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, the unmet health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives are severe and the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives is far below that of the general population of the United States, resulting in an average life expectancy for American Indians and Alaska Natives 4.2 years less than that for the U.S. all races population; and

WHEREAS, NIHB is dedicated to assisting and promoting the health needs and concerns of Indian people; and

WHEREAS, the prevention of harm to the health and well-being of Indian people is an essential aspect of the purpose of NIHB; and

WHEREAS, water is the foundation of all life on Earth and its preservation is essential to human survival; and