WSU Spokane

OLD WAYS

Summer Learning Opportunity
Native American Health SciencesPathway ProgramsOLD WAYS

Indigenous Health Learning Opportunity

OLD WAYS is a summer program for first and second-year WSU medical, nursing, and pharmaceutical students designed to build their practice with Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge and increase their understanding of the history of American Indian/Alaska Native people.

In OLD WAYS, you will have an opportunity to gain an understanding of Western medicine and Traditional Knowledge parallels, historical and generational trauma, cultural humility, and Indigenous concepts in the healthcare field. OLD WAYS also includes:

  • Travel/lodging support for students in need
  • Stipends for students (upon completion)
  • Certificate (upon completion)

Contact

Jerry Crowshoe at gerald.crowshoe@wsu.edu or 509-368-6844.

Registration Details

  • Registration for this program is free.
  • Students must be able to fully attend all portions of the program.
  • Twelve spots are available for WSU students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration for Summer 2026 will open on April 1 at 9 AM.

2025 Class Schedule

Virtual Classes (Zoom)

Ethical Space of Respect
(Part 1)

  • Day: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Dr. Reggie Crow Shoe

Ethical Space of Respect
(Part 2)

  • Day: Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Dr. Reggie Crow Shoe

“Naamitapiikoan” Missed-Place: Blackfoot Influences on Abraham Maslow (Part 1)

  • Day: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Dr. Ryan Heavy Head

“Naamitapiikoan” Missed-Place: Blackfoot Influences on Abraham Maslow (Part 2)

  • Day: Thursday, July 17, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Dr. Ryan Heavy Head

Cultural Humility
(Part 1)

  • Day: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Dr. Iris PrettyPaint

Cultural Humility
(Part 2)

  • Day: Thursday, July 24, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Dr. Iris PrettyPaint

In-Person Classes (WSU Spokane)

History of the Spokane Tribe of Indians

  • Day: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Warren Seyler

Fort Spokane Tour and Presentation

  • Day: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
  • Time: 1:45 PM – 4:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Warren Seyler

Cycles of Life, Circles of Meaning  

  • Day: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Alan Basham

Reconnecting with Water

  • Day: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
  • Time: 1:45 PM – 5:00 PM (PDT)
  • Speaker: Devon Peone

I am extremely grateful for this opportunity that the OLD WAYS program provided students. Through this, I gained a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions, culture, and values that we, as healthcare providers, can implement in their care to foster more holistic approaches. This experience has enriched my perspective, enabling me to contribute more meaningfully to the well-being of Indigenous communities.

OLD WAYS Program Participant
Old ways program members at the Spokane Triabl Longhouse

Inside OLD WAYS

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our OLDWAYS program, featuring insights from the in-person sessions.