| | | A Message from Our Executive Director |
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| | | Happy October and upcoming Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Hard to believe we are already in the last quarter of this year as it seems like just yesterday, we began our new year’s journey. The month of September was exceptionally meaningful for us here at the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake (UICSL).
While we have had the gas pedal on initiatives and re-focusing the Center into stronger clinical and community-serving programs– it was refreshing to take a moment and celebrate our Inaugural Urban Nations Powwow, at the Smith’s Ballpark. Many thanks to our Chairwoman and overall Powwow Committee for putting together such a great event. Initial estimates put attendance at nearly 3,000. Many of you recall coming to UICSL historically for regular powwows inside our main building; I look back at old photographs and find it hard to believe so many people fit inside! It was great to expand upon that history and engage with the community. Truly an experience I will hold near and dear to me forever. We look forward to hopefully bringing something bigger and brighter next year. September also brought great success for our agency. As a testament to the dedication of our board, staff, and community, we were awarded three new funding opportunities that showcase our work and help expand UICSL’s footprint into the future.
1. Produce Prescription Program Pilot (P4) – Indian Health Services
a. Creates a “Food is Medicine" initiative where healthcare providers can write prescriptions for subsidized fresh fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods to help patients manage chronic health conditions and reduce food insecurities. b. UICSL is one of only 14 tribes/tribal organizations across the country awarded (in an extremely competitive process) and look forward to sharing more once the program has been established. 2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant award
a. Focusing on youth prevention, improving Tribal Behavioral Health outcomes. b. As family/community services expand alongside our Behavioral Health, we are really looking forward to what this means for us here 3. Rural Health Transformation Funding – more to be announced in the coming months Last note for September, but certainly not least, Utah just became the 6th state in the nation, and only the fourth state to include Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), to pass a Traditional Healing Waiver. This is recognition that traditional healing is a needed treatment for our community and should be part of their care plan if it aligns with their traditions and practices. UICSL already recognizes this through its current traditional healing programming and looks forward to seeing the expansion of its services for our AI/AN community at large – health is a state of balance/harmony within the mind, body, spirit, and natural environment. UICSL worked behind the scenes with state officials, NCUIH, CMS, and many others to ensure this passed along with making the provision urban indian programs be included. We want to thank Utah DHHS for this inclusion and are excited to see this for all tribal programs within our State. Now we continue to move towards a better tomorrow. I encourage everyone to attend our upcoming Community Town Hall on October 26th at 5:30 PM. We will share some exciting updates (as continually mentioned in prior newsletter articles) and need your voice to help share and shape our collective future. We look forward to seeing you there. Wóphila ečhíčiye ló. (I express my gratitude to you, Lakota Sioux)
Matt Poss, Executive Director
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| | Guiding Our Community: A Message from the Board |
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| | | Happy Diné New Year! As October begins, we welcome a new season and the traditional Diné New Year. This time of year marks a period of transition as summer comes to an end and the days grow shorter. It is a time to recognize the changing seasons, reflect on the year that has passed, and prepare for the year ahead. The Diné New Year is an opportunity to renew our relationships with family, community, culture, and the land. It reminds us to give thanks for what we have received, to carry forward the teachings, language, traditions, and values that have sustained our people for generations, and to begin the new year with good thoughts and intentions. The Diné New Year is an opportunity to renew our relationships with family, community, culture, and the land. It reminds us to give thanks for what we have received, to carry forward the teachings, language, traditions, and values that have sustained our people for generations, and to begin the new year with good thoughts and intentions. May this new year bring good health, balance, strong relationships, and many blessings to our families and communities. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Urban Nations Pow Wow!
Thank you to our head staff, planning committee, volunteers, vendors, dancers, drum groups, community partners, and everyone who helped make the gathering possible. Most importantly, thank you to all of our relatives who came and shared in this special day with us. Seeing generations together—our elders, adults, youth, and little ones—reminds us why gatherings like this matter. Our cultures remain strong when we continue to gather, share, dance, sing, teach, laugh, and create good memories together. Ahéhee’ to everyone who helped make our inaugural Urban Nations Pow Wow so memorable. We look forward to gathering with you again next year! May we carry that good feeling with us into the new year. Tamara John, Board of Directors, Chair
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| | | | | Allyson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at The Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake since 2019. She began her journey as an MSW intern at UICSL before graduating from The University of Southern California. Allyson is an enrolled member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone and has northern Paiute lineage as well. Her areas of clinical focus include treatment of substance use disorders, OCD and anxiety related disorders, as well as trauma-informed general mental health treatment. She is committed to serving The People alongside many amazing practitioners at UICSL as they strive to deliver excellent behavioral health care to the urban Native community.
