CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2024
You may use the resources in this toolkit to help spread the word about Native American Heritage Month among your networks and encourage the public to learn more about American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health. We also invite you to join the conversation about health disparities and health equity on social media by tagging @MinorityHealth on X, Facebook, and Instagram and using the hashtags #SourceForBetterHealth and #NAHM2024.
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This #NAHM2024 let’s Be the #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities and share trusted and reliable health information. Visit @MinorityHealth to access resources and more: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024
We can Be the #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian & #AlaskaNative communities when we understand the relationship between social determinants of health #SDOH, traditional healing, and food sovereignty. Visit @MinorityHealth for information #NAHM2024 https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024-learn-more
This #NAHM2024 @MinorityHealth encourages everyone to Be a #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities. Access resources and learn how you can take action to help advance health equity for #AIAN communities: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024-toolkit
Let’s Be the #SourceForBetterHealth this Native American Heritage Month for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities and share trusted and reliable health information. Visit @minorityhealth to learn more about social determinants of health impacting AI/AN communities, access resources, health information, and more: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024 #NAHM2024
This Native American Heritage Month, we can Be the #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities by understanding the relationship between social determinants of health, traditional healing, and food sovereignty. Visit @minorityhealth for information and resources: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024-learn-more #NAHM2024
This Native American Heritage Month @minorityhealth encourages everyone to Be a #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities. Learn how you can take action to advance health equity for AI/AN communities and access trusted resources to guide your efforts: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024-toolkit #NAHM2024
Let’s Be the #SourceForBetterHealth this Native American Heritage Month for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities and share trusted and reliable health information. Visit @minorityhealth to learn more about social determinants of health impacting AI/AN communities and more: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024 #NAHM2024
We can Be the #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities when we understand the relationship between social determinants of health, traditional healing, and food sovereignty. Visit @minorityhealth for information and resources this Native American Heritage Month: https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024-learn-more #NAHM2024
This Native American Heritage Month @minorityhealth encourages everyone to Be a #SourceForBetterHealth for #AmericanIndian and #AlaskaNative communities. Learn how you can take action. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/native-american-heritage-month-2024-toolkit #NAHM2024
Use this Native American Heritage Month article template in your November communications to celebrate this observance and bring awareness to AI/AN health disparities. Visit the Native American Heritage Month page to learn more about SDOH and access resources, social media messages, graphics, and information on how to Be the Source for Better Health.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month!
November is Native American Heritage Month. The annual observance celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers, and settlers of the United States. As a nation, we honor the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and languages of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and Indigenous populations in the United States.
This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority (OMH) is observing Native American Heritage Month with the theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. This theme is about understanding how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) of racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN populations impact their overall health.
Visit the Native American Heritage Month page to learn more about SDOH, and visit the OMH Population Health Data information for American Indian/Alaska Native Health.
Use these talking points to tell others about the history of Native American Heritage Month and this year’s theme.
About Native American Heritage Month
- Native American Heritage Month is observed each November in the United States.
- The annual observance, originally established in 1916 as “American Indian Day” and later expanded in 1990 to 30 days, is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the United States, and to honor the legacy and stories of all Tribal nations and Indigenous communities.
Be the Source for Better Health for American Indian/Alaska Natives
- This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority (OMH) is focusing on improving health outcomes for AI/AN communities with its theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections.
- The theme calls on each of us to better understand how the unique environments, cultures, and histories (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) impact AI/AN populations and their overall health.
- AI/AN populations experience higher rates of preventable diseases and conditions, including disproportionately high rates of obesity, chronic liver disease, diabetes, and congenital syphilis.
- SDOH factors like health care access and quality and educational attainment may historically impact AI/AN health outcomes and contribute to health disparities for AI/AN populations.
- By addressing SDOH through a comprehensive approach, together we can help reduce health disparities, advance health equity, and Be the Source for Better Health for all communities.
Public health and community-based organizations can take steps to help improve the health of AI/AN populations:
Connect
Stay connected and participate in conversations about health disparities on social media by tagging @MinorityHealth and using the hashtags #SourceForBetterHealth and #NAHM2024 on: X, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to OMH e-newsletters.
Consider
Collect and use multiple sources of data and information, including public health data, to help develop strategies that can benefit you and your community. You can use the OMH Population Health Data Information for American Indian/Alaska Native Health.
Commit
A commitment to providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS) is one way to help eliminate health disparities. Effective, equitable, and respectful care and services that are responsive to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices, preferred languages, economic and environmental circumstances, and health literacy levels are essential to close the gap in health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations.
Collaborate
Bring together trusted leaders and organizations to identify concerns specific to AI/AN community members and develop innovative solutions that can be put into action. Mobilize partners to implement strategies addressing health disparities.
The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the health care system for federally recognized American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States. Its goal is to raise their health status to the highest possible level. Use these resources from IHS to learn more about the services available to eligible AI/AN people through the IHS.
Indian Health Manual
Visit Part 2, Chapter 1 of the Indian Health Manual which outlines the policies, standards, and procedures that determine if you can get care at an Indian Health program.
Find Health Care
Find an IHS, Tribal or Urban Indian Health Program facility near you. Use the Resources for Native Veterans tool to find health care and other supportive services and resources specifically for AI/AN veterans.
Youth Regional Treatment Centers (YRTC)
YRTCs work to address the ongoing issues of substance abuse and co-occurring disorders of AI/AN adolescents and provide quality holistic behavioral health care for them and their families in a substance-free residential environment that integrates traditional healing, spiritual values, and cultural identification. Visit the YRTC webpage to learn more and find a treatment center near you.
