Christy Goulet

Christy is a community advocate. She serves as executive director of Indigenous Legacies.

“Medical Assistance is a lifeline for those who are most vulnerable in our society. Not just the unhoused, but working families who only live paycheck to paycheck. It's access to adequate health care when we have medical needs.”

What would happen if access to Medical Assistance was cut? 

“Most people we serve are homeless, in treatments centers, just being released from prison, or on probation and have limited access to health care because they don't have access to the internet or cell phones because of their economic situations. They then do not get the mental, emotional, substance use disorder, or physical help they so desperately need as they transition back into society."

What are you concerned about in your community that will be caused by Medical Assistance cuts? 

“Due to the drug epidemic, 40% of indigenous children born today are born addicted, and many never receive a proper diagnosis, so therefore behavior and social issues become relevant to and may conflict with social values.”

How have you seen your community affected or responding?

“Our community thrives when we highlight the positive beliefs that we have carried for thousands of years. These beliefs and activities include: Mother's and Father's of Tradition teaching family values and roles and responsibilities; Knowledge Keepers Talking Circles, where we match youth with elders for role modeling and learning the Dakota and Ojibwe languages, songs, dances, and access to ceremonies, e.g., sweat lodge, Sundance.”