Tribal Public Health Capacity and Infrastructure

Historically, Tribes ensured their communities’ health by integrating systems of health and well-being. Prior to European contact, Native Americans had complex traditions, cultural practices, social organizations, economies, forms of government, education, and spirituality that interrelatedly worked together to ensure the health and survival of the people. Contemporary Tribal public health systems, shaped by a history of colonialism, epidemics, government policy, and a lack of funding evolved along a different trajectory than their local and state counterparts and hence they are often overlooked or underrepresented in the U.S. public health system. “Tribal nations have an inherent right to promote and protect the health and welfare of their citizens, using the methods most relevant for their communities.” As such, the National Indian Health Board supports Tribal nations as they rebuild and define their current systems.