Read more about Allyson Shaw:
October Employee Spotlight
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| | | | | | | Good Medicine: UICSL in Action |
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| | | The Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake (UICSL) was fortunate to be included in meaningful discussions with IHS Leadership, local IHS service units, and the Pediatrics Program at the University of Utah this past Tuesday (9/15) The day began with pediatric grand rounds and remarks from IHS (Photo Order: L-R) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Loretta Christensen, IHS Deputy Director Ben Smith, and the Acting Director of Clinical and Preventive Services Dr. Vijay Kannan. From there meaningful and focused panels were held on creating stronger pathways for native clinical providers, strengthening academic medical center partnerships within the I/T/U system, and initiatives being led by IHS. UICSL continues to value the support from IHS Leadership, appreciates our pediatric partnership with the University of Utah, and looks forward to growing our pediatric services alongside these institutions as we explore stronger ways to provide needed services to our underserved Native Youth. |
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| | | September brought our 2026 Urban Nations Powwow, and it was a great day for our community to come together. We were able to share the day with The Bird Singers and dancers, Ashaa Takook & The All Nighters, The White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers, our Southern and Northern Host drums, Bull Horn Singers and Leading Arrow Singers, all of our head staff support, and all of the dancers and drum groups who came out and provided a great experience with the community. There was a lot that went into making this day happen. Our committee, volunteers, NAE committee members, UICSL support staff, and community partners all worked hard to make sure everything came together. Our Chair Chelsea Mohawk, Co-Chair Honey Rhonda DuVall, volunteer coordinator Brianna Esaw, committee members, Cornerstone Show Foundation, Salt Lake City Government, and SLCCRA all played a part in helping make the event happen. We truly appreciate all that everyone did to help make this day happen. For us, the Powwow is about bringing the community together and sharing culture with one another. It is about having a place where our community can come together, where our dancers and drum groups can share what they do, where families and community members can enjoy the day, and where people can come out and support each other. Seeing everyone there, with smiles and ready to enjoy the day, was a big part of what made the Powwow such a great day for our community. Thank you to everyone who came out, supported, volunteered, participated, and helped make the 2026 Urban Nations Powwow a great day. We appreciate everyone who was a part of it and everything that went into making the day happen. We will see you all again for our 2027 United Nations Powwow. |
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| | | | | Elders Corner
Lead 101: Protecting Our Homes, Families, and Future Generations
On September 11, our elders recently attended a presentation titled Lead 101: Protecting Our Homes, Families, and Future Generations. During the presentation, participants brought items from their homes to be tested for lead. The items included pottery and various metal objects.
The presentation provided valuable information about where lead can be found, including in homes, drinking water, soil, toys, paint, clay, antiques, and jewelry. Participants learned how easy it can be to encounter lead, the symptoms of lead poisoning, and the steps to take if exposure is suspected.
Our next Elders Corner will be held on October 9 and 23, 2026. Experience the warmth of community, friendship, and connection.
"Together, we remember. Together, we heal. Together, we create." | | | | | Rooted In Strength: Tai Chi is Medicine
Rooted In Strength: Tai Chi shows how movement can be a type of moving meditation. Fifth-generation Tai Chi instructor Lin Yang uses storytelling rooted with movements meant to strengthen balance, core, and brain muscles. Movements included rooting with the earth, accepting blessings from the sky, standing tall, and learning to listen to your inner strength. Lin reminded us that practicing deep breathing helps reduce stress, improve focus, and ease tension.
The class experienced that each body is different, each one’s deep breathing is our own. We ended the class with lighter emotions, experiencing a new culture with a motivated instructor, new ways to strengthen not only our minds and body but also our spirits.
We wanted more and can’t wait for next week’s class! Every first, second, and fourth Tuesday of each month 10:00am-11:00am UICSL main hall. While our instructor is only available during the day, we are looking for ways to bring this to more people. Stay tuned for future updates! | |
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Rebalancing Culture: Conversational Diné Bizaad
We started the final six weeks of our 30-week program, and it’s hard to believe how quickly these past months have gone by. In September, we learned how to set the table when we’re sharing a meal with our family, and we did all of it in our Diné Bizaad. We also spent some time working with plastic canvas and learning how to sew our own Indigenous designs, again using Diné Bizaad as we learned and worked together. It was nice to slow down, work with our hands, and learn these things through our language. We also learned how to make Sumac Berry Mush, a traditional treat. I love that our classes aren’t just about sitting down and learning words. We get to learn through food, through making things, through our families, and through the everyday things that connect us to our culture. We only have a couple of classes left before we take a much-needed break for the rest of 2026. It’s been a busy year, and I think we’re all ready for a little breather.
For more information, contact: Honey Rhonda DuVall at (801) 214-7668 or rduvall@uicsl.org.
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SDPI Fitness Thursday Youth Medicine Basketball
SDPI Fitness Thursday Medicine Basketball started off with hustle, hustle hoop and each week these little ballers bring fun and energy! They have fun learning new skills, techniques and making new friends.
Week one began with brushing off their teamwork skills, dribbling and ball handling. The 2nd week they worked on overhead, bounce, chest, and side-step passing techniques. This week they learned how to use BEEF; balance, eyes, elbow and follow through, as they build confidence and arm muscles. Then comes the best part of class, Game Time!
With three Native coaches who have combined 30 years+ of basketball experience. These lil’ ballers are in good hands!
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UICSL Legacy Mural Sticker Campaign: October
Did you know we have a Legacy Mural Sticker Campaign going on here at UICSL? We have taken all of the original UICSL artwork from our main hall and made them into stickers. You can collect all 14 images! This month, we are highlighting community events and programs at our Community Center!
To claim your sticker:
• Attend a UICSL community event or program
• Stay until the event ends, then grab your monthly sticker!
If you'd like to learn more or speak with someone, give us a call at 801-486-4877.
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UICSL Town Hall Gathering
On October 26, 2026, we’ll be holding our second community Town Hall. When we held our first Town Hall, the focus was on our clinic—introducing our healthcare team and giving our community a chance to meet the people who are here to care for and serve you. It was an important opportunity to put faces to names and begin getting to know one another.
For our second gathering, we’ll be taking another step in bringing our community together. We want our community to hear all of the updates together and have the opportunity to respond, ask questions, and share your thoughts.
Please save the date: October 26, 2026. We’ll share more information about the time and location as we get closer to the gathering. We hope you’ll join us.
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Family & Community Services Department: Youth & Family Culture Classes
The Family and Community Services Department is excited to announce our upcoming Family and Youth Culture Classes! We'll kick off our class series with a Halloween Kick-Off event on October 27th from 6 pm to 8 pm! Enjoy an hour of fun booths filled with activities, food, and games! We will end the night with powwow dancing and singing practice, as well as cake walks and a costume contest! Please wear your appropriate Halloween costume and bring the whole family!
Contact Brianna Esaw, Prevention Specialist, for more information:801-214-7662 or email besaw@uicsl.org. | | | | |
Elders Coffee & Chat
Creating Together, Remembering Together
On September 15, the Elders gathered for a special Coffee & Chat hour to create an awareness banner on Every Child Matters. As colors, ideas, and memories came together, so did stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations. Each person added their unique touch, creating a banner that reflects our shared journeys, strength, and community spirit. More than a banner, our creation became a symbol of remembrance, healing, hope, and gratitude.It honors the resilience of those who came before us and celebrates the blessings of our lives today, our children, grandchildren, and the generations yet to come.
Working together reminded us that even through difficult histories, love, strength, and unity continue to guide us forward. Every Elders gathering is special, but this one was especially meaningful because we created something beautiful together. Everyone left with grateful hearts, a stronger sense of belonging, and a reminder that our shared stories and collective strength continue to inspire future generations.
For more information or to reserve your seat, call Anita at 801-214-7664 or email ateller@uicsl.org. | | | | |
Garden Club
On October 29th join garden club, University of Utah, and the Natural History Museum of Utah to plant Four Corners Potatoes. These potatoes are a traditional food of Indigenous tribes in the Four Corners area and thousands of years old!
October is the last month of Garden Club, so if you have wanted to join now is your chance! This October we will be learning how to keep your garden soil healthy, how to plant garlic, and more! Garden Club is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm and Friday mornings from 9am to 11am. Learn to garden hands-on and take home the produce you pick!
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Cooking Class
Mark your calendar for Monday November 9th at 5:30pm for our last diabetes cooking class of the year! Learn to cook delicious holiday recipes like apple spice muffins, banana bread, and healthier mashed potatoes. | |
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If you’ve had diabetes forever, why would you want to go to a diabetes educator?
