Impact
Welcome and Learn More About Our
Our Impact
We envision a world where Native excellence in health and healing is visible, celebrated, and expected — and where health systems honor sovereignty, reflect Indigenous knowledge, and center Indigenous identities.
Real change isn't linear—it’s generational. By combining powerful storytelling, direct student support, and systemic advocacy, we are shifting the national narrative, transforming institutions, and building an enduring ecosystem of Native healthcare leaders.
The Generational Cycle of Healing
Sustaining The Circle
Every time a Native student sees someone who looks like them in a white coat or leading a community clinic, the impossible becomes achievable. We don’t just clear a path—we ensure that every healer who walks it turns around to lift up the next generation
2016
2016
We Are Healers officially becomes a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, originally incorporated in Wisconsin
2017-2019
2017-2019
Early days of the organization were run by a working board and focused on video content creation.
2020
2020
Articles of Incorporation filed in Oregon and We Are Healers officially becomes Oregon based. First paid contract staff brought on.
2021
2021
Inaugural cohort of 4 students for the Jr. Fellowship (later would become Healers Community Circle).
First full time employee hired.
Contract established with Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) to partner on video creation and support for WeRNative text campaign.
2022
2022
We Are Healers receives a 3 year grant from Schmidt Family Foundation. Two additional full time staff are hired.
Contract established with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) to create inspirational video content for the Northwest Native American Center of Excellence Tribal Health Scholars program.
2023
2023
Jr. Fellowship is officially changed to Healers Community Circle (HCC) and the cohort grows to 10 students.
2024
2024
Part-time Program Coordinator is hired to support the HCC program. We Are Healers receives a renewal on an additional 3 years of funding from Schmidt Family Foundation.
2025
2025
We Are Healers hires their first Executive Director. HCC Cohort grows to 15 students. Awarded a 3 year grant from the Roundhouse Foundation to create 10 new role model videos fully planned and directed by We Are Healers. A 3-year strategic plan is developed.
2026
2026
Awarded a 3 year grant from the Murdock Trust to hire the organization’s first development staff and our new Development & Impact manager is brought on board. We Are Healers begins development of the Future Healers Network, a nationwide ecosystem dedicated to growing, supporting, and retaining the next generation of Indigenous health leaders.
