GALA GRAND OPENING OF NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER IN RICHMOND, CA.

GALA GRAND OPENING OF NATIVE WELLNESS CENTER IN RICHMOND,CALIFORNIA

By Mike (Ali) Raccoon Eyes Kinney

RICHMOND-The need for the Native American Health Center to establish a presence in Contra Costa County became apparent after Native focus groups with Native families from Contra Costa showed there was a large Native population unable to take advantage of the services provided by NAHC in the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area.

The Native Wellness Center gala opening for Contra Costa County was held in Richmond, CA., this past Friday, October 16 ,2009. Indian Country census for Native people in Richmond is 25,000.

The new Richmond Native Wellness Center offers talking circles, traditional healing activities, positive parenting and elders groups, youth referrals and will host various community and cultural events throughout the year.

Martin Waukazoo- CEO for the Native American Health Centers, Inc., give an inspirational talk to the attendees at the gala opening of the meaning of the Wellness Center to the Native Community of Richmond and Contra Costa County.

Professor Lehman Brightman, founder of United Native Americans, Inc., spoke of the importance of the Native Wellness Center and the need for more Human and Civil Rights for Indian Country.

There was a wonderful dedication of the Wellness Center to Wandi Bearquiver Bulletti, who lead the way for the Native Wellness Center to be opened in the City of Richmond.