Chris TallBear has been with the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board (SPTHB) since October of 2011. His current position is the program director for the Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country, a CDC-funded grant. He has held other positions throughout his time with the organization, including serving on the Board. Prior to employment with SPTHB, Chris was the project director for the Diabetes Wellness Program and deputy director of Health for the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. He has also volunteered and served as board chair for the Russell-Murray Hospice of El Reno for 10 years and served on the Board for the El Reno Community Clinic in Canadian County. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies from The University of Oklahoma and a Master of Legal Studies from The University of Oklahoma – College of Law.
Chris is from rural western Oklahoma and was raised in a traditional Cheyenne upbringing. He has participated in various Cheyenne ceremonies and strongly believes in ceremonial and traditional ways. He credits the continued existence of many tribes and their survival in today’s modern world to traditional customs and practices. He encourages others to learn where they come from and to be proud of who they are. He has been married for 10 wonderful years to Donna Marie TallBear and they have their home in Norman, Oklahoma.
