Madras, Ore. – In a celebration of Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month, St. Charles Madras is opening its hospital campus to the community for a Native Market and a free meal on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Event details
The market will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering more than a dozen local vendors a chance to showcase handmade goods, traditional crafts, and cultural displays. Among the exhibitors are artisan vendors from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, providing authentic items that reflect the rich heritage of the region’s indigenous peoples.
From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy a complimentary community meal featuring fry‑bread tacos and other traditional foods. The free meal is intended to bring families, friends, and neighbors together in a spirit of fellowship and cultural appreciation.
Funding and community support
The event is made possible through donations to the St. Charles Foundation. The initial gift came from Dr. Steve Gordon, former president and chief executive officer of St. Charles Health System. Dr. Gordon created the “Together at the Table” fund, a dedicated St. Charles Foundation initiative designed to support an annual community meal.
Dr. Gordon’s inspiration for the fund stemmed from his experience at the dedication of the hospital’s land‑acknowledgment statement in Madras, where a community meal served more than 400 people. That moment highlighted the power of shared meals to honor the land and its original stewards.
Why the celebration matters
Native American, American Indian and Alaskan Native Heritage Month provides an opportunity for Central Oregon residents to learn about the histories, traditions, and contributions of the region’s indigenous peoples. By hosting the market and meal on a health‑care campus, St. Charles Madras underscores the connection between cultural well‑being and physical health, reinforcing the hospital’s role as a community hub.
Local families are encouraged to attend, bring their children, and engage with the vendors. The event also offers a chance for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs to reach a broader audience, fostering mutual respect and understanding across the community.
Practical information
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Time: Market 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; free meal 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Location: St. Charles Madras hospital campus, Madras, Oregon
- Admission: Free and open to the public
- Parking: Available on the hospital grounds
For more information, visitors can contact the St. Charles Madras public affairs office or visit the hospital’s website.
Community impact
Events like this reinforce the importance of local partnerships between health institutions, tribal nations, and civic organizations. By providing a space for cultural exchange and a shared meal, St. Charles Madras helps strengthen the social fabric of Central Oregon, aligning with the values of family, faith, and individual liberty that guide our community.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
