Facility Honors “Champion of Indian Rights”
Contributed Article/Courtesy San Carlos Apache Tribe
PERIDOT – The San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation (SCAHC) held a grand opening ceremony of the Clarence Wesley Health Center (CWHC) on Friday, May 16, 2025. This 33,356-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is located three miles southwest of the center of Bylas and replaces the former CWHC off Highway 70. This new location, set against the backdrop of Mount Turnbull, offers San Carlos Apache tribal members a more convenient and modern facility that is a major step forward in healthcare for the community.
Thoughtfully designed to enhance patient care and accessibility, the new CWHC provides comprehensive medical services including optometry, dental, physical therapy, imaging, laboratory, and pharmacy services. The medical wing features two nurse stations, 13 exam rooms, one exam bay, an imaging room, and an ultrasound room. The dental area is equipped with five dental chairs and its own dedicated imaging services. The pharmacy features a drive-through window. Beyond medical services, CWHC offers conference rooms, a small café, and a healing garden. The new facility was designed by Cuningham Architects and built by Willmeng Construction.
CWHC is named after Clarence Wesley, former Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. During his longstanding career in public service, Wesley was a distinguished leader of the Apache people, serving as president of the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona and the first and only leader from the Tribe to become president of the National Congress of American Indians. His legacy endures as a champion of Indian rights and tribal self-determination.
“Clarence Wesley once wrote his children, ‘Keep your Apache culture as it is our heartbeat.’ These words inspired us as we strove to create a new health center that is authentic to our heritage and reflective of our shared values,” said Isaiah Belknap, the Deputy CEO of SCAHC and Executive Director of the Clarence Wesley Health Center. “SCAHC is guided by this sentiment, and CWHC is a testament of our commitment to honoring our traditions and the people who paved the way.”
During the ceremony, Belknap emphasized that the grand opening marked a new chapter for the health center and its service to the Apache people.
“This project reflects the dedication of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the Healthcare Corporation to our community and our patients,” said Victoria Began, Chief Executive Officer of SCAHC. “It is our vision that tribal members—especially those living on the eastern side of the reservation—embrace this new health center as their own, trusting us with their health needs for generations to come.”
Guest speakers at the event included Bylas Councilmembers Jonathan Kitcheyan, David Nozie, and Ned Anderson Jr., as well as SCAHC board member and daughter of Clarence Wesley, Kathy Kitcheyan, and representatives from Willmeng Construction and Cuningham, among others.
