Haskell Indian University Students Unite for Wellness Fair

Melania Hesterlee | @melaniahesterlee

Students at Haskell Indian University come together to promote health and wellness through a special event on campus.

Students at Haskell circled through the Haskell Student Ministry and community center for the health fair, an event aimed to educate and empower students to take charge of their well-being. 

“We want to bring awareness to all kinds of issues that the Native American community deals with,” Haskell student Chehalis Aleck said. “So like, diabetes. We just want to give more resources to the community and the students here at Haskell.” 

The event included information booths, free STI testing, flu shots and a raffle. 

“Some of the programs and events that we put on are actually based on surveys that we do with the students at the beginning of the semester,” Pola Farve, the program director of Haskell Light, said. “Health is important, and mental health is important. Being together is important.” 

Many students say the fair helps them learn more about issues that impact their families and communities beyond campus.

“I have a lot of family who struggle with diabetes,” Haskell student Jennifer Tuimasevee said. “I just think it’s important to go ahead and spread awareness in the community about diabetes and other health issues.  

The fair is just one of many ways Haskell Light supports student health throughout the year. 

“When we’re able to connect with students where they need it, right when they need it, it’s just absolutely amazing,” Farve said. 

The event serves as a reminder that health and wellness go hand in hand with community and culture. Hopefully, Haskell students and community members walked out with a little bit more knowledge than they did walking in.