Jerry Crowshoe, who serves as director of Washington State University Native American Health Sciences, has earned national recognition for his efforts supporting tribal communities.
The Native Indian Education Association honored Crowshoe with its “Parent of the Year Award,” which recognizes an outstanding American Indian, Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian parent who demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to supporting their communities.
Crowshoe, a father of four who is an enrolled member of the Piikani Nation (Blackfoot Confederacy) was celebrated for his work with tribal communities in and around Spokane, including collaborations involving WSU. Among these efforts is the Na-ha-shnee STEAM Summer Initiative, a longstanding event that provides high school students the opportunity to visit WSU Spokane and learn about health science career opportunities working alongside current students, faculty, and healthcare providers.
2025 marked the program’s 30th anniversary and Crowshoe’s first year as organizer. Though the event was moved to a day camp format due to budget constraints, it still gave a dozen students insights into healthcare career possibilities.
“The core pieces of the program are bringing students to campus, having them engage in classes with staff and students, and offering the chance to learn about different health sciences careers,” Crowshoe said. “I do believe students gain further insight from staying in the dorms, seeing how the experience of living away from home would be for them, and so we would like to bring that element back in the future.”
The core pieces of the program are bringing students to campus, having them engage in classes with staff and students, and offering the chance to learn about different health sciences careers.
Jerry Crowshoe, director
WSU Native American Health Sciences
Na-ha-shnee has been expanded to include other events as well. This spring, Native American Health Sciences aims to bring its Little Birds program into Spokane kindergarten classrooms. As part of the experience, kindergarteners will get their own lab coats and stethoscopes, and be guided through a Teddy Bear Clinic, along with other fun activities by WSU students.
“We want to help kids see themselves as doctors, and to be consistent with our engagement, not just doing one class a year,” Crowshoe said. “Programs like this are one way to help kids see opportunities for themselves, as well as to give them a positive experience with health care professionals early in life.”
The center is also planning to launch a free basketball camp during spring break that will feature insights from health sciences staff and students on topics like injury prevention, diet, and basic physiology.
In everything he does in his role with WSU, Crowshoe takes inspiration from his kids, and looks for ways to build events and programs that serve young people, parents, and their communities.
“I really want to say how appreciate I am of leadership here at WSU, as well as the Tribal Advisory Board, for listening to the tribes that have come to the table, stepping up to help to meet their needs,” Crowshoe said.
