Opening the Health Sciences Innovation Building With a Native American Blessing Ceremony - Nov. 1, 2019
The University of Arizona Health Sciences honored the tribes of Arizona with a blessing of the newly constructed Health Sciences Innovation Building on Nov. 1, 2019,
The University of Arizona Health Sciences honored the tribes of Arizona with a blessing of the newly constructed Health Sciences Innovation Building on Nov. 1, 2019, in observance of the University of Arizona’s founding on the traditional homelands of the Tohono O’odham and Pascua Yaqui people. As is customary in Native culture, it is important to acknowledge and pay respects to tribal lands that the university occupies. The Native American blessing of the Health Sciences Innovation Building not only honors the past, but also lays the foundation for future projects that ultimately will benefit the university that we call home.
The Native American blessing was conducted by Tim Antone, a spiritual leader of the Tohono O’odham Nation, on the patio at the south side of the building. Remarks were delivered by tribal leadership and Health Sciences students and leadership. The event was coordinated by the Association of Native American Medical Students, with support from the UArizona Health Sciences and the UArizona Office of Tribal Relations.
Attendees gather outside the Health Sciences Innovation Building for the blessing ceremony, Nov. 1, 2019.
The flag of the Tohono O’odham Nation at the Health Sciences Innovation Building blessing
The Native American blessing of the Health Sciences Innovation Building honors the past and lays the foundation for future projects that ultimately will benefit the university that we call home.
The audience applauds during the blessing ceremony.
University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, MD, speaks during the blessing ceremony.
Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Ned Norris, speaks during the blessing ceremony.
The Native American blessing was conducted by Tim Antone, a spiritual leader of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Senior Vice President for the University of Arizona Health Sciences Michael D. Dake, MD, speaks at the event.
Pascua Yaqui tribal member and State Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales speaks at the ceremony.
After the blessing, Senior Vice President for the University of Arizona Health Sciences Michael D. Dake, MD, shakes the hand of Ned Norris, chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Attendees and participants pose for a photo after the blessing.
From left: Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation Ned Norris, Pasqui Yaqui tribal member and State Sen. Sally Ann Gonzales, University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins, MD, and Assistant Dean of Curricular Affairs Carlos Gonzales, MD
The blessing was coordinated by the Association of Native American Medical Students.