WHEREAS, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), established in 1972, serves all Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal governments by advocating for the improvement of health care delivery to AI/ANs as well as upholding the Federal government’s trust responsibility to AI/AN Tribal governments; and

WHEREAS, children are the future of our tribes, the continuation of our culture and way of life; and

WHEREAS, while developing in the womb, the unborn baby must have good nutrition, be free from toxins and harmful substances so she/he can grow into a healthy, well Tribal member; and

WHEREAS, alcohol is a toxin/teratogin that can permanently harm the developing brain and other organs of the growing baby; and

WHEREAS, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of cognitive and behavioral difficulties caused by a woman drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy; and