Kathleen Annette facts for kids

Kathleen Annette was born in 1955. She is a leader in public health from Minnesota. She is currently the president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation. Kathleen is a member of the White Earth Band of the Chippewa tribe. She made history as the first Ojibwe woman to become a doctor. She was also the first woman to lead the Bemidji Indian Health Service. This group helps Native American tribes with health programs in the Upper Midwest.

Growing Up and Becoming a Doctor

Kathleen grew up on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. She studied Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. After that, she went to the University of Minnesota Medical School. She became a medical doctor in 1983. Kathleen has said that getting ready for college was a big challenge. She explained that no one from her high school had ever gone on to study medicine.

Her Career Helping Others

Kathleen Annette finished her medical training in 1986. She then became a certified doctor. She joined the Indian Health Service (IHS). This service provides health care to Native Americans. She worked at the Leech Lake Service Unit in Cass Lake, Minnesota.

Kathleen worked her way up in the IHS. By 1990, she became the director for the whole Bemidji Area. This meant she was in charge of health services for about 60,000 Native Americans. These people lived in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

As director, Kathleen worked to make people aware of health issues for Native Americans. She spoke at many health conferences. She was also part of a special committee. This committee advised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on new diseases. Kathleen also visits medical schools. She hopes to inspire young Native Americans to become doctors or other professionals.

Kathleen retired from government service in 2011. Now, she is the CEO of the Blandin Foundation.