"Native Voices: Native Peoples' Concepts of Health and Illness" is a new exhibit at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History that explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illness and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Stories drawn from both the past and present examine how health for Native people is tied to community, the land and spirit. Through interviews, Native people describe the impact of epidemics, federal legislation, the loss of land and the inhibition of culture on the health of Native individuals and communities today.

"Native Voices" was previously on display at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, from 2011 to 2015. As one of 104 grant recipients selected from across the country, the Sam Noble Museum will host the traveling exhibit for six weeks during the exhibit’s tour of the U.S. from February 2016 to June 2020.

At 3 PM Monday, Dec. 18, in the museum's Kerr Auditorium, Lancer Stephens, Ph.D., will present "Politics Aside: How Tribal Nations Come Together to Prepare Youth for Success —The Native Youth Preventing Diabetes Program." Within this interactive discussion, Stephens will address some well-known causes of poor health for American Indians and how tribal nations of Oklahoma have come together to give youth the skills, knowledge and support to overcome such obstacles.

Dr. Daniel Molina, physician of family medicine and chief medical officer for the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, will present "Indigenous Healthcare: A History of Healing in Native Americans" at 6 PM Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the Kerr Auditorium. The program will examine the important factors that have affected the overall health of Native Americans, from cardiovascular disease, cancer and suicide to preventive medicine and the power of community.