Honoring history, addressing systematic disparities.
Native American Heritage Month celebrates the many different and varied histories, cultures, and contributions of Native American communities. Additionally, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on the specific challenges that Native American families encounter in accessing resources such as safe housing, education, food, and transportation. It reminds us to explore and fortify our efforts to support Indigenous Americans’ well-being, human rights, and strength in adversity.
Recognizing Barriers in Health and Social Services
Native American families often face systemic barriers that limit their access to quality health and social services. Historical trauma, geographic isolation, and cultural misunderstandings have contributed to disparities in healthcare and child welfare. Additionally, underfunded programs have further impacted family support services..
Indian Health Services (IHS) struggles with inadequate funding and staffing to meet the needs of Indigenous communities. This creates significant challenges in accessing timely and quality medical and mental health care.
Culturally traditional treatments are often unrecognized and not integrated into medical, mental health, and family support systems, deepening disparities.
Health Disparities
- Life Expectancy: Indigenous and Alaska Natives born today have a life expectancy that is 5.5 years less than the U.S. population of all races (73.0 years compared to 78.5 years, respectively).
- Chronic Diseases: Indigenous and Alaska Native adults have the highest prevalence of diabetes among all American groups, at 14.9 percent for males and 15.3 percent for females.
- Tuberculosis Rates: The rate of tuberculosis disease in Indigenous and Alaska Natives is over eight times higher than that in non-Hispanic White Americans.
Addressing these issues requires increased funding and public knowledge campaigns. It also necessitates partnerships that prioritize Native voices and honor Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
Trailblazers Who Inspire Change
Native American leaders are making important contributions across various fields, inspiring positive change and amplifying their communities’ voices.
- Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo): As the first Native American U.S. Cabinet Secretary, Haaland emphasizes climate change, environmental justice, and Tribal sovereignty, integrating Indigenous perspectives into federal decision-making.
- Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation): As one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, Davids advocates for healthcare, education, and economic development in underserved communities.
- Winona LaDuke (Ojibwe): An environmental activist and economist, LaDuke has worked to preserve Native lands, promote sustainable energy, and protect sacred resources.
- Mary Golda Ross (Cherokee Nation): Ross played a key role in designing NASA’s early space exploration programs and inspired generations of Indigenous women in STEM.
- Notah Begay III (Navajo, Pueblo): A professional golfer and the first Native American on the PGA Tour, Begay founded the NB3 Foundation to address health and wellness disparities among Native youth through sports and education.
- Madonna Thunder Hawk (Oohenumpa band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe): A Native American civil rights activist, co-founder of Women of All Red Nations, organizer against the Dakota Access Pipeline, and United Nations delegate, she has advocated for family and children’s rights and building kinship networks.
Strength Through Native-Centered Solutions
Despite challenges, Native American communities continue to demonstrate strength in the face of continued social, educational, and economic challenges. Native families and leaders are revitalizing cultural practices and leading innovative health initiatives that reflect their unique strengths. Programs like Tribal Health Improvement initiatives and culturally specific family support services demonstrate the impact of centering Native perspectives.