Health Disparities on the Wind River Indian Reservation

Communities on the Wind River Indian Reservation experience substantial health disparities associated with chronic disease, food insecurity, and other social and historical determinants of health. Research involving Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho adults found high rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and household food insecurity compared with state and national populations (Porter et al., 2019). Among adults participating in the Growing Resilience study, 64.4% were classified as obese, while tribal health affiliates had previously estimated an adult obesity rate of approximately 71% across the Wind River Indian Reservation. Because the study participants were not randomly selected, these findings should not be interpreted as a current population-wide prevalence estimate (Porter et al., 2019).

Mortality disparities have also been documented in the region. Historical reports have frequently cited an average age at death of approximately 49 years among Native people on the Wind River Indian Reservation. A later peer-reviewed study reported that the average age at death among Native Americans in Fremont County was just over 53 years and identified chronic disease, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, suicide, injury, and other causes as contributors to premature mortality (Porter et al., 2019).

These disparities demonstrate the continued need for culturally relevant, community-based approaches that increase opportunities for physical activity, nutritious food access, chronic disease prevention, and Indigenous-led health promotion.

References

Porter, C. M., Wechsler, A. M., Hime, S. J., & Naschold, F. (2019). Adult health status among Native American families participating in the Growing Resilience Home Garden Study. Preventing Chronic Disease, 16, 190021. https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd16.190021

Porter, C. M., Wechsler, A. M., Naschold, F., Hime, S. J., & Fox, L. (2019). Assessing health impacts of home food gardens with Wind River Indian Reservation families: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 9(4), e022731. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022731

U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. (2015). Congressional response to the State of Indian Nations Address. The statement references an average age at death of 49 years on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

The Solution: Community-Driven Fitness, Nutrition, and Wellness

The Destiny Program Corporation provides community-led, culturally grounded programs that increase access to physical activity, nutrition education, healthy food practices, and wellness opportunities on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

1. Free Access to Fitness and Coaching
The Destiny Program provides free and low-cost access to fitness opportunities for youth and adults, including structured coaching, youth sports, group activities, and community-based physical activity programs. Our goal is to make movement accessible for all ages and ability levels while building confidence, strength, and lifelong healthy habits.

2. Nutrition Education and Healthy Food Access
We provide hands-on nutrition education that connects practical nutrition skills with Indigenous foods, traditional food knowledge, and family food practices. Cooking classes, food demonstrations, chronic disease prevention programs, and youth education help participants build skills they can use in everyday life.

3. School, Tribal, and Community Partnerships
The Destiny Program works with local schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, Tribal health programs, nonprofits, and other community partners to bring fitness, nutrition, youth development, and wellness programming directly into the community. These partnerships help expand access and allow programs to respond to local needs.

4. Culturally Grounded Community Wellness
Our approach recognizes that wellness is about more than physical health. It is connected to family, community, culture, food, movement, and access to resources. We create opportunities to incorporate Indigenous foods, community knowledge, cultural teachings, and local leadership while supporting people in building healthier lives in ways that are meaningful to them.

Together, these programs create accessible opportunities for physical activity, nutrition education, chronic disease prevention, youth development, and community wellness across the Wind River Indian Reservation.