Norman Cooeyate

Born and raised on the Zuni Indian Reservation, Norman J. Cooeyate has made a full circle in returning to his native community to utilize his experiences, trainings and education to contribute to the health and welfare of his beloved community. Mr. Cooeyate received his secondary education in Salt Lake City, Utah, continuing his post-secondary education in Biology at the University of New Mexico and was attending the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, when he was approached by the National Institutes of Digestive, Diabetes & Kidney Disorders to assist in researching interventions for preventing or reducing the rates of Diabetes Mellitus, among American Indian/Alaskan Native populations. Mr. Cooeyate managed the Diabetes Prevention Program in his community for 13 years before deciding to turn his interests to politics. As a Governor for his Pueblo from 2007 – 2011, his primary focus was on improving basic living conditions, addressing health & wellness, environmental, sacred sites, and promoting new ideas of economic development & workforce development. Mr. Cooeyate was awarded the National Indian Health Board 2010 Tribal Leadership Impact Award, for his advocacy for American Indian/Alaska Native populations.  Mr. Cooeyate currently works at the UNM Health Sciences Center, Institute for Indigenous Knowledge & Development as a Project Manager/Cultural Liaison, and as a Cultural Liaison for the HRSA funded Child Ready Program, under the UNM Pediatric Emergency Department.  Mr. Cooeyate still maintains strong ties with the 45 Nations in the Southwest and is still a strong advocate for AI/AN issues and concerns.  He is an undergraduate at UNM pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies emphasizing on a Leadership and Building Native Nations concentration.  He plans to pursue a Masters in Public Health and Public Administration upon completion of his undergraduate degree.