Elizabeth Jones-Hayes of Mathews is working to assist three local Indigenous tribes to improve their wellness.
Jones-Hayes is a Senior Adult Nutrition Educator Facilitator with the Virginia Nutrition Program. She has been working closely with Tia Powell, Coordinator of Initiatives to Advance Indigenous Health, as Jones-Hayes is the first Nutrition Educator Facilitator in the state to work for three federally recognized Indigenous tribes within the counties of New Kent and King William.
Her role has been to teach research-based nutrition programs for the population of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe of King William the Chickahominy Indian Tribe, and the Chickahominy Tribe-Eastern Division both of New Kent County. Jones-Hayes has been instrumental in teaching a small group of caregivers and parents of school age children, 12 years old and younger. These programs were utilized to advance health within Indigenous communities, all while honoring tribal traditions, beliefs, and food sovereignty.
J...