Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Stories of Strength and Connection

Each November, Compass Group proudly celebrates Native American Heritage Month, honoring the history, traditions, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States. It’s a time to reflect on the values that unite us – such as family, community, and resilience. This month, we’re highlighting associates who carry their heritage into their lives and work with pride and purpose. We begin with Jeremy Cly of Compass One Healthcare and Carrie Holwell of Morrison Healthcare – two associates whose stories honor their roots and reflect the power of culture to connect and inspire.

“I’ll introduce myself in the traditional manner,” begins Jeremy Cly, Houseman at Long Beach Medical Center. “Yáʼátʼééh shi ei Jeremy Cly yinishyé. Dziłtłʼahnii nishłį́. Tó aheedlíínii báshishchiin. Bitʼahnii dashicheii doo dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné nishłį́. Ginibító dę́ę́ʼ naashá.”

Translated, Jeremy explains: “Hello, my name is Jeremy Cly. I am Mountain Cove clan, born for Where the Water Flows Together clan. My Maternal Grandfather is within their Cove clan as well as my Paternal Grandfather. I am from Kimbeto, New Mexico.”

For Jeremy, this introduction is more than a greeting – it’s a reflection of identity and respect. “This is how Navajos introduce ourselves and explain who we are as individuals,” he says. “Our clans are handed down from our mothers and represent the matriarchs of our families and ancestors.”

Growing up on the Navajo reservation, Jeremy learned the importance of culture, language, and resilience – lessons embodied in one of his favorite traditions: making frybread.

“I was proud to learn, especially when my mom explained its history as a survival food created from the meager rations given to our ancestors while interned at Fort Sumner in the 1880s,” he shares.

That connection to ancestry runs deep. “This dish reminds me that even in the hardest times, our culture and language give us strength to endure,” Jeremy reflects. “‘Be as strong as the land that made you’ is a teaching I carry.”

In his work with Compass One Healthcare, Jeremy channels that same strength and positivity into his role. “I bring positivity into a healing environment,” he says. “I knew I belonged when my managers recognized my hard work and encouraged me.” That recognition inspired him to pursue a supervisor role – a new chapter he’s now proudly transitioning into.

For Carrie Holwell, her Native heritage is a thread that weaves through both her personal and professional life. A Choctaw Native on her father’s side, Carrie has spent more than 30 years in the foodservice industry as a Chef and Food Manager.

“One cherished memory is my frybread recipe, handed down through many generations,” she says. “It’s a pride of many Native Americans, and I feel grateful to carry it forward.”

A few years ago, Carrie began researching her family’s history – a journey that deepened her connection to her heritage. “I had never met anyone from my father’s side of the family, only my dad, and this recipe became a thread connecting me to my roots,” she shares.

Carrie also embraces her Hawaiian and German roots from her mother’s side. A phrase she holds close — “Nani anitak’a, ahat’ahak,” meaning I am still learning, thank you – reminds her that growth and gratitude go hand in hand.

Now serving as Patient Services Manager at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Carrie finds joy in connecting with patients each day. “I love the patient engagement – it recharges my batteries,” she says. “I haven’t yet infused my Native heritage directly into my work, except by promoting kindness, but maybe one day I’ll share frybread with the patients.”

Carrie’s sense of belonging at Compass is profound. “I knew I belonged at the Compass table when diversity was celebrated, lives were truly changed, and promotions were within reach,” she says. “This company is exactly who it says it is. I am finally home.”

A Shared Legacy of Strength

Jeremy and Carrie remind us that honoring heritage is about remembering the past and living the values passed down through generations. Their stories embody resilience, pride, and connection, the same values that make our Compass community stronger together.

As Native American Heritage Month continues, we’ll share more stories from across our Compass family.