Good Relatives | November 2020

The Great Plains Tribal Leader’s Health board recognizes the outstanding and exemplary work of Jodee Brewer. A citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation and a Public Health Nurse at the Oyate Health Center, Jodee is one of three selected to kick off the Good Relative-Tribal Highlight series.

“Jodee Brewer goes above and beyond in her role as a Public Health Nurse for the Oyate Health Center. Her love for nursing and the people shows in everything she does here for the Oyate Health Center. She is currently the only Public Health Nurse for Oyate and does an outstanding job at it,” said one of Jodee’s coworkers.

Public Health professionals have been on the front-lines of the fight against COVID-19 since the spring of 2020. Jodee has spent her time being an example of what it means to be a “Good Relative.” Jodee works harder than most. She is a mother of 3 working towards her master’s degree in nursing. The added demands of her personal life, however, have not deterred her from being all she can be as a healthcare provider.

“You see, Jodee does it all. She is passionate about hard work, she loves people, and every day she gives her all. Jodee is a Good Relative,” added her coworker.

The only public health nurse at the Oyate Health Center, Jodee checks-in on patients in isolation, provides daily, and provides them with health education and a friendly face. She helps with mass testing daily and regularly participates in a range of programs and events outside of work as a service to the community.

Thank you for being a good relative.

When a community is in need, a particular type of person steps up to fill the void. The staff at the Wakpa Ipaksan Dakota Language Program are those people.

The last several months have been incredibly hard for the people of the Flandreau Sioux Nation. Several losses of prominent community members have left the community in dire need of assistance. The program staff has gone above and beyond their job duties to provide comfort, manual support, and prayers for the community.

“They are often behind the scenes preparing ceremonies, planning the funeral, cooking food, singing at the drum, setting up/cleaning up, and sitting with the families throughout the whole process. The last week they even planned a Social Distance Round dance to help bring healing, said the community member.

They have always done so much, and they are only recognized in Flandreau and pockets of Dakota communities. Still, with every crisis, loss, or celebration, this staff of primarily four individuals is responsible for organizing these events and providing comfort for families.

“They do a lot for the community as cousins, aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews, and do so without worrying about their work hours or pay. They have done so much to show how they are a good relation by many who know them.”

Thank you for all you do.

The GPTLHB’s Central Office played home to the committed service of Jennifer Williams. Jennifer is the Good Health and Wellness Program Manager. Her program seeks to reduce the significantly-high rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke for American Indians living in the Great Plains region. Jennifer has been selfless in her work.

“The Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board is extremely grateful for the contributions, Jennifer Williams has made to the organization and the positive impact she has had on tribal communities across the Great Plains region. Her commitment to improving health outcomes for our people is a wonderful example of what it means to be a good relative,” said GPTLHB Communication Director Brandon Ecoffey.

While her work performance has earned her the respect of her supervisors and coworkers, it’s the extra things she does that have landed her in the tribal-spotlight.

“Jennifer has a passion for serving others, and she does so in the most humble of ways. She is caring, kind, and generous and never hesitates to go above and beyond for her team, the organization, and the tribes in which we serve. It is truly an honor to work with and learn from Jennifer,” stated the Health Board’s Director of Grants Management Nichole Cottier

“Jennifer is the epitome of kindness. She is always stepping up to lend a hand and help those in need. She is a genuinely good soul and displays empathy, courtesy, and professionalism in all facets of her life. We are so honored that she is a part of our team and family,” said Patti Eagle Bull, Vice President of Tribal Community Health Services.