Colorado medical team cut 65-year-old Lakota man’s hair without permission, family says
A police investigation is being conducted after a Lakota man’s hair was cut without consent at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Arthur Janis, a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation, had sacred hair which was significant in many sacred rites. His brother, Keith Janis, claims the hospital negated basic hygiene for Arthur, who had suffered a stroke, leading to his hair being cut. Hospital spokesperson, Dan Weaver, stated that the hair was trimmed due to concerns of a pressure ulcer and that Janis had not been identified as Native American. UCHealth officials have been accused of lying about having a video proving their innocence in the incident. Keith Janis is now advocating for policy changes to protect Native people, and is also raising funds for litigation fees.
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