Why NIHB Is Doing This
The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) is undertaking a strategic planning process that must reflect the full diversity of Tribal voices across Indian Country. NIHB recognizes that many Tribes, communities, and leaders, particularly rural, smaller, or under-resourced Tribes, are often underrepresented in national strategy conversations. This process is intentionally designed to go beyond familiar networks and create meaningful space for lived experience, community wisdom, and diverse perspectives that are not always reflected in national decision-making.
This advisory process is grounded in NIHB’s cultural protocols for care, consent, and reciprocity. Participation is voluntary, and insights shared through this process will be treated with respect, confidentiality, and care. NIHB is committed to transparency about how input is used and to sharing back how community perspectives inform the strategic plan.
1. Advisory Group (Up to 12 Members)
The Advisory Group will serve as the primary advisory body for NIHB’s strategic planning process from late January 2026 to December 2026. The purpose is to provide relational, cultural, and strategic guidance to ensure the planning process:
- Reflects Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous governance principles
- Is grounded in community realities and lived experience
- Is culturally respectful, accessible, and values-aligned
- Honors the responsibility and trust that advisors carry to their communities and networks
Composition
NIHB will select members with the goal of achieving broad geographic representation across Indian Country, with particular attention to people and communities whose perspectives are often underrepresented in national and regional conversations. This includes folks from the following representative groups:
- Tribal leadership and governance experience
- Community-based and frontline perspectives
- Subject-matter expertise
- Philanthropy
- At least one youth or early-career voice
Selection is not based on formal affiliation. Lived experience, trust within community, and perspective are equally valued.
2. Advisory Champions Network (Broader Participation)
NIHB understands that many more than twelve people have important insight to offer. Applicants who are not selected for the Core Advisory Board can be invited to serve as Advisory Champions. These Champions are invited to:
- Receive regular updates and summaries of the planning process
- Be invited to share input at key moments
- Help share information back to their communities and networks
- Serve as connectors and messengers so the strategy remains grounded beyond a single table
Why an Open Call
NIHB is intentionally using an open and transparent process because:
- Existing committees and networks do not always reflect the full range of Tribal experiences
- Participation is often limited to a small number of familiar voices
- Many community leaders and knowledge-holders are not connected to national organizations
If needed, NIHB may supplement the open call with targeted outreach to ensure a balanced and inclusive group.
Selection Process
- Applications and nominations will be reviewed using a clear scoring rubric
- The rubric is intended to support fairness and transparency, not to rank people or experiences
- Selection will prioritize:
- Diversity of lived experience and perspective
- Inclusion of underheard and underrepresented communities
- A balanced mix of roles, backgrounds, and expertise
- Capacity to participate meaningfully in the advisory process
- NIHB will be transparent about how decisions are made and why not everyone can serve on the Core Advisory Board
All applicants will be offered another pathway for engagement, whether through the Advisory Champions Network or other opportunities to contribute.
Time Commitment (Core Advisory Board)
- Term: January 2026 through December 2026
- Meetings:
- Project launch
- Approximately every 4 to 6 weeks
- About 60 minutes per meeting
- All meetings will be virtual via zoom
- Additional consultations and prep work before meetings may occur as needed
- NIHB understands that community, cultural, caregiving, and professional responsibilities may shift over time and will approach participation with flexibility and respect.
Advisory Champions will have a lighter, flexible commitment focused on staying informed and sharing feedback.
What Happens Next
- Apply below
- NIHB will review applications using a rubric to support a fair, transparent, and inclusive selection process.
- Selected Core Advisory Board members will receive a formal invitation along with a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
- All applicants will be notified and informed of next steps
- NIHB will share periodic summaries and reflections to show how advisory input is shaping the strategic plan
–>Apply Here<–
