The problem of obesity affects families, schools, employers and entire communities and must be addressed through partnerships that combine the strengths of the public, private and non-profit sectors.

While we've heard a lot about the problem of obesity, only recently communities, schools and workplaces are starting to intervene and impact the way we live. Until we really change the education factor — and say, look this is what you need to do to be healthy — we're not going to see a real change.

The tribe is looking forward to strengthening our families, our communities and our partnerships as we implement our Tribal Ventures 10-Year Poverty Reduction Plan.

We are staying away from food, especially fast food, because of the obesity problems in the schools.

Even though we're grateful for those initiatives that have been put in place, we still haven't had the problem addressed which is really nursing at the bedside and direct patient care, which is still compromised despite these initiatives.

It affects everybody. Everybody has to be concerned. This could rip families apart.