SC Connecticut News

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Yale School of Nursing (YSN) is highlighting Christine Rodriguez, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, MDiv, MA, FNYAM, FAAN. Dr. Rodriguez serves as Assistant Dean for Simulation and Clinical Innovation at YSN. An ordained minister and family nurse practitioner, she advocates for inter-religious understanding and respect for spiritual diversity in healthcare.

Dr. Rodriguez shared a Taino saying that guides her: “Da iwakuma’hu le da ixita’hu kena d’ahianiwa le da wawaxi’nei,” which translates to “My existence is my resistance, and my language is my freedom.” She is a descendant of the Arawak people through her Garifuna (Honduras) mother and Taino (Puerto Rico) father.

As an Afro-Indigenous, Two-Spirit scholar, Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of community connection where indigeneity markers like identity and spirituality are central. Despite not being recognized by the US due to their non-US-based status, her community remains active. "The consistent fight for our rights amidst the impacts of colonization is what drives us," she said.

Discussing her clinical practice influenced by her Native American identity, Dr. Rodriguez highlighted structural barriers faced by Indigenous people in academia. Citing Claire Bryan's 2023 article in The Seattle Times: “Less than 1% of doctoral degrees earned in the US are earned by American Indian or Alaskan Native students.” She takes pride in representing her community and overcoming skepticism about her academic potential.

Her practice integrates holistic approaches informed by tribal teachings on herbal medicines and dualistic gender perspectives rooted in cultural understandings. "My spirituality and holistic practices are centered in everything I do as a clinician," she stated.

For Native Americans interested in nursing, Dr. Rodriguez advises them to bridge worlds between traditional communities and broader society despite challenges posed by socially constructed concepts like race and gender. She encourages unity with a saying from a Two-Spirit Chief: "Aban luku, yoba kayuko’no (one people, many canoes)."

Dr. Rodriguez also shared insights into her Indigenous name Katikaniki ("Strong Heart"), given by Kasike Atunwa (Principal Chief), reflecting personal strength beyond physical attributes.

Yale's Native American Cultural Center offers resources including events like beading workshops and meet-and-greets with notable alumni such as Navajo Nation member Brian Young.