08 May Oregon Tribal Behavioral Health Summit Brings Together Tribal Nations to Strengthen Community Wellness and Recovery
MISSION – Tribal leaders, behavioral health professionals, community healers, and state partners from across Oregon came together this week for the 2026 Oregon Tribal Behavioral Health Summit, a two‑and‑a‑half‑day gathering centered on strengthening culturally grounded health systems, expanding recovery supports, and uplifting community‑driven solutions. Hosted at Wildhorse Resort & Casino by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the event was organized by the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Behavioral Health team in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority. The summit welcomed Tribal Nations from across the state, state agency partners, and community partners and practitioners, all sharing knowledge, stories, and community strengths.
Each day began with traditional blessings and welcoming words that grounded attendees in culture and connection. The agenda highlighted tribal based practices, life in recovery, traditional health workers, mobile crisis teamwork, restorative justice, and data‑informed approaches to behavioral health. Participants also joined in community wellness offerings, from acudetox to cultural arts and evening gatherings, that emphasized collective care and relationship‑building.
“This summit reflects the strength, knowledge, and resilience of our Tribal communities,” said Aaron Hines, CEO of Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center and Master of Ceremonies. “Every presenter, every story shared, and every tradition practiced reinforces what we know to be true: our people heal best when culture leads the way. We are committed to ensuring our behavioral health systems honor that truth and continue evolving to meet the needs of our families and communities.”
Summit content uplifted a wide range of community‑centered topics, including Tribal‑based practices, 988 media campaigns, community mental health programming, restorative justice, statewide alcohol and drug data trends, lived recovery stories, Medication Assisted Treatment innovations, and de‑escalation training provided by the Indian Health Service. Tribal participation and leadership were strong throughout the event, reflecting the depth of expertise and cultural guidance held across the nine Tribes in Oregon.
“The Nine Tribes in Oregon continue to lead with cultural expertise, innovation, and a deep commitment to community wellness,” said Julie Johnson, Tribal Affairs Director at the Oregon Health Authority. “OHA is honored to stand strong with Tribal partners as we expand access to behavioral health care, strengthen crisis response systems, and support community‑led solutions rooted in honoring tribal sovereignty and tradition.”
Cindy Cecil, Behavioral Health Clinical Director at Yellowhawk highlighted the collaboration behind the summit’s success: “This gathering was truly the result of thoughtful planning and strong teamwork. Our staff, partners, and Tribal communities worked side by side to create a space that felt welcoming, safe, and grounded in who we are. Seeing everyone come together with such dedication is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we move as one community.”
On Tuesday evening, cultural activities—including necklace making, traditional teas, and round dancing—brought participants together in celebration of shared identity, intergenerational connection, and cultural healing.
The 2026 Oregon Tribal Behavioral Health Summit concluded with closing reflections, a wellness session led by Acosia Red Elk, and a shared commitment to continued collaboration for the health and well‑being of Tribal communities across the state. This summit grew out of earlier “Tribal Opioid Summits,” where the Nine Tribes and the Oregon Health Authority came together and collectively recognized the need to broaden the focus beyond opioids to include mental health and all substances affecting our communities. From that shared vision, the Tribal Behavioral Health Summit was born. This year marked the first annual gathering, and beginning next year, other Tribes will have the opportunity to host and continue building on the momentum, partnership, and unity established here in Pendleton.
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Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. It provides primary healthcare and additional services to more than 3,000 American Indian/Alaska Native patients.
Yellowhawk Vision: Our Tribal community achieves optimal health through a culture of wellness.Yellowhawk Mission: It is our mission to empower our Tribal community with opportunities to learn and experience healthy lifestyle.