March 19, 2022
The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe in Elba, Alabama welcomed the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative (ENI) on March 12, 2022. The community of 3,841 (2019) residents in Coffee County is one of fifteen across the state participating in ENI. The program will equip neighbors and community partners to address the pandemic-related issues of today while building capacity to deal with the health and quality of life challenges of tomorrow.
The Ma-Chis hosted the lively ENI kickoff celebration. Several local leaders, citizens, and ENI representatives gathered for the event. The kickoff featured welcome remarks, a motivational message, and refreshments.
Vice Chief, Nancy Carnley said, “ENI will help the Ma-Chis Nation preserve our heritage and cultural traditions for seven generations by training our youth today.”
The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe and Elba residents will join ENI’s Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe Advisory Group and Youth Community Council. Together, the groups will work to improve health outcomes for their town. Among other projects, they will draft a health equity plan. They will also create a “healing zone” in the community. “Healing zones” are natural and recreation spaces for improving physical and mental health.
“The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe in Elba, AL is a unique community, and we are excited to they are a part of this initiative,” said Dr. Arturo Menefee. “The Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe has a rich history and we look forward to assisting them in achieving their goals for the community.”
Dr. Earl Suttle of Leadership Success International fired up the Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe and Elba residents in attendance. His motivational message encouraged Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe and Elba residents to “master stress for better success.” His remarks aimed to empower residents to strengthen their physical and mental health.
Connect with us to learn more about what Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe and Elba residents of all ages achieve through ENI. Follow along on the ENI blog and social media pages to learn more. We can’t wait to learn alongside this wonderful community!
If you’re interested in connecting with ENI, email Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe and Elba’s regional director, Candace Beers, at candace.c.johnson@ua.edu.
