At the National Indian Health Board (NIHB), every day we stand with Tribal Nations to protect, promote, and strengthen the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native people. This Tribal Public Health Week, in alignment with the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) National Public Health Week, we’re proud to celebrate the work being done across Indian Country to build healthier futures – starting right here, in our communities.
It Starts Here: In the Heart of Indian Country
This year’s theme, It Starts Here, is a powerful reminder that the path to a healthier nation begins in our own communities. For Tribal Nations, that means honoring traditional knowledge, advancing Tribal sovereignty in health decision-making, and investing in solutions that are created by and for Native people.
From the elders who carry generations of wisdom, to the youth leading us into the future, Tribal communities are already taking bold steps to create health equity, not just for today, but for the next seven generations.
Our Mission: Serving Sovereign Nations
As a national nonprofit organization, NIHB serves all 574 federally recognized Tribes by advocating for policy change, strengthening public health infrastructure, and supporting innovation in Tribal health systems. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that health is a fundamental right — and that Tribal Nations know best what their communities need to thrive.
We believe that public health sovereignty is public health excellence. That’s why we support Tribes in building culturally grounded, data-informed, and sustainable public health programs, whether through technical assistance, national convenings, or elevating Tribal voices on Capitol Hill.
Building Healthier Futures, Together
In Indian Country, public health doesn’t start in a lab or legislature – it starts with community. It starts with the land. It starts with language, ceremony, and culture. NIHB is honored to partner with Tribal leaders, public health practitioners, and advocates who are leading the way in:
- Health system building and strengthening to create and assess the infrastructure needed for healthy Native communities
- Data modernization efforts that support Tribal data sovereignty and increase Tribal access to key health data
- Mental and behavioral health initiatives that center Indigenous healing practices
- Women, child, and maternal health to build thriving communities for the next seven generations
- Climate and environmental health programs that protect Native lands and waters
- Chronic and infectious disease prevention efforts tailored to the unique needs of Native populations
- Emergency preparedness and response systems that are culturally responsive and locally led
- Youth engagement strategies that empower the next generation of public health champions
Join Us This Week
All week long, we’ll be highlighting the work of Tribal public health leaders and sharing resources, stories, and tools to support our collective efforts. Because when it comes to advancing health equity – it starts here. In sovereignty. In culture. In community.
Stay connected with us on social media and share how your community is celebrating Tribal Public Health Week!
