Acceptance
Displacement of Native people to cities has affected their psyche
Ralph Forquera
About Ralph Forquera
Ralph Forquera is executive director for the Seattle Indian Health Board, and he is a member of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachmen Nation, from the San Juan Capistrano region of Southern California. He has spent much of his career working to improve the health and well-being of urban American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Tribal Affiliation
Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachmen Nation
Hometown
Seattle, Washington
Region
Northwest
VIDEO CLIPS
Genetic Research
Skeptical of the benefits of genetic research due to historical mistreatment of Native people
Patient Education
Resistance to taking medicine contributes to non-compliance
Recognition
When Native person leaves the reservation, they lose their identity
Research
Seattle Indian Health Board epidemiologists work with medical residents on their research projects
Seattle
No representation of Native culture in art of Seattle
Spirtuality
Native feelings of hopelessness about health and well-being
Tools
Importance of art in helping individuals believe they can be healthy