populations that don't feel any security anymore.' Aurora Health Care also has removed DEI language in the past couple of months since the executive order. In 2018, Aurora merged with Advocate Health, a system with more than 26 hospitals throughout the Midwest. Advocate Aurora Health later merged with Atrium Health in 2022, creating the third largest nonprofit in the nation. Earlier this year, Aurora removed an entire page on diversity, equity and inclusion. The page now redirects to Advocate's page titled 'Access & Opportunity.' That change cut statements such as: 'Our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy is anchored by our purpose to help people live well and to deliver safe, consistent, and equitable health outcomes and experiences for the patients and communities we serve.' A spokesperson for Aurora Health Care said the organization will continue to 'deliver compassionate, high-quality, consistent care for all those we serve.' 'As our newly combined purpose and commitments state, we lift everyone up by ensuring access and opportunity for all,' the spokesperson said. 'To provide our patients and communities clear and consistent information that explains our programs, policies and services, we are making various changes to our websites.' Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the nation, took down the entire page on diversity, equity and inclusion. The health care system currently operates at over 165 locations in Milwaukee, Racine, Appleton and Fox Valley. The system still has modules on 'Identifying & Addressing Barriers to Health' and 'Ensuring Health Equity.' Ascension did not respond to a request for a comment. UW Health removed its page on diversity, equity and inclusion, replacing it with a page titled 'social impact in belonging.' In doing so, UW Health removed 'anti-racism' from its entire website. It used to be one of the main themes. UW Health removed the anti-racism modules titled 'Being a leader in anti-racism' and 'anti-racism funding,' and now in their place are modules called 'Being a social impact leader' and 'Community giving.' Chief Social Impact Officer Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and CEO Alan Kaplan addressed the changes in a video, stating social impact and belonging align with their mission, values and strategies as a health care organization. 'At UW Health, social impact refers to the effects health care policies, practices and interventions have on the well-being of individuals and communities, improving health outcomes, access to care and quality of life,' Bidar-Sielaff said. 'Belonging is the understanding that you are valued and respected for who you are as an individual.' UW Health reported receiving $315 million in federal funding, totaling over half of the $622 million in grant funds — federal and non-federal — awarded to the School of Medicine and Public Health. That total is 37% of all grant funding awarded to UW-Madison. Despite claims by health care centers that missions remain the same, advocacy groups in Wisconsin are raising concerns regarding the impact these changes could have on communities in Wisconsin. Chris Allen, president and CEO of Diverse & Resilient — an advocacy group focused on health inequities for LGBTQ+ people in Wisconsin — said these quiet language shifts are significant. 'They send a message that commitments to addressing disparities may be weakening, even if that's not the stated intention,' Allen said. William Parke Sutherland, government affairs director at Kids Forward, a statewide policy center that advocates for low-income and minority families, said many health care partners feel pressured to preserve funding sources. In Wisconsin, maternal mortality rates are 2.5 times higher for Black women than white women. Maternal morbidities — or serious birth complications — were the highest among Black women and people enrolled in BadgerCare, the state's largest Medicaid program. From 2020 to 2022 there were 7.8 stillbirth deaths per 1,000 births among Black babies, compared with 4.5 among white babies. Disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates could be attributed to stress caused by poverty, lack of access to quality care, or systemic racism, according to health care researchers. If a mother is stressed over a long period of time, that can cause elevated levels of stress hormones, which could increase premature births or low birth weights for infants. For Black women, midwives have been found to reduce the disparities they otherwise may experience during pregnancy, reducing the risk of maternal mortality or morbidity. Access to midwives is currently covered by Medicaid, so losing federal funding could harm these services. Regardless of language, 'Wisconsin's racial disparities in health access and outcomes aren't going away on their own,' Sutherland said in an email. Removing language that acknowledges DEI efforts will not reduce the health care disparities felt by Wisconsin residents, Sutherland said. Federal funding cuts could also hurt rural families in Wisconsin, specifically those who rely on Medicaid for their health care needs. 'We cannot begin to address these challenges if we're not willing to acknowledge them,' Sutherland said. 'A colorblind approach has not helped in the past.' This article first appeared on Wisconsin Watch and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
I don't like to be all alone'; Potlotek Dad's Group keeping men healthy
POTLOTEK - Potlotek First Nation member Louis Marshall and a few other men may have found a solution to staying healthy and it doesn't involve stereotypical male pursuits. A study released at the end of May by the Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF) discloses that more Canadian men than ever are struggling with high levels of stress, and half of them lack the social support systems that would keep them from higher levels of depression or anxiety. According to a recent press release, the organization's data garnered from a survey taken in April, 2025 of 2,000 men across the country shows a significantly higher level of social isolation among men living alone (73 per cent), younger men aged 19-29 (67 per cent) and racialized men (59 per cent ). CMHF launched an initiative for the month of June called #NeverAlone – a national campaign focused on raising awareness and highlighting the importance of social connection during Men's Health Month. But that's no mystery to Marshall or the handful of other members of the 'Dad's Group' that meets every Friday morning in Potlotek. 'I don't like to be all alone during the day when my family is at school,' he says. 'Meeting here helps my anxiety.' Marshall's mother just passed away and he says it's been helpful to get out with others who support and listen to him. VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES Fellow group member, Russell Battiste says the Dad's Group is a good place to interact with other men, socialize and learn skills such as how to cook. With the help of facilitator and family resource worker Luz Blandon the group hosts different activities every week. The gatherings function as a place for men – and sometimes their children – to learn about such things as emergency preparedness, barbering, and especially – cooking. They say they will have more outdoor activities as the weather gets better, and hope to take on some arts and crafts projects. 'This group has been helping the men in many ways,' says facilitator Blandon. 'It has helped with socialization, support for what's going on in their lives, and isolation, We also are able to get them places they need to be if they don't have transportation.' The group plays bingo every month and has conversations at times about mental, physical and emotional health care. And their children are always welcome if it is a day off school. Two recent activities they engaged in were making pizzas from scratch to have lunch together and gathering with other community members one evening to decorate jackets for the Blue Jean Jacket Day in honour of murdered, missing and exploited Indigenous men and boys held annually on June 6. 'This group gives me something to do and something to look forward to,' says Louis Marshall. Winston Marshall has been attending the group for about a year. He says he likes being with people and especially learning more cooking skills and the good conversation he can find each week. 'I just keep asking other people what they want to do and ask them to come out to the group,' he says. Group members say everyone is open to suggestions from others about activities they would like to do or learn about. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .