What We Do
Rooted in Indigenous values and centered in the culture, wisdom, and lived experiences of the people we serve, Ttáwax̲t advances our mission through three interconnected priorities: healthcare services that meet immediate needs, community education that strengthens cultural knowledge and empowerment, and systems change and advocacy that address the policies and laws shaping our communities.
Our people need care and support today, but lasting well-being comes from transforming the systems that impact their lives so that families can truly grow and thrive for generations to come.
Increased Access to Healthcare Services
Healthcare services are organized medical, preventive, and supportive activities provided to maintain or improve an individual’s health in a holistic, culturally specific way. Healthcare services are especially important for Indigenous communities because they address longstanding disparities in access to quality care and culturally relevant support. Our healthcare services include:
- Care coordination for prenatal and other healthcare services
- Culturally specific medical and wellness services
- Childbirth education
- Bodyfeeding support
- Peer and family support groups
“The Ttáwax̲t Birth Justice Center is a place to find community and knowledge about connection to self. The lessons on natural healing and caring for the body and spirit is something that is missing in our day and age and needed in the Yakima Valley.”
— Ttáwax̲t client
Cultural Education for Our Community
By sharing wellness practices, traditional teachings, and land-based knowledge, our community education programs help preserve culture, strengthen community resilience, and empower individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families. Our community education programs include:
- Body sovereignty and wellness education
- Cultural teachings and traditional knowledge
- Land justice education — including plant medicine, gardening, and food sovereignty
Systems Change and Advocacy Work
Our goal as an organization is to transform policies, institutions, and social structures that affect Indigenous communities. This work addresses interconnected inequities in areas such as healthcare, education, land rights, social services, and more. We advocate for policies and laws that respect Indigenous sovereignty, protect cultural traditions, and promote long-term community well-being. Our systems change work includes:
- Workforce development initiatives
- Policy advising at the local, state, and national levels
- Birth center development and expansion
- Education and training for service providers
