American Indian Health Service of Chicago

You placed your votes! And ANTZ will be the feature movie for our Family Gathering Movie night next week! Please be sure to register all family members, and all children must be accompanied by an adult!

We are almost sold out, but there is a waitlist available!

✨ Free for AI/AN Community!
🎟️ Get your tickets and vote: https://tinyurl.com/3f5hcd67

📅 Friday, June 21 from 5:30-7:30
🏥 American Indian Health Service of Chicago
📍 4326 W Montrose Ave Chicago, IL 60641

The Unity Circle Family Gatherings are hosted by the Behavioral Health department at The American Indian Health Service of Chicago. These FREE events are open to the AI/AN community and feature movie screenings, food, snacks and giveaways!

Please join AIHSC for the St. Kateri 2024 Powwow and CAICC & CPS-AIEP Achievement Celebration. Admission is FREE, however Arts & Crafts + Food Vendors will be cash only!

📅 Saturday June 8, 2024
🚪 🕠 Doors Open at 11:00 AM
🎓 Achievement Celebration at 11:30 AM
🪶 Grand Entry at 12:00 PM
📍 St. Benedict Gym, 3941 N Bell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Last chance to vote for your choice of Movie! We're closing the voting tomorrow at 5PM— We'll announce our feature on Friday!

Place your vote when you register or comment below!👇

🐜 Antz (1998)
💭 Smoke Signals (1998)
🎺 Soul (2020)

✨ Free for AI/AN Community!
🎟️ Get your tickets and vote: https://tinyurl.com/3f5hcd67

📅 Friday, June 21 from 5:30-7:30
🏥 American Indian Health Service of Chicago
📍 4326 W Montrose Ave Chicago, IL 60641

The Unity Circle Family Gatherings are hosted by the Behavioral Health department at The American Indian Health Service of Chicago. These FREE events are open to the AI/AN community and feature movie screenings, food, snacks and giveaways!

As we continue to raise awareness for MMIR, we feel it is important to support the organizations that are dedicated to the mission year round. The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) offers "When a Loved One Goes Missing: A Quick Reference Guide for Families of Missing Indigenous Women: What to Do in the First 72 Hours."

Per the NIWRC website: Due to the historic and often inadequate response from law enforcement, this guide was designed to assist families and advocacy organizations in responding when a Native woman goes missing. It provides information about immediate steps that can be taken in the first 72 hours after a person goes missing, especially where the law enforcement response is non-existent or non-responsive.

Time is of the essence when someone you love goes missing. Do not delay – take these important steps to make every second count:

1. Contact local law enforcement.
2. Gather information and keep records/documents for use, as needed.
3. Ask a family/friend/advocate for support for yourself.
4. Enlist the help of your family, community, victim services, Tribal Coalitions (https://www.atcev.org/tribal-coalitions/), or grassroots organizers.

Per NIWRC, the information provided in this guide does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Readers of this toolkit should contact an attorney to obtain legal advice. Please refer to nwirc.org and fully read their information and guide details. www.niwrc.org

DOWNLOAD: https://www.niwrc.org/resources/booklet/when-loved-one-goes-missing-quick-reference-guide-families-missing-indigenous

As we gather with relatives and friends today, let us take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice and dedications of our fallen Native American heroes 🪶🇺🇲.

Did you know that Native Americans serve in the U.S. armed forces at a higher rate than any other ethnic group? Their unwavering commitment and bravery have been integral to our nation's defense throughout history. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by all our service members, let's take a moment to honor the rich heritage and steadfast patriotism of Native American veterans.

May we never forget their bravery and selflessness. Wishing everyone a meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day. 🪶🇺🇲

🇺🇲

As we continue to raise awareness for MMIR, we feel it is important to support the organizations that are dedicated to the mission year round. The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) offers "When a Loved One Goes Missing: A Quick Reference Guide for Families of Missing Indigenous Women: What to Do in the First 72 Hours."

Per the NIWRC website: Due to the historic and often inadequate response from law enforcement, this guide was designed to assist families and advocacy organizations in responding when a Native woman goes missing. It provides information about immediate steps that can be taken in the first 72 hours after a person goes missing, especially where the law enforcement response is non-existent or non-responsive.

Time is of the essence when someone you love goes missing. Do not delay – take these important steps to make every second count:

1. Contact local law enforcement.
2. Gather information and keep records/documents for use, as needed.
3. Ask a family/friend/advocate for support for yourself.
4. Enlist the help of your family, community, victim services, Tribal Coalitions (https://www.atcev.org/tribal-coalitions/), or grassroots organizers.

While this guide aims to provide steps toward an ideal response, the outcome may or will depend on the resources and training of local law enforcement and service providers. Many families have expressed anger, frustration, and disappointment in the lack of resources, knowledge, handling, and inconsistent communication and coordination of case details and investigations.

