Chris Wondolowski, a member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma who was named Most Valuable Player by Major League Soccer on Thursday, discussed Indian health issues on a visit to Capitol Hill this week.

Wondolowski met with Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota), Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) and other lawmakers. He serves as an ambassador for Nike N7, which promotes healthy lifestyles in Indian Country.

“It’s part of my heritage, part of who I am,” Wondolowski told the AP of his tribal roots. “I still have a lot of family there, and it means a lot to me to shine light onto their conditions.”

Wondolowski was supposed to end his Capitol Hill trip by testifying before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee yesterday. But he had to go to Los Angeles to attend the ceremony where he was announced as MVP.

Get the Story:
San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski voted Major League Soccer’s MVP (AP 11/29)

Related Stories:
Chris Wondolowski, Kiowa, named MVP in Major League Soccer (11/29)
Chris Wondolowski, Kiowa, up for Major League Soccer award (11/28)
Senate Indian Affairs Committee sets hearing on November 29 (11/21)