(Rocky Boy) On March 27, the Rocky Boy Health Center hosted a grand opening of the Miyo Pimatisiwinkamik Youth Wellness Center. Miyo Pimatisiwinkamik is Cree for Good Life Lodge. This new building will provide a place where youth can engage in healthy activities, socialize with their peers, participate in cultural events, and take part in educational programming. They will also have access to mental health support, school-based care, wellness, dental health and screening, and maternal health.
“This is our investment into our youth and is the start of a brighter future for our tribe,” said Joel Rosette, CEO, Rocky Boy Health Center. “So much happens during a kid’s life, and we want to make sure they have a safe place to explore who they are. In this space, we can help our youth grow to be resilient adults connected to their culture and community.”
Rocky Boy Health Center is the only comprehensive health provider on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in north-central Montana, serving 5,000 patients annually. A 2023 Community Health Assessment revealed that residents saw the lack of safe, youth-focused spaces as a top concern and voiced a clear vision to invest in youth, culture, and resilience to build a healthier future.
Rocky Boy Health Center broke ground in 2023 to build a 30,000 sq. ft. youth-centered facility that blends Western healthcare with Indigenous knowledge, providing holistic care from birth to young adulthood. They anticipate serving 1,000 children and youth every year with health care, regalia-making, gardening, cooking, dancing, and much more.
“So much intention went into every detail, from the colors on the walls that represent ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts to historical photos in the medical clinic,” said Melody Henry, Director of Strategic Development. “I am so excited this day has come to celebrate ourselves, our successes, and our culture. With this building, we will start fertilizing and watering the seeds of the youth to see what beautiful flowers they become.”
The center will have a phased opening. Some of the activities already scheduled include:
April and May Tuesdays – Thursdays. MPYC will be open for after-school programming for MPYC-enrolled teens, grades 9-12, and the current 14 participating members of the Boys and Girls Club of the Chippewa Cree Tribe through the end of April.
April and May Fridays – Saturdays. MPYC will be open from 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM for full-day programming for MPYC-enrolled teens and the current 2025 Boys and Girls Club of the Chippewa Cree Tribe members through the end of April.
April 3, 10, 17, 24 – Elementary Camps (Basketball/Culture) from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM for MPYC-enrolled students in grades 2nd – 8th.
May 2 – Junior High Expansion Begins
May 9 – Elementary Programming Begins
June 8 – Summer hours begin
For more information or questions, contact Joelnell Momberg at jmomberg@rbclinic.org or 406-395-1866, or Emily Kallenberger at ekallenberger@rblclinic.org or 406-395-1866.
