Jaylee Rencountre (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) Recent Graduate Student/Gap Year

Han Mitakuyepi. My name is Jaylee Rencountre. I am an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, representing the Hunkpapa Lakota on my maternal side and the Hunkpati Dakota on my paternal side. I carry my work with a deep sense of responsibility, guided by the teachings, strengths, and resilience of my relatives and communities.

Growing up between urban and reservation communities, I witnessed how systemic inequities, underfunded infrastructure, and limited access to resources shape the health and daily realities of our Native people—and how powerful culturally grounded support can be. These experiences continue to guide my path in both public health and medicine. I am committed to advancing Indigenous health through approaches that center culture, community voice, and holistic wellness, with the long-term goal of becoming the first physician in my family.

I earned a BS in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Denver, and an MPH in Indigenous Health from the University of North Dakota. I chose to pursue my MPH alongside my path toward medicine because I believe healing must extend beyond the clinic—to systems, communities, and the conditions that shape our lives.

My work has included laboratory research, direct patient care, community-engaged public health outreach, and mentoring Native youth. Above all, I strive to remain accountable to the communities I come from and serve.

In my free time, I enjoy dancing at powwows, traveling throughout Indian Country, spending time outdoors, and remaining connected to my community and homelands. These practices keep me balanced and rooted, reminding me who I am and why I carry this work forward.