The Indigenous Health, Education, and Life (IHEAL) Club held its inaugural meeting at Washington-Liberty High School (WLHS) on November 24, 2025, marking a significant step toward expanding cultural awareness and wellness education within the school community. Founded by WLHS student Askar Garipov, the club was created to promote understanding, respect, and dialogue surrounding Indigenous communities and their rich health traditions.
During the first meeting, members were introduced to the club’s mission: fostering meaningful conversations about traditional healing practices, exploring historical and cultural contexts, and honoring the enduring wisdom of Indigenous elders. Students discussed how modern health education can be thoughtfully connected with ancestral knowledge to create a more holistic view of wellness.
Participants also brainstormed future activities, including guest speakers, collaborative projects, community outreach, and educational workshops. The meeting emphasized the importance of cultural competence, equity, and the preservation of traditional wellness practices, values that will guide IHEAL’s efforts throughout the school year.
As the founding student, Askar Garipov expressed his vision for the club as a space of mutual learning and healing, empowering members to become informed allies and advocates fo
r Indigenous health and cultural understanding. The strong turnout and enthusiastic engagement highlighted the community’s interest in deepening awareness and appreciation of Indigenous perspectives.
The IHEAL Club looks forward to building on this momentum as it continues its work at WLHS.