Tribal Programs Inspire Movement and Health During National Diabetes Awareness Month

By Taylor Pratt,GHWIC Project Coordinator | November, 2025

As we observe National Diabetes Awareness Month throughout the month of November, the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s (SPTHB) Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) program is proud to highlight some of the important community work of our tribal partners in advancing diabetes prevention, promoting physical activity, and promoting culturally grounded approaches to wellness.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes: Encouraging fitness, Cultural Connections and Awareness

During a recent phone call with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Diabetes Program Coordinator we discussed their upcoming initiatives for Diabetes Awareness Month. Among thepriorities was to create a welcoming environment for their elder and community members to stay active and continuing work to make their fitness classes more accessible for participants of all ages and abilities. Like many of our tribal communities in Oklahoma, increasing exercise, both individually and through group fitness classes, remains as the foundation, along with proper nutrition, for their Diabetes Program.

Cultural Connection remains a focus for their program as well. There has been an increased demand from the communities to enhance and highlight the importance of cultural food integration with nutritional plans to further weave traditional teachings into health education. This enhancement also aligns with the GHWIC approach to focus on promoting holistic wellness practices.

As their teams move forward with their diabetes programs one of the most successful findings has been the introduction of interactive learning through the use of visual aids. As an example,they have incorporated using a foot model to teach community members about feet health as well as signs to look for and addressing problems at the earliest stages. This is a simple but powerful learning aid to help avoid long-term complications.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe: Promoting Health Through Partnership and Creativity

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has been busy promoting health and wellness through creative community events and strong partnerships. Their team recently hosted their annual Diabetes Day at their clinic and is actively preparing for their yearly (and extremely popular) all ages Zombie Run and 5K, which has already drawn more than 300 registrants. By combining physical activity with fun, themed events, the tribe helps to make fitness more engaging and accessible for everyone in the community.

One of their major successes this year was the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge, which saw over 200 participants. Staff helped keep participants motivated by sending encouraging quotes, nutrition reminders, and hydration tips throughout the length of the program.

Their “Diabetes Is Not Our Destiny” cooking demonstrations have also been a hit, especially with elders. These demos not only teach healthy recipes but also simple cooking skills and nutrition education. The DPP team combines these sessions with light exercise routines, helping elders stay active while learning new ways to prepare healthier meals.

Cultural connection remains a key part of the program. The team incorporates traditional foods and the Absentee Shawnee language into recipes and even labels equipment and water stationswith traditional terms. These efforts help promote cultural pride while encouraging healthy habits.

Partnerships have been vital to their success. The DPP works closely with PoGo (Potawatomi Go) and AST Public Health to expand their reach. Through PoGo, they are introducing a free well-being fitness app that will launch in January 2026. The app allows participants—including homebound elders to track physical activity and join monthly fitness challenges in both English and the Absentee Shawnee language.

The team is also planning elder fitness classes, Senior Olympics events, and more cross-tribal collaborations with neighboring tribes such as Kickapoo and Seminole. Even in times of limitedcapacity, these partnerships make it possible to host more community events, share resources, and reach a wider audience.

Looking ahead, the Absentee Shawnee DPP plans to continue building partnerships and community engagement. Their creativity, collaboration, and dedication to culture-centered wellness serve as an inspiring example of how tribal programs can strengthen community health,one fun event at a time.

Pawnee Nation promoting movement, motivation and holistic health:

Although the Pawnee Nation Diabetes Program is not a GHWIC sub awardee, the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board’s (SPTHB) Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country (GHWIC) program is proud to support and collaborate with their efforts. The Pawnee Nation team continues to focus on diabetes prevention and health education, encouraging participants to move better, feel better, and live healthier lives. Their program offers free fitness classes such as yoga, step aerobics, and boot camp sessions after work hours, as well as strength training with their personal trainer.

To keep participants engaged, the program hosts transformation and weight loss challenges that focus on overall wellness rather than just numbers on a scale. “Participants love the challenges” staff shared “it’s about feeling better and building healthier habits that last”.

Elders remain a key focus. The team provides cooking demonstrations through Diabetes is Not Our Destiny, blood pressure screenings and community activities that encourage healthy living at every age. “We want to help elders find healthier options that work for them and keep them engaged with their goals” the team said.

Partnerships have been a key success. Oklahoma Tribal Engagement Partners (OKTEP) has provided valuable resources and cooking demos, while the Indian Health Service (IHS) supports health fairs that includes dental, foot and nutrition screenings. These collaborations expand access to care and broaden the program’s reach.

Looking forward to 2026, the Pawnee Nation Diabetes program will be launching a pilot class for Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle coaches. Staff has indicated that “it has taken a lot to get to this point with training and staff turnover, but our staff is now fully equipped to welcome our first class”.   This will mark an exciting new chapter for their program and the SPTHB GHWIC will be ready to assist where needed.

Shared vision and Shared Strength

Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Pawnee Nation and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes demonstrate the power of community driven wellness. By integrating cultural teachings, supporting elders and promoting accessible fitness opportunities, these programs embody the mission of GHWIC to empower tribal nations through culturally relevant approaches to health. Their ongoing efforts remind us that diabetes awareness is not limited to a single month, and prevention is not just about treatment, but it’s also about strengthening community connections and a long-term ongoing commitment to wellness for all.

Take Action This November

During National Diabetes Awareness month, we encourage everyone to take small meaningful steps towards better health.

• Join a local fitness class offered by your tribe
• Prepare a meal in a healthier way
• Schedule a diabetes screening or blood pressure check
• Find a support system that helps you reach your wellness goals

Please visit https://spthb.org/program/good-health-and-wellness-in-indian-country/ to learn more about Good Health and Wellness in Indian County (GHWIC) and opportunities in your area!