St. Charles Madras is opening its doors this Wednesday, November 11, for a Native Market and free community meal celebrating Native American, American Indian, and Alaskan Native Heritage Month — and the whole Jefferson County community is invited.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside the main entrance of St. Charles Madras hospital at 470 NE A Street in Madras. Artisan vendors from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will be on-site selling handmade jewelry, traditional crafts, beadwork, and other cultural items. A free community meal — featuring fry bread tacos and other traditional Native foods — will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., while supplies last.
Veterans Day Connection
The market falls on Veterans Day, adding a meaningful layer to the community gathering. Warm Springs tribal members have a long and proud tradition of military service, with veterans from the Confederated Tribes representing every branch of the U.S. armed forces across generations. Honoring tribal veterans alongside the broader community is a natural fit for the November 11 date.
Native American Heritage Month
November is designated nationally as Native American Heritage Month — a time to recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples across the country. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, made up of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute peoples, are one of the region's most significant cultural and economic communities. The reservation borders Jefferson County to the west and has long been intertwined with the daily life and economy of Madras and surrounding communities.
"This event is a celebration of our neighbors, our patients, and our community," St. Charles representatives have said of the annual Heritage Month recognition efforts.
A Growing Partnership
St. Charles Madras serves as a critical access hospital for Jefferson County and the surrounding area, including many Warm Springs tribal members who rely on the facility alongside Indian Health Services in Warm Springs for medical care. The hospital has increasingly worked to build relationships with the tribal community, and events like Wednesday's market reflect that ongoing commitment.
The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the hospital's main lot. No purchase is necessary to attend — just show up and enjoy the market, the food, and the company.
When: Wednesday, November 11 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: St. Charles Madras, 470 NE A Street, Madras — inside main entrance
Free meal: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (while supplies last)