Under CCIA, the Health and Wellness Committee convenes to discuss topics and issues affecting the Tribal and American Indian/Alaskan Native communities across the state.
The Health and Wellness Committee defines health, wellness, and wellbeing as inclusive of mind, body, and spirit, enabling American Indian and Alaska Native communities and individuals to thrive.
Mission Statement: To elevate the health and wellness of all AI/AN people throughout Colorado.
Vision Statement: A Colorado where the health and wellness of AI/AN communities is prioritized and achieved so that future generations thrive.
Co-chairs of the Health and Wellness Committee:
Co-chairs of the Health and Wellness Committee are appointed for 2-year terms. There are no term limits.
The duties of the co-chairs of the Health and Wellness Committee are as follows:
- Lead preparatory conversations to determine agenda items for CCIA Health and Wellness Committee meetings
- To identify the strategic trajectory of the CCIA Health and Wellness Committee in collaboration with the other Co-Chairs
- Ongoing communication as needed to successfully fulfill leadership responsibilities.
- Co-Facilitate CCIA Health and Wellness Committee meetings
- Assist in scheduling at least four Health and Wellness Committee meetings per state fiscal year (July 1 through June 30)
- Partner with the CCIA Executive Director to examine funding opportunities as needed to accomplish the objectives of the Committee
- Partner with the CCIA Executive Director and staff to ensure the perspective of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Tribe are included in the CCIA Health and Wellness Committee’s decisions and initiatives
- Present updates of the CCIA Health and Wellness Committee at CCIA quarterly meetings.
- Promote the work of the CCIA Health and Wellness Committee. Complete outreach to relevant entities and invite them to participate in Committee meetings as appropriate. Such entities may include but are not limited to governmental entities, nonprofits, and foundations
- Implementation of the Committee objectives
Current Co-Chairs:
Marjorie Barry, Councilwoman, Southern Ute Indian Tribe - appointed May 20233
Joshua Montoya, Local Partnerships & Program Team Manager and Tribal Liasion, Healthcare Policy and Financing - appointed May 2023
Shelly Solopow, Director of Mobile Services and Outreach, Denver Indian Health and Family Services - appointed February 2024
Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs Health and Wellness Roundtable Report (2013)
View the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs Health and Wellness Roundtable Report