Fielding Notes | Dean's Corner 10.12.26

How do we achieve good health? We know that our zip code often plays a larger role than our genetic code in determining the length and quality of our lives. Where we live, work, eat, and play are all part of the equation. 

In order to effect positive and lasting change in public health, we must understand the obstacles that stand in the way. Ongoing structural racism has created a wake that includes generations of disproportionate challenges to Indigenous, Black, and other communities of color. Inequities in housing, healthcare, income, education, and other fundamental determinants of health all play a role. Addressing these and other societal factors — including social and physical environments — that shape the lives of community members is critical. 

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day to recognize, respect, and honor Indigenous peoples and cultures. It is important to acknowledge the violence and devastation that has resulted in countless lives lost and land that was taken, and the generational effects that have followed. Yet descendants have survived and persevered, and today is also a day to celebrate traditions and recognize contributions of Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations.

In determining our path forward, we are guided by lessons learned from our past.

In 2019, UCLA implemented an acknowledgement, now used during campus events, that the university campus is located on “the homeland of indigenous peoples who were dispossessed of their land.” UCLA and Tongva cultural leaders established language acknowledgements for our use. And in 2022, UCLA and members of the Gabrielino Tongva tribe entered a new agreement that, in part, “establishes guidelines that provide access to the descendants of the original inhabitants of the land that UCLA has occupied for nearly 100 years for ceremonial events, workshops and community educational opportunities.”

We do not want to downplay the magnitude of what history has brought to our doorstep and we acknowledge the significance of the challenges ahead — public health is an evidence-based field and we are guided by facts. We are also driven by compassion, kindness, respectful discourse, and the knowledge that, working together, we can be part of the solution.