15th Annual Rooted in the Mountains Symposium

On September 25–26, The Center for Native Health partnered with Western Carolina University to host the 15th Rooted in the Mountains Symposium.
Keynote speakers Beverly Cook (Mohawk), Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook (Lakota), and Dr. Danielle Dominique Lucero (Isleta Pueblo) brought powerful insight and inspiration to the event.
Over 300 people registered for the two-day event, where panelists discussed Indigenous maternal health and birthing knowledge, the ways cultural knowledge and language revitalization are woven into family life, reproductive sovereignty, and the role of fatherhood in a matrilineal world. Panelists also shared about culturally grounded mental health support and the work of community doulas reclaiming traditional care practices.
We’re grateful to our partners for making this event possible: Dr. Kelli Brown (WCU Chancellor), Dr. Brett Riggs (Sequoyah Distinguished Professor), WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center, College of Health & Human Sciences, Cherokee and Indigenous Studies Program, and the Culturally Based Native Health Program.