Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

Credit: Ana Mila, AOD Intern

In acknowledgment of the original inhabitants of this continent –American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services will close on Monday, October 9^th in observance of Indigenous People’s Day.

Honoring Indigenous People’s Day helps provide indigenous communities with a stage to reveal historical truths of genocide and oppression as well as current injustices. It also allows our San Mateo County community to celebrate indigenous resilience, resistance, and empowerment by connecting indigenous identity to something beyond controversies over sports teams and cultural appropriation.

While still in the process of being recognized as an official San Mateo County holiday, Indigenous People’s Day will be celebrated in San Mateo County for the first time on October 9^th at the Ravenswood Family Health Center in East Palo Alto thanks to the efforts of Nuestra Casa, the Native American Initiative (NAI), and collaborating organizations. This event will not only provide indigenous communities with a platform to raise awareness, but also recognizes a history of survival and perseverance.

The Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and the Native American Initiative (NAI) meet every month in the efforts to raise awareness of the Native American community in San Mateo County through health education and outreach. The Initiative’s work supports culturally-appropriate and traditional Native healing practices. NAI and its members strive to reduce stigma, assist indigenous community members in accessing health care, and establish ongoing training opportunities for behavioral health staff and community partners.

To learn more about how you can become a member of the NAI, visit their website or contact Gloria Gutierrez at ggutierrez@smcgov.org or (650) 573- 2076.