Support for a Special Behavioral Health Program for Tribes
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 United States owes a special duty of care to Tribal Nations, which animates and shapes every aspect of the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribes. Rooted in treaties and authorized by the United States Constitution, the federal government’s unique responsibilities to Tribal Nations have been repeatedly re-affirmed by the Supreme Court, legislation, executive orders and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the trust responsibility establishes a clear relationship between the Tribes and the federal government. The Constitution’s Indian Commerce clause, Treaty Clause and Supremacy clause, among others, provide the legal authority and foundation for distinct health policy and regulatory decision making by the United States when carrying out its unique trust responsibility to provide for the health and welfare of AI/ANs and support for the Indian health system that provides their care; and
WHEREAS, NIHB has a strong history of advancing the emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of AI/AN people through the support of regulatory and Congressional action, advocacy for increased funding for behavioral health in Indian Country, creation of national venues to discuss behavioral health issues (such as suicide and substance misuse), and creation of educational and programmatic materials for Tribal public health professionals; and
WHEREAS, a 2018 study found that AI/AN youth in 8th, 10th, and 12th grades were significantly more likely than non-Native youth to have used alcohol or illicit drugs in the past 30-days1 ; and