Per NIWRC, the information provided in this guide does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Readers of this toolkit should contact an attorney to obtain legal advice. Please refer to nwirc.org and fully read their information and guide details. www.niwrc.org

DOWNLOAD: https://www.niwrc.org/resources/booklet/when-loved-one-goes-missing-quick-reference-guide-families-missing-indigenous

The current reports of abduction and murder of Native women are alarming and represent one of the most horrific aspects of the spectrum of violence committed against Native women. The murder rate of Native women is more than ten times the national average on some reservations. These disappearances or murders are often connected to domestic violence, dating violence, s*xual assault, stalking, and s*x trafficking. The intersection of gender-based violence and MMIW is heavily intertwined. It is important to understand the connection between domestic, dating, and s*xual violence and the high incidence of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in the United States.

🔴 This long-standing crisis of MMIW can be attributed to the historical and intergenerational trauma caused by colonization and its ongoing effects in Indigenous communities stretching back more than 500 years.

SOURCE: https://www.niwrc.org/

💪🪶🧣 Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger fight against the injustice facing Indigenous communities. Together, we can make a difference.

Class is cancelled this evening, Monday, May 20. Unfortunately, our clinic will not be open tonight for our Kickboxing class. We hope to see everyone at class later this week!

For more information, please contact us at 773-883-9100

Join us for this week's events! Swipe left for details. ⬅

📆EVENTS THIS WEEK:

📌 AA Meetings
Sunday, May 19 at 3:00 PM

📌Kickboxing + Self-Defense Classes
Monday, May 20 at 6:00 PM
Friday, May 24 at 6:00 PM

📌MIGHT Gatherings
Tuesday, May 21 at 5:00 PM

📌Circle of Strength Talking Circle
Tuesday, May 21 at 5:30 PM

📌Men's Talking Circle
Wednesday, May 22 at 6:00 PM

If you have any questions, we are available by phone, please call us at 773-883-9100.

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Which movie should we feature for our upcoming Family Movie Night?

Place your vote in the comments below!👇

🐜 Antz (1998)
💭 Smoke Signals (1998)
🎺 Soul (2020)

The Unity Circle Family Gatherings are hosted by the Behavioral Health department at The American Indian Health Service of Chicago. These FREE events are open to the AI/AN community and feature movie screenings, food, snacks and giveaways!

📅 The next date is Friday, June 21 from 5:30-7:30!
Registration will open soon! So mark your calendars!

In light of the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives/Women (MMIR, MMIW, MMIWR), it's crucial we come together to support, raise awareness, and take action.

Here are 6 ways you can help make a difference:

🔴 Educate Yourself and Others: Start by learning more about the MMIR/MMIW crisis, its causes, and its impact on Indigenous communities. Share this information with family, friends, and on your social media to spread awareness.

🔴 Support Indigenous-Led Organizations: Many organizations are at the forefront of this fight. Consider donating to them or volunteering your time. Your resources can help amplify their efforts in advocating for justice and offering support to affected families.

🔴 Advocate for Change: Contact your local representatives and demand their support for policies and legislation that protect Indigenous communities, such as improved data collection on MMIR cases and support for victims' families.

🔴 Attend or Organize Vigils and Marches: Participate in local and national events to remember and honor missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Showing up in numbers demonstrates collective concern and solidarity.
🔴 Use Social Media Wisely: Leverage hashtags such as , , , and to keep the conversation going online. Follow and amplify voices of Indigenous activists and community leaders.

🔴 Support Indigenous Businesses, Artists, and Makers: Support economic independence for Indigenous communities, which is a vital part of fighting the systemic issues that contribute to the MMIR crisis.

💪🪶🧣 Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger fight against the injustice facing Indigenous communities. Together, we can make a difference.

TODAY! Join us for our Wellbriety Meeting today @ 4:30PM CST. AIHSC and Windy City Indigenous Anonymous bring you this virtual meeting twice a week with guest speakers as well as giveaways every circle

Wednesdays at 4:30pm CST
Sundays at 7:30 pm CST

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/ym4ytz58
Meeting ID: 856 7237 6313
Passcode: 165844

Thank you to all the families who joined us last Friday for our Family Painting Night! We had a blast at this hands-on event from the BH team at American Indian Health Service of Chicago is Honoring Our Stories: Healing through Art, Community, and Connection. Our BH team lead the group through a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through art expression. Participants explored their unique stories, cultural heritage, and personal journeys through the creative process of painting on canvas!

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TODAY! Join us for our Wellbriety Meeting today @ 7:30PM CST. AIHSC and Windy City Indigenous Anonymous bring you this virtual meeting twice a week with guest speakers as well as giveaways every circle

Wednesdays at 4:30pm CST
Sundays at 7:30 pm CST

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/ym4ytz58
Meeting ID: 856 7237 6313
Passcode: 165844

Join us for this week's events! Swipe left for details. ⬅

📆EVENTS THIS WEEK:

📌 AA Meetings
Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 PM

📌Wellbriety Meetings
Sunday, April 21 at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, April 24 at 4:30 PM

📌Kickboxing + Self-Defense Classes
Monday, April 22 at 6:00 PM
Friday, April 26 at 6:00 PM

📌Senior Socials
Tuesday, April 23 at 11:00 AM

📌MIGHT Gatherings
Tuesday, April 23 at 5:00 PM

📌Men's Talking Circle
Wednesday, April 24 at 6:00 PM

If you have any questions, we are available by phone, please call us at 773-883-9100.

