Health Equity

We believe that health is the foundation of a thriving community. Tipey Joa addresses health inequities through strategic planning, culturally grounded programming, and public education, recognizing health as a key determinant of a prosperous life. Our work aims to make healthcare more available, accessible, cost-effective, and high-quality for Indigenous communities, while also informing the broader public about health disparities and culturally sensitive care. We take a holistic approach, supporting physical, mental, and spiritual wellness as essential pillars for both individual and collective health.

Each year, we host our annual Health and Wellness Fair, bringing together traditional healers and Western medical professionals to offer health assessments, insulin checks, diabetes prevention workshops, and nutrition education. Beyond events, we assist community members facing medical and dental emergencies and connect individuals with resources for substance use treatment and recovery, while also sharing knowledge with the wider public to raise awareness and understanding of Indigenous health practices.

Cultural Preservation

Tipey Joa is deeply committed to preserving and revitalizing Kumeyaay culture, and we invite all communities to engage with and honor Indigenous traditions regardless of location. We offer Kumeyaay language courses at local community colleges and universities and provide hands-on education for the broader public in traditional foods, harvesting practices, plant medicines, basketry, pottery, clothing, and jewelry making.

Cultural preservation is not only about honoring the past; it is about empowering present and future generations with the knowledge, values, and practices that sustain identity, resilience, and community pride. By sharing Indigenous cultures widely, we foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation that strengthens communities everywhere.

Social and Environmental Justice

Tipey Joa advocates for the fundamental rights of Indigenous communities while promoting environmental and social justice for all. We work to ensure access to clean water and air, food sovereignty, climate resilience, and safe, healthy living environments. Through education, policy advocacy, and community action, we address both immediate injustices and long-term systemic challenges that impact Indigenous peoples and the broader public alike.

We regularly organize and participate in community events in partnership with local governments, tribal nations, schools, and nonprofit organizations. These events include environmental restoration projects, clean-up initiatives, educational workshops on sustainable land stewardship, and cultural gatherings that connect people to the land and its traditional practices.

In 2023, Tipey Joa led efforts to hold a U.S. corporate energy company accountable after it disturbed Yuman human remains without consultation, continuing our work to ensure the respectful return and reburial of our ancestors. Through these actions and collaborative events, Tipey Joa champions social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, Indigenous self-determination, and public awareness of environmental and cultural preservation.