Rene Williams is the Seneca-Cayuga Nation Community Health Representative

Rene Williams is a proud tribal member and serves as our SCN Community Health Representative. Rene’s father was a member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation and she was raised in Miami, Oklahoma with three older brothers. After graduating high school in 1993, her first job was in the medical field as a medication administration technician at an assisted living center. Her work there further inspired her to pursue a career in nursing and she completed her L.P.N. certification at Northeastern Vocational School in Afton, Oklahoma.

As a licensed nurse, she served in a doctor’s office, a childrens’ mental health hospital, and for the Advantage program. In 2012, she furthered her education by attending Northeastern Oklahoma College where she completed her associates degree in Nursing and ultimately completed her undergraduate studies at Northeastern State University college in 2019.  Williams described her educational journey as something she accomplished one step at a time, as the achievements at each level inspired her to keep reaching higher. 

Williams shared: “I realized the more knowledge I gained and the more education I completed, it expanded my opportunities. No matter what field a person chooses for their career, education opens doors and provides the awareness, insight and perspective to add value to our community.” 

She doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon and has her sights set on completing a masters’ degree as a next step:  “Finishing has given me a sense of self-satisfaction, my end goal would be to become a nurse practitioner working in tribal health. I love being able to give back to tribal elder members, in our tribe they are highly respected and looked up to, and I want to assist them in their pursuit of living the healthiest life possible.”

When the position at SCN opened, she knew it was an opportunity to give back to the tribe in a position where her learning would impact both her community and her nation. She has seen  too many people pass away in life too soon, Williams wanted to be a part of offering true health solutions for the tribe.

Rene now serves as Community Health Representative, and caregiver director for SCN. Her role involves reaching out to the elderly 55+, and caregivers of all ages.  The work includes providing health fairs, education resources, and transportation to physician appointments. She actively works to collaborate with other tribes, hosting events involving the elderly within the community.

Rene Williams has three pieces of advice for our members, to live their healthiest lives:

1. Keep under your primary care physician, check for diseases and sickness.
2. Utilize resources available to them: Information research
3. Frequently check blood work, blood sugar, blood pressure, maintain preventative care.

Williams wants our members to know she is available to them as an advocate, helping them pursue a healthier lifestyle.  If any members have questions about health or resources reach out to Rene Williams at rwilliams@sctribe.com or (918) 791-6047.

Members can always check for updates at the Seneca Cayuga Wellness page for any upcoming events for the elders, or updates on wellness.