Especially if you’ve had diabetes for a while, you might think that you already know what to do. But the truth is, we are learning more about diabetes and how to treat it all the time. And each person’s diabetes changes over time. So, meeting with a diabetes educator at least once a year is important to managing diabetes well!
• Understand exactly what diabetes is and how it affects your body
• Discover how diabetes medications work
• Identify what types of food are best for you and how to plan meals that fit your lifestyle, culture, beliefs and budget
• Determine the best type of glucose monitoring device for you
• Help you cope with stress and solve problems as they arise
• Use the data from your diabetes devices to get treatment recommendations
Diabetes education is a process and takes time. It’s important to attend all your appointments. If you need to miss an appointment, be sure to reschedule.
Remember to discuss what you’ve learned with the medical provider who referred you to the diabetes care and education specialist. As you update them, they may be able to contribute helpful ideas. Managing diabetes is a team effort.
If you'd like to learn more or speak with someone, give us a call at 801-486-4877.
(Adapted from
adces.org)
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10/1: Pediatric Care at UICSL Murray Clinic 🕙 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | UICSL Murray Clinic: 5450 S Green St., Murray, UT
10/1: UICSL Men’s Sweat (Referral required)
Contact a UICSL provider at (801) 486-4877 for your referral, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
10/1: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/2: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/2: Moving Warriors 50+
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/6: Sunrise Strength Training
🕙 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/6: Rooted In Strength: Tai Chi
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/6: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/7: UICSL Murray Clinic: Closed: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
10/7: Diné Bizaad: Conversational Course
🕙 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/7: In The Steps of Our Ancestors
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Olympic Oval: 5662 South Cougar Lane (4800 West), Kearns, UT
10/8: Pediatric Care at UICSL Murray Clinic 🕙 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | UICSL Murray Clinic: 5450 S Green St., Murray, UT
10/8: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/8: Fitness Thursdays: Medicine Basketball
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/9: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/9: Elders Corner
🕙 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/10: Indigenous Peoples’ 5K
🕙 9:00 AM | Galena Soo’nkahni Monument: Draper, UT
10/11: UICSL Women’s Sweat (Referral required) Contact a UICSL provider at (801) 486-4877 for your referral, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
10/12: UICSL Closed: In Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day
10/13: Sunrise Strength Training
🕙 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/13: Rooted In Strength: Tai Chi
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/13: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/14: In The Steps of Our Ancestors
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Olympic Oval: 5662 South Cougar Lane (4800 West), Kearns, UT
10/15: Pediatric Care at UICSL Murray Clinic 🕙 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | UICSL Murray Clinic: 5450 S Green St., Murray, UT
10/15: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/15: Fitness Thursdays: Medicine Basketball
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/16: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/16: Moving Warriors 50+
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/20: Sunrise Strength Training
🕙 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/20: Elders Corner Coffee & Chat
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/20: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/20: Job Club: Career Workshop 🕙 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/21: In The Steps of Our Ancestors
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Olympic Oval: 5662 South Cougar Lane (4800 West), Kearns, UT
10/22: UICSL Closed for General Staff Meeting | 8:30 AM - 12:30PM
10/22: Pediatric Care at UICSL Murray Clinic 🕙 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | UICSL Murray Clinic: 5450 S Green St., Murray, UT
10/22: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/22: Fitness Thursdays: Medicine Basketball
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/23: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/23: Elders Corner
🕙 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/7: UICSL Murray Clinic: Closed: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
10/23: Boo To The Flu 🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/26: UICSL Town Hall Gathering
🕙 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/27: Sunrise Strength Training
🕙 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/27: Rooted In Strength: Tai Chi
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/27: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/27: Family & Youth Culture Class
🕙 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/28: In The Steps of Our Ancestors
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Olympic Oval: 5662 South Cougar Lane (4800 West), Kearns, UT
10/29: Pediatric Care at UICSL Murray Clinic 🕙 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM | UICSL Murray Clinic: 5450 S Green St., Murray, UT
10/29: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/29: Fitness Thursdays: Medicine Basketball
🕙 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | UICSL Main Hall: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
10/29: UICSL Co-Ed Sweat (Referral required) Contact a UICSL provider at (801) 486-4877 for your referral, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
10/30: UICSL Garden Club
🕙 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | UICSL Wellness Garden: 120 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT
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