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We're all set up and ready for Family Painting Night starting at 5:30 tonight! This hands-on event from the BH team at American Indian Health Service of Chicago is Honoring Our Stories: Healing through Art, Community, and Connection. Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing through art expression. In this workshop, participants will explore their unique stories, cultural heritage, and personal journeys through the creative process of painting on canvas!

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This Wednesday, join AIHSC at AIC for a senior luncheon!

Senior lunch is Wednesday, April 3rd @ 12pm.
Join us for our free senior lunch and mini prize bingo from noon-2 p.m. at the American Indian Center!
All community seniors are welcome, so come out and join the fun!

TODAY! Join us for our Wellbriety Meeting today @ 7:30 PM CST. AIHSC and Windy City Indigenous Anonymous bring you this virtual meeting twice a week with guest speakers as well as giveaways every circle!

Wednesdays at 4:30 pm CST
Sundays at 7:30 pm CST

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/ym4ytz58
Meeting ID: 856 7237 6313
Passcode: 165844

Join us for this week's events! Swipe left for details. ⬅

📆EVENTS THIS WEEK:

📌 AA Meetings
Sunday, April 7 at 3:00 PM

📌Wellbriety Meetings
Sunday, April 7 at 7:30 PM
Wednesday, April 10 at 4:30 PM

📌Kickboxing + Self Defense Classes
Monday, April 8 at 6:00 PM
Friday, April 12 at 6:00 PM

📌MIGHT Gatherings
Tuesday, April 9 at 5:00 PM

📌Men's Talking Circle
Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 PM

📌Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program
Friday, April 12 at 1:00 PM

If you have any questions, we are available by phone, please call us at 773-883-9100.

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April is Ribbon Skirt Month—a new way to show we are proud of our Native culture. In the past, women wore long skirts to be modest as elders taught about respecting yourself and your body. Women wore skirts every day—they were simple and practical, for work and for sleep. Women have worn skirts for hundreds of years, some fancy, some plain. With Native Culture we are always coming up with new ways to be able to walk in two worlds. We have our traditional side and our urban everyday Ribbon Skirts. They can be decorated for powwows, ceremonies, or special events. They become works of art decorated with sacred colors, clans, and names. They are made to be one-of-a-kind skirts, sewn with love, special meaning, and good feelings. They help make our spirits strong and proud. In April, wear your Ribbon Skirt with pride. We are still here.

This Women's History Month, we honor the spirit of Ernestine Walkingstick, an advocate for healthcare in the Native American community. Born in the heart of the Qualla Boundary, she devoted her life to nurturing the well-being of her people.

Ernestine shattered barriers, becoming the director of community health nursing for the EBCI reservation and founding the first clinic in Robbinsville, N.C., solely for Native American care 🏥. Her vision and dedication also established critical Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat clinics which have left a lasting legacy in Cherokee Indian Hospital.
A true servant-leader, her roles stretched across numerous health councils, including the prestigious North Carolina District Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and she was a key member of the Tribal Health Board of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). 🌿

Above all, Ernestine was the 'founding mother' of Swain/Qualla Safe, Inc., defending and empowering victims of domestic violence, and serving tirelessly on its board. Her contributions still shine brightly as beacons of hope and resilience.

Join us in remembering and celebrating Ernestine Walkingstick, a beacon of health, advocacy, and empowerment for her community. 🌟

TODAY! Join us for our Wellbriety Meeting today @4:30PM CST. AIHSC and Windy City Indigenous Anonymous bring you this virtual meeting twice a week with guest speakers as well as giveaways every circle.

📆Wednesdays at 4:30pm CST
📆Sundays at 7:30 pm CST

Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/ym4ytz58
Meeting ID: 856 7237 6313
Passcode: 165844

Throughout we honor the trailblazing spirits who've danced their way into history. Today, we spotlight a true pioneer: Maria Tallchief, a treasure of the Osage Nation and America's first major prima ballerina. 🩰✨

Elizabeth Marie "Maria" Tallchief, born into the Osage Nation, ascended to the pinnacle of ballet royalty with grace that transcended cultural barriers and redefined the artform. She shattered the stereotypes of what a prima ballerina should be and instead showed the world the power, poise, and passion that soared from within her. 👑

Her elegance on stage was matched by her dedication off stage, as she tirelessly campaigned to dispel myths and educate others about Native American cultures. A vigorous advocate for inclusion, Maria Tallchief's achievements sing a story of perseverance and pride. 🔥

The New York Times lauded her as "one of the most brilliant American ballerinas of the 20th century." She not only represented the Osage Nation but guided the future of ballet where American talent could thrive on merit, breaking new ground in a domain long dominated by European and Russian influences. 🌎

Thank you, Maria, for the magic and for teaching us that the presence of genius is a reverie with backbone.