NIHB is launching a strategic planning process to guide the next 50 years of advocacy for Indian health – we’re starting by listening.
Why This Matters Right Now
NIHB is beginning a new strategic planning process to set priorities, strengthen governance, and guide how we show up for Tribal Nations in the years ahead.
This is not just about creating a document. The decisions shaped through this process will influence the next 50 years of advocacy for Indian health.
Because of that responsibility, we are starting with listening.
The NIHB Listening Tour
The Listening Tour creates space for Tribal leaders, community members, partners, and stakeholders to share what’s working, what’s not, and what NIHB needs to do differently or better.
No preparation is required. Lived experience is the expertise. Below are the in-person session details. If those do not work for you, see below for more information on our virtual sessions.
| Date | City | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 3 | Milwaukee, WI | Potawatomi Casino Hotel | 10 AM – 12 PM |
| March 5 | Billings, MT | TBD | 10 AM – 12 PM |
| March 11 | Portland, OR | Marriot Waterfront | 10 Am – 12 PM |
| March 31 | Tulsa, OK | River Spirit Casino Resort | 10 Am – 12 PM |
| April 7-10* | Phoenix, AZ | Wild Horse Pass Casino and Resort* | 10 AM – 12 PM |
*Date TBD, during Tribal Self-Governance Conference
Virtual Listening Sessions: Participate From Anywhere
We know that not everyone can travel or attend an in-person Listening Tour event. We’re also offering Virtual Listening Sessions so that anyone who wants to participate can do so, regardless of location. These sessions create the same opportunity to share perspectives, experiences, and priorities related to NIHB’s work and future direction.
Virtual sessions are not secondary to in-person sessions. Feedback shared in virtual sessions is given the same weight and is reviewed alongside input from in-person focus groups and survey responses.
No special preparation is required. Participants are invited to show up as they are and share what they see and experience.
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| March 24 | 12:00–2:00 PM ET |
| March 25 | 1:00–3:00 PM ET |
| March 26 | 2:00–4:00 PM ET |
| April 13 | 2:00–4:00 PM ET |
| April 14 | 12:00–2:00 PM ET |
| April 15 | 12:00–2:00 PM ET |
Other Ways to Participate (All Options Carry Equal Weight)
Share Your Perspective Through the Survey
Not everyone can attend a listening session — and that’s expected.
The survey is a meaningful way to share your perspective on NIHB’s role, priorities, and how we can better support Tribal health systems. Survey responses are reviewed alongside input from in-person and virtual sessions and are weighted equally in the discovery phase of the strategic plan.
You can complete the survey on your own time. No special preparation is required.
Participation is voluntary, and responses are reviewed in summary form with care and confidentiality.
*Estimated time to complete: 15 minutes
Office Hours: Ask Questions and Stay Connected
Office hours are informal, open sessions where community members, partners, and stakeholders can ask questions about the strategic planning process and the Listening Tour.
These sessions are a space to:
- Ask questions about the process, timeline, or how input is being used
- Share reflections or concerns about access, transparency, or engagement
You can join for a few minutes or stay for the full session. Office Hours will be held at 3 PM ET on:
February 17, March 17
- April 21, May 19
- June 16, July 21
How We’re Approaching This Work
NIHB belongs to Tribal Nations, and this strategic planning process is grounded in that responsibility. We are starting with listening because Tribal voices, lived experience, and community wisdom must guide NIHB’s direction before decisions are made.
This work is guided by cultural values including consent, reciprocity, respect, and care in how information is gathered and used. Participation is voluntary, and input is treated with confidentiality and reviewed in summary form.Transparency is essential. NIHB will share documents that explain the values, protocols, listening methods, and reports shaping the strategic plan so communities can see how input is being used and hold us accountable.
Visit the Strategic Planning & Listening Tour Hub
(Pardon the dust — building good plans and good websites takes time!)
We’ve created a dedicated webpage to share information about NIHB’s strategic planning process and Listening Tour. You’ll find:
- -Listening Tour dates, registration links, and ways to participate
- -Background on the values and cultural protocols guiding this work
- -Documents that explain how listening is being conducted and how input is used
- -Updates and reflections as the strategic plan takes shape
You may notice new materials appearing over time. That’s intentional. This hub is a living space that will grow as the process moves forward.
