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Posted on June 21, 2022
The National Indian Health Board Congratulates the Appointment of Chief Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba as Treasurer of the United States
Today, President Biden announced his intent to appoint Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Indian Tribe, as Treasurer of the United States. Chief Malerba is the first female chief of her Tribal nation and will be the first Native American Treasurer at the Treasury Department. Chief Malerba brings decades of community and economic development experience for Tribal and underserved communities to her new role and previously served as a member for the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. For the first time in history, a Tribal leader and Native woman’s signature will be on our currency. Chief Malerba will also oversee the U.S. Mint, which released the Wilma Mankiller Quarter earlier this month, honoring the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
The National Indian Health Board applauds the Administration’s appointment of Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, Lifetime Chief of the Mohegan Indian Tribe. “Congratulations to Chief Malerba for her new appointment. For several years, Chief Malerba has supported elevating an understanding of the treaty and trust obligation and building capacity at the highest levels for understanding this permanent commitment, said NIHB Stacy A. Bohlen, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Chief Executive Officer. Tribes have long pushed for full funding and exempting Tribes from government shutdowns and impacts of sequestration. Another priority is formula funding rather than competitive grants to Tribes. The distribution of federal pandemic relief funds has demonstrated that formula funding is possible. NIHB is confident in Chief and Dr. Lynn Malerba to serve in this new capacity as she has the experience and an understanding of treasury-related issues. Her attention to funding as a treaty and trust obligation make her an excellent choice.”
Read more here.
Posted on June 16, 2022
Dr. Aaron Payment Joins the National Indian Health Board as Director of Government Relations
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is excited to announce Dr. Aaron Payment has joined the NIHB leadership team as the Director of Government Relations as of June 14. Dr. Payment served Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa, a position he held for more than 14 years and an additional eight years on council. As NIHB reaches its 50th anniversary, expanding government relations will position NIHB to better serve Tribal communities. It will be invaluable to have in-house the skills and perspective of a seasoned Tribal leader who has served in many leadership positions.
While serving as Tribal Chair, Dr. Payment became well known for his eloquent and impactful voice for Tribal sovereignty in all areas of policy and representation. He served on the US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee including as Vice Chair. He chaired the National Institutes of Health Tribal Advisory Committee, was Tribal Health Research Advisory Chair, and was on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Tribal Advisory Committee. Dr. Payment also dedicated nearly a decade of service as the National Congress of American Indians Midwest Regional Vice President, including two terms as Recording Secretary, and two terms as first Vice President.
Read more here.
Posted on June 16, 2022
Senators Demand Clarity and Oversight on American Rescue Plan Funds
On Monday, June 6th, fourteen Senators on the Senate Finance Committee signed a letter requesting that the U.S. Government of Accountability (GAO) to evaluate and report on use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The ARPA provided $350 billion of COVID-19 relief funding to States, localities, Tribal governments, and territories. The ARPA provided $5,484,000,000 in funding for the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Responsible for oversight of the ARPA funding, the Senate Finance Committee calls for the Department of Treasury - who is responsible for administering the funding - to provide clarity and transparency in the implementation of ARPA funding. The Finance Committee has had several discussions with the Department of Treasury that lead to the conclusion that there is "insufficient" reporting information and details available to the public in which Treasury is taking with "causal indifference".
Learn more and read the letter here.
Posted on June 15, 2022
Contact your Congressional Representative TODAY
The National Indian Health Board and the National Congress of American Indians join forces to elevate Tribal Leader voices to Capitol Hill on securing Advance Appropriations for the Indian Health Service (IHS). This action alert is for the House Appropriations Committee - we ask the committee to support and include IHS advance appropriations in the current appropriations bill. Advance Appropriations would help shield the IHS and Tribal health systems from the harmful impacts of Continuing Resolutions and government shutdowns. Support and passage of Advance Appropriations in the next appropriations cycle would begin the necessary process for establishing budget certainty and help improve the health care delivery system for Tribal nations and their citizens. It is a meaningful step in fulfilling the United States’ trust responsibility and treaty obligations to Tribal nations for Indian health care.
The National Indian Health Board passed Resolution 14-03 to Support Advanced Appropriations for the Indian Health Service and the National Congress of American Indians passed Resolution 19-001 to Support Advance Advanced Appropriations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service.
Read more here.
Posted on June 15, 2022
Registration Is Now Open!
Register now for the The Nation's Premier American Indian and Alaska Native Health Conference - the National Tribal Health Conference (NTHC) and 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Join us as we take a look back at the history of NIHB and build our plans for the next 50 years. Together we will explore the topics of health equity, health policy, tribal advances in health, and many more. NTHC serves as a forum to discuss policy and political work in the arenas of Tribal health care, public, behavioral, and environmental health. Tribal leaders, Tribal health directors, administrators, policy analysts, advocates and Native youth and early career professionals are invited to join.
The event will be held in Washington, DC at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill from September 25-29, 2022. Conference events will include Tribal listening and consultation sessions with federal agencies, no-cost institutes, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, an exhibit hall and marketplace, fitness activities, and cultural events. Special events will be held for Native youth and early career professionals as well as new Tribal leaders. The Annual Heroes in Health Awards Gala and 50th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
Learn more and register here.
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