HSIB now also known as Apidag Ki in O’odham language

The Health Sciences Innovation Building has joined the Native Languages of Arizona Campus Sign Initiative when “Apidag Ki,” a Hia-Ced O’odham language phrase that means “A place of education for healers to breathe wellness into the spirit, mind, and body,” was added to the display on Jan. 30.

Carlos Gonzales, MD, a University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson associate professor of family and community medicine who is of Mexican and Pascua Yaqui descent, hosted the event that included speeches by Dan Derksen, MD, director of the Center for Rural Health, Christina C. Bell Andrews, JD, MPH, MBA, MA, executive director of the Wassaja Carlos Montezuma Center for Native American Health at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, a short film, a blessing and a performance. 

Translations are now featured at several locations across campus, including Old Main, Arizona Stadium, McKale Center and others. “The initiative reflects the university’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for Indigenous students, faculty, staff and visitors while honoring the Native peoples whose rich histories and cultures continue to shape our region,” Gonzales said.