March 24, 2022
The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians in Mt. Vernon and McIntosh welcomed the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative (ENI) on March 24, 2022. The community of approximately 8,000 residents across both Mobile and Washington counties 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 MOWA Choctaw Tribal Office 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.
“The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians is proud to partner with The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development to spearhead ENI for our native communities. We feel fortunate to be one of only fifteen communities throughout the entire state of Alabama to be selected to participate in this initiative,” said Maggie Rivers, local liaison and project director for MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians.
Tribal members will join ENI’s MOWA Choctaw Indian Tribe Advisory Group and Youth Community Council. Together, the groups will work to improve health outcomes for their community. 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.
ENI Project Leader, Dr. Arturo Menefee, expressed his delight and excitement to be welcoming the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians to the initiative. “The MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians have a rich history of leadership, and we are proud to partner with them through ENI. We hope to assist them in their effort to improve their community,” said Menefee.
Dr. Earl Suttle of Leadership Success International fired up the MOWA Choctaw Indian Tribe in Mt. Vernon and McIntosh residents in attendance. His motivational message encouraged MOWA Choctaw Indian 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 MOWA Choctaw Indian Tribe in Mt. Vernon and McIntosh 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 MOWA Choctaw Indian Tribe in Mt. Vernon and McIntosh’s regional director, Danny Patterson, at danny@bayouclinic.org.
