Resolution on the CDC Tribal Public Health Agenda

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, AI/AN Tribes have largely been left out of the development of the U.S. public health infrastructure during the last century; and

WHEREAS, there exists a need for a blueprint for strengthening and modernizing public health capacity and infrastructure in Indian Country; and

WHEREAS, to be relevant and valuable, this blue print for Tribal public health capacity building must reflect and accurately represent Tribal needs and priorities; and

WHEREAS, Tribes are experts in what their needs and priorities are; and

WHEREAS, to accurately capture and understand Tribal needs and priorities, a Tribally-driven process must be used to develop this blue print for Tribal public health capacity building; and

WHEREAS, NIHB undertakes all actions in a manner that respects and honors Tribal sovereignty and self-determination; and

WHEREAS, NIHB ensures that its work is Tribally- driven by ongoing, continuous and meaningful engagement with the NIHB Board of Directors, Tribal leaders from across Indian Country, NIHB regional member organizations, and community leaders and citizens from Tribal Nations; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided funding to NIHB to develop a Tribal Public Health Agenda (TPHA); and

WHEREAS, a finalized TPHA will likely be used by stakeholders, including federal agencies and the CDC, to direct resources and focus activities which in turn will impact Tribes; and