As part of Native American Heritage Month, we have asked some of our Native American employees and board members to contribute to our blog as guest writers. We asked them what Native American Heritage Month means to them, and what they would want the community to know. Join us as we open our platform to new voices on our blog!
By Chantal Nez Dominguez
Yá’át’ééh, shik’éí dóó shidine’é. (Hello, my relatives and my people.)
Shí éí Chantal Nez yinishyé. (My name is Chantal Nez)
Dziłtł’ahnii nishłį́ (I am the Mountain Recess People Clan).
Tótsohnii báshíshchíín (Born for the Big Water People Clan).
Tł’ááshchí’í éí da shicheii (My maternal grandfather is the Red Cheeks People Clan).
Tséníjíkiní da shinalí (My paternal grandfather is the Honey Combed Rock People Clan).
As a Diné (Navajo) tribal member born and raised on the reservation, my journey is deeply rooted in the values and resilience of my community. Growing up without running water, easy access to a grocery store, or affordable and quality healthcare, I witnessed firsthand the disparities that affect many Native American communities. These experiences not only shaped my understanding of public health but also fueled my determination to create change.
Health disparities were a constant reality in my community. I saw my family and neighbors face illnesses that were often preventable with proper access to care. Boarding school added another layer to my story — a chapter marked by challenges but also lessons in perseverance and identity. These moments instilled in me the importance of advocacy, representation, and the need to address systemic inequities.
Pursuing a master’s degree in public health became more than an educational goal — it became a mission to serve. Over the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of working with tribal communities across the country. These experiences have shown me the strength and innovation within our communities as we confront public health challenges together. Public health, I’ve learned, is not just about statistics or programs; it’s about K’é (family), relationships, and honoring the unique needs of every community.
At the heart of my passion for public health is my family. My husband, Felipe, and our children — Tatanka, Lydia, and Quetzalli — are my guiding light. They represent the hope and the future that I strive to protect through my work. Watching my children grow up with opportunities I could only dream of motivates me to create a world where all Native families can thrive. Felipe’s unwavering support and my children’s endless curiosity remind me daily why I do what I do.
This commitment to family and community is why I am honored to serve on the Hunter Health Board, which provides care to urban Native Americans and families in the Wichita community. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Hunter Health is a crucial resource in bridging gaps in access to culturally sensitive care. My role on the board allows me to ensure that Native voices are heard and that our communities’ needs are met.
Native American Heritage Month is a time to reflect on our history, celebrate our resilience, and amplify the stories of our people. For me, it’s also a time to recommit to addressing the disparities I witnessed growing up. While we honor our past, we must look toward the future, advocating for the health and wellbeing of our people.
As we observe this month, I encourage everyone to learn about the contributions and challenges of Native communities. Whether it’s understanding the lasting impact of historical trauma or supporting policies that promote equity, every action matters. Together, we can work toward a future where all Native families, like mine, have the resources and opportunities they deserve.
In every step of this journey, I carry with me the love and support of Felipe, Tatanka, Lydia, and Quetzalli. They are my foundation, my inspiration, and the essence of why I walk this path in public health.
Ahéhee’ — thank you!
Chantal Nez Dominguez is a member of Hunter Health’s Board of Directors.
