Joycelyn Dorscher, MD and the medical school’s Director of the Center of American Indian and Minority Health (CAIMH), has been named co-chair of the American Indian Commission, an advisory board to the City of Duluth. The purpose of the commission is to guide the development of public policy, planning and services so that the American Indian community is represented in the process.
In addition to directing CAIMH, Dr. Dorscher is a professor in the Department of Family Medicine. Michele Gordon, her co-chair, is one of 3 enrolled native therapists who are licensed and practicing in the City of Duluth.
Commenting on her appointment Dr. Dorscher said, “The work of the commission is very important to me because we create a space and time where Native Americans can truly feel comfortable sharing their concerns, confident that they are heard and trust that we on the commission represent their voice fairly and strongly.”
According to Robert Powless, Ph.D. the previous chair and a former professor of American Indian Studies at UMD, Duluth’s commission seems to be unique in the United States in that no other municipality has been identified that has an advisory group related to Native Americans. The mayor of Duluth appoints 11 members to three year terms. The commission meets monthly to discuss issues and provide advice to the city government related to Native Americans living in Duluth. Other members of the Commission include: Ricky Wayne Defoe, Beatrice A. Kitto, John Day, Brian C. Wilson, Jr., Anthony LaDeaux, Dr. Robert E. Powless, Michael Sayers, and Warner Wirta.
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