Spring Recap: Building Community & Centering Skin

Written By Katie Wilson

May 26, 2026

Dear NDNS Members and Community,

This spring has been a season of growth for the Native Dermatology National Society! We are focusing on being intentional in what we’ve built,  and showing up for the community! 

NDNS was created to bring Native dermatologists, trainees, students, and allies together in community. That means creating space for connection, mentorship, and advocacy, while also re-centering dermatologic care in a way that honors Indigenous knowledge, lived experience, and Tribal sovereignty.

Over the past few months, that work has taken shape in new and meaningful ways.

 

What We’ve Been Building

  • This spring, NDNS stepped into national and community spaces to share what it means to center skin, hair, and nails within Indigenous frameworks of care. Moments of presentations were turned into opportunities to build relationships, share stories, and open conversations that are often missing in medicine.ption text goes here

  • At the Association of American Indian Physicians Cross Cultural Medicine Workshop, we had the opportunity to present in collaboration with Ahnoven on the cultural and clinical importance of dermatology in Native communities. Our session, “Honoring What Our Skin Holds,” focused on a simple but often overlooked reality in clinical care: when time is limited, skin is often deferred, and when it is deferred, it is often forgotten. We explored how skin, hair, and nails are not simply clinical findings, but are deeply connected to identity, culture, and lived experience. Re-centering dermatology in clinical practice is about recognizing what is already in front of us and making space for it.

  • We also had the opportunity to co-present with Laboratory for Indigenous Knowledge Systems (LINKS) at a collaborative event at CRECE Urban Farms Service Project hosted by the University of California Irvine Office of Campus Organizations & Volunteer Programs and the American Indian Student Association (AISA) at UCI.

    This space allowed us to engage across disciplines and institutions, highlighting the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into clinical education and research. These conversations continue to shape how we think about dermatology and be part of a broader ecosystem of community health, education, and advocacy.

 

Board & Leadership

NDNS continues to grow through the leadership of a committed and thoughtful board. This spring, our board has been focused on building the foundation of the organization including developing programming, strengthening partnerships, and creating spaces for mentorship and collaboration.

As we move forward, our leadership remains grounded in community and guided by a shared commitment to representation, responsibility, and reciprocity. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements regarding committees and additional leadership opportunities.

 

What’s Ahead

As we move into the next season, NDNS will continue to expand our work across several areas:

  • Educational initiatives, including continued development of the Indigenous Dermatology Guide in collaboration with Ahnoven

  • Community-centered programming focused on mentorship, recruitment, and support for Native students and trainees

  • Partnerships with organizations and institutions committed to advancing Indigenous health

  • Advocacy efforts to ensure Native voices are represented in dermatology and across medicine

This work is ongoing, and we are excited to continue building with community.

 

Upcoming Events

 

Stay Connected

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NDNS is a growing community, and there are many ways to be part of the work:

  • Join our membership

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Your engagement helps us continue to build spaces that support Native representation in dermatology and strengthen care for our communities.

 
Katie Wilson
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Nomokiyam (Welcome) to the Native Dermatology National Society