As we mark Day 2 of Tribal Public Health Week 2025, we join the national public health community in recognizing that climate action starts here – in the places we call home, in the decisions we make together, and in the ways we care for the Earth and one another.
For Tribal Nations, climate action is not a new priority – it is a sacred responsibility. The health of our people is inextricably linked to the health of our lands, waters, and ecosystems. At the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), we know that advancing Tribal environmental health is not just about protecting the environment – it’s about protecting culture, food sovereignty, housing, clean air and water, and future generations.
The Impact of Climate on Tribal Health
Extreme heat, wildfire smoke, rising sea levels, loss of traditional food sources, and threats to sacred sites are not abstract risks – they are already affecting Tribal communities across the country. These environmental changes bring real health consequences: asthma, heart disease, heat stroke, displacement, trauma, and loss of culture and identity.
Climate change deepens existing health disparities in Indian Country. But Tribal Nations are responding with resilience, innovation, and deep cultural knowledge. Many have led the way in building community-based solutions to monitor environmental threats, protect natural resources, and respond to the unique health impacts of a changing climate.
Environmental Health Programs: Critical and Now at Risk
Despite the urgency, Tribal environmental health efforts are chronically underfunded. This year, several Tribes and Tribal Organizations lost funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a critical resource that supported Tribes in building and sustaining environmental health programs.
This loss of funding comes at a time when support for Tribal-led climate and environmental health work is more important than ever. Without this funding, vital work to:
- Assist Tribes with climate resilience planning,
- Provide technical assistance on air and water quality,
- Facilitate inter-Tribal learning,
- And elevate Tribal environmental health policy priorities
…has been severely impacted.
We are deeply concerned that the absence of this support will leave many Tribal Nations without the resources they need to safeguard the health of their lands and people. We call on federal agencies, lawmakers, and philanthropic partners to prioritize and restore funding for Tribal environmental health work.
Upholding Sovereignty in Climate Solutions
Tribal Nations are sovereign governments. Any effective climate action must be designed in partnership with Tribal communities, grounded in Tribal values, and led by Tribal knowledge-keepers. At NIHB, we remain committed to uplifting and supporting Tribal climate resilience efforts, and we will continue to advocate for the resources and recognition Tribes deserve.
A Call to Action
This Tribal Public Health Week, we ask our partners and allies to stand with us in recognizing that climate justice is Tribal health justice. When we protect Native lands, we protect Native lives. When we invest in Tribal solutions, we build stronger futures for all.
We invite you to:
- Learn more about the climate-related health challenges facing Tribal communities
- Share your community’s environmental health stories using #TribalPublicHealthWeek2025 and #NPHW2025
- Join our call to restore and expand support for Tribal environmental health programs
Because climate action doesn’t start in the future – it starts now. It starts here. It starts with us.
