Indigenous Peoples Task Force : Strengthening and Enhanding the Health and Education of Native People

Boozhoo, Hola, Greetings!

Interested in working for the Indigenous Peoples Task Force (IPTF)? See our job openings here, updated January 2009.
Join us in spring 2010 for the fifith annual Connecting Our Lifeways: Traditional Tobacco Use and Contemporary Abuse conference
- Conference 2009 Flyer (105 KB)
- Conference 2009 Brochure (551 KB)

Greetings!

Awnimi Koo Dawding! (Happy New Year!)

As we embark on this journey into the year 2010, I want to remember those individuals connected to the Indigenous Peoples Task Force, who are no longer in this physical realm; Emma Martin, Jeff Bergstrom, Ken Norem, and our dear co-worker and sister, Yvonne Ortiz. May we always remember you and hold you in our hearts. This year at IPTF, I will devote my self to continuing the work that Yvonne was so dedicated to; cleaning up the air that we breathe, producing good food free from chemicals, and working to eliminate the environmental toxins that allow carcinogens to thrive. She was a tireless advocate, who ate good healthy foods, and was a positive role model for so many. We miss you so much and we will try to look out for all the little ones who were born in 2009, including the twins, Harmony and Chantkiya.

At IPTF, we will continue to advocate for changes in policies to include American Indians in Health Reform, including the Indian Health Improvement Act, which may include HIV services. We will also host a summit in February to assist youth and women to determine what HIV and Tobacco policies we can work toward changing locally. Our 5th Annual Connecting Our Lifeways Conference will be held in Prairie Island in April. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

In the meantime, Gigawahbahmin! And Keep the Faith!

Migwetch

See past letters from the director here:

Indigenous Peoples Task Force (IPTF) is a Native American provider of HIV education and direct services to the Native community in Minnesota. For over 15 years, IPTF has developed and implemented culturally appropriate programs to prevent further transmission of HIV, increase access to traditional and western medical services, and improve the quality of life for clients, families, and communities.