Indian clinic offers cultural identity activity
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, a nonprofit agency that provides services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, held a community cultural class that emphasized cultural identity, native traditions and mental health.
The Jan. 22 event was led by local Southern Cheyenne artist Michael Elizondo Jr., who holds a master of fine arts in painting and a bachelor’s degree in studio art. Elizondo teaches a class at the University of Central Oklahoma and is a mentor for the Indian clinic’s domestic violence and prevention initiative program.
The outreach event was a painting class, and 21 participants painted a sunrise and were given creative freedom to design it however they wished.
Clinic Culture Night was made possible by the EVENT (End Violence; Empower Native Traditions) program funded through an Indian Health Service grant.
Participants described the event as fun, informative and entertaining, even suggesting future activities such as pottery, beading and basket weaving.
The event is open to patients and nonpatients 16 and older.
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic cares for more than 20,000 patients from more than 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition and behavioral health services. For more information, visit www.okcic.com.