The cornerstone of our worldview is that all living things, including the Earth, are interconnected and interdependent. The Earth isn’t just real estate, she is a part of us and our extended family. Native definitions of health or “being well” necessarily take account of land and water resources, community, longevity in balance with nature, self-healing or regenerative techniques, and thriving animal populations every bit as much as sleep, food sovereignty, and activity or exercise. Our traditional principles are not anti-western medicine, technology or science. Rather they embrace cultural advancements but retain an understanding of historical perspective and the need to attain balance with all things. The land is a reflection of the health of the people that inhabit it. Human health is inextricably intertwined with the natural world in a spiritual way. The interdependencies are so interrelated that Native people removed from the land that nurtured them will suffer severe depression, often malnourishment, and in some cases struggle to survive.

The dichotomy between the Native philosophy of interdependence and the Western philosophies of market-driven prosperity through consumption gives rise to structural barriers as well. Termed by many as the “social determinants of health,” these barriers have served as impediments to Native health by leading to systemic inequities. An understanding of this philosophical tension informs our philosophy of impact, our emphasis on human sustainability and chronic disease prevention, and our commitment to lowering the catastrophic rates of chronic illness through a holistic approach including digital health, personal health, community health and financial health.

For more details on how we operationalize our worldview to achieve impact,
please read our Impact Framework position paper.