Nutrition and weight control have become issues of major concern for a lot of Native American communities in recent years. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, American Indian and Alaska Native adults are 1.6 times more likely to be obese than Caucasians. In addition, almost 33 percent of all American Indians and Alaskan Natives are obese. This obesity epidemic is also disproportionately affecting certain groups in the community. Over half of American Indian and Alaska Native women are overweight. Additionally, before 10 years of age, 40 percent to 50 percent of American Indian children of many tribal communities are classified as either overweight or obese by modern definitions in contrast to data from a century ago in which Caucasian and Lakota children were equivalent in weight and body mass index. With these striking statistics the Ethnicity and Health in America Series is dedicated to raising awareness and increasing education about obesity among Native American populations.
We are featuring the work of Tami Jollie-Trottier, PhD, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. She is a clinical psychologist currently working in her hometown reservation, Belcourt, ND. Since 2008, Jollie-Trottier has been providing clinical services for Indian Health Services and offers trainings, workshops and provides consultation to tribal organizations. She also serves as a community research advisor and Independent Review Board member for the tribal nations research group for her tribe. She is one of the founders of the Medicine Moon Run, a ½ marathon in its eighth year. The Medicine Moon Run focuses on challenging members of Indian Country to achieve wellness through physical activity and healthy eating. Jollie-Trottier is a 2010 Indian Health Service Community Wellness Champion. She was also recently awarded the 2015 Minot State University Young Alumni Achievement Award for her contributions to health in Indian Country.