By: Marci Hensley
Taylor Kilander is Oklahoma City Indian Clinic’s (OKCIC) training coordinator in the Quality department. Her role is to train and educate the staff on Lean/Six Sigma and anything ‘continuous improvement’ based. She takes great pride in being able to educate staff on continuous improvement practices because she feels like she’s sparking a concept and changing individuals’ ways of thinking.
Taylor is a member of the Osage Nation through her father but, unfortunately, she did not grow up around her culture. At a young age she was taught misinformation, which included how she wouldn’t be accepted by her tribe due to her light complexion. As Taylor grew, she took it upon herself to learn more about her culture and embrace her roots. She continuously works through the personal stigma of claiming her culture and not shying away from it in fear of being rejected. Specifically, the Red Corn family has been extremely welcoming of her and has played a significant role in changing her beliefs. Her cousin Nikki, among her many role models, has continuously supported her in pushing boundaries and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Taylor also believes working at OKCIC has played a crucial role in her journey.
Working within the Native Community
“Working here has helped me embrace myself and allowed me to be part of the conversation in a judgment free zone,” Taylor said. “I can’t express my gratitude enough to those who continue to encourage me to embrace this part of me.”
OKCIC’s core values are People First, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism; which fosters a community of acceptance at OKCIC, and she believes these are essential core values that should be embraced every day. What continues to set the clinic apart is how OKCIC diligently works to break stereotypes when it comes to Native health care and the negative stigma commonly associated with it.
“Working at Oklahoma City Indian Clinic is inspiring because the Native women who work here are not marginalized, but placed in leading roles they deserve. It’s inspiring! I believe they are paving the way for what American Indian health care should look like and I’m excited to be part of it,” Taylor said.