Education Materials and Resources Online Catalog
Find free, culturally relevant materials to prevent and treat diabetes and diabetes-related conditions that can be shared with patients, clients, friends, and family members.
Indian Children's Program (ICP)
Healthcare providers working in the IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian Health system can access training and education resources on provide excellent care for AI/AN youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and other Neurodevelopmental disorders.
Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)
Coordinated by IHS Division of Diabetes with guidance from the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee, the SDPI provides funds for diabetes treatment and prevention services to IHS, Tribal, and Urban Indian communities across the United States. AI/AN communities can access much-needed diabetes resources and information on quality diabetes care.
Healthcare Communications
Access information and resources for improving health communication including a short video on how patients can talk to their healthcare providers about any concerns or side effects of their medications.
Use the following resources to access public health data and develop strategies that can benefit you and your community.
OMH | American Indian/Alaska Native Population Profile
This profile provides detailed demographic, language fluency, education, economic, insurance coverage, and health status information, including full census reports on AI/AN populations.
CDC | Tribal Public Health Data
Access information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about tribal health data, issues, tools, technical assistance, and training, including tribal data-related resources from public health partners.
NCHS | AI/AN Health
Find quick facts and statistics about AI/AN health. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is the nation’s principal health statistics agency. They compile statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of populations and communities.
Health care providers, community health workers, and other community partners can use the following resources and trainings to enhance their understanding of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).
OMH | The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care: A Tool for Tribal Communities
In this recorded webinar from OMH’s Think Cultural Health initiative, a panel explores the National CLAS Standards as a tool for tribal communities' efforts to reduce health care disparities. The webinar presents real-life examples of providing CLAS in tribal communities.
CDC | HEAR HER Campaign Resources for AI/AN People who are Pregnant or Postpartum
CDC’s Hear Her Campaign provides culturally appropriate resources designed for AI/AN people to help raise awareness of urgent maternal warning signs and start conversations about pregnancy-related concerns. Watch videos of stories from AI/AN women who have experienced complications during or after pregnancy and find posters and handouts in multiple Native languages.
ACF | Head Start American Indian and Alaska Native Programs
The Administration for Children and Family’s (ACF) Office of Head Start honors the rich cultural heritage of our AI/AN children, families, and communities. Based on the needs of local communities, Head Start programs offer traditional language and cultural practices to provide high-quality services to young children and their families. Use the tools and resources to assist in the planning, development, and coordination of programs serving AI/AN communities.
Smithsonian | Native Knowledge 360° Interactive Teaching Resources
Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) provides educators and students with new perspectives on Native American history and cultures. NK360° provides educational materials, virtual student programs, and teacher training that incorporate Native narratives, more comprehensive histories, and accurate information to enlighten and inform teaching and learning about Native America.
ACF | Native Languages Resources
Access resources from ACF about Native languages including regional Native language resources.
Learn more about Tribal Affairs at HHS. Explore HHS offices and initiatives engaged in advancing Tribal health.
Federal Agencies and Resources for Tribal Public Health
Use this list from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to view other federal agencies that have established offices and resources to support public health for federally recognized tribal nations.
Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee
The HHS Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee’s (STAC) primary purpose is to seek consensus, exchange views, share information, and provide advice and/or recommendations.
HHS Tribal Advisory Committees (TACs) were established throughout HHS to enhance the government-to-government relationship with Tribal nations, honor Federal trust responsibilities and obligations to Tribes and AI/AN people, and increase understanding between federally recognized Tribes and federal agencies. HHS agencies have their own TAC:
- Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
IHS National Combined Councils
The Indian Health Service (IHS) National Combined Councils (NCC) consists of twelve councils, varying by discipline, that focus on the clinical and administrative health care needs of the agency. Each council provides consultation to the IHS Director and Chief Medical Officer on pressing issues that require action from IHS Senior Leadership.
NIH Tribal Health Research Office
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tribal Health Research Office (THRO) ensures meaningful input from and collaboration with Tribal nations on NIH policies, programs, and priorities. It is the central point of contact at NIH for federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes throughout the United States and the coordination hub for Tribal health research activities at NIH.
Use these resources to learn more about indigenous food sovereignty. Explore resources and initiatives that can help improve the health and well-being of AI/AN communities.
NIMHD | The Osage Community Supported Agriculture Program: A Tribal Nation’s Effort Toward Food Security and Food Sovereignty
Learn about the Osage Community Supported Agriculture (OCSA) study, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) and partnership between Osage Nation and the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences that examines the impact of a community-supported agriculture program on the diet and health outcomes of 600 Native American adults living on the Osage reservation and how they are working towards tribal food sovereignty.
USDA | The Three Sisters of Indigenous American Agriculture
The Three Sisters system refers to the planting of corn, pole beans, and squash or pumpkins together in hills. This short review describes this agricultural practice and its history within the Native American community.
USDA | Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative Fact Sheet
The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative promotes traditional food ways, Indian Country food and agriculture markets, and Indigenous health through foods tailored to AI/AN dietary needs. This initiative partners with tribal-serving organizations on projects to reimagine federal food and agriculture programs from an Indigenous perspective.
IHS | Food Sovereignty
Tribal food sovereignty initiatives address issues of hunger and health by increasing food production and traditional food knowledge in Native communities. These Initiatives exist to improve food access and restore traditional foods and practices on Tribal lands. Explore examples of Native Food System Initiatives and access other IHS nutrition resources.
BIA | Why Food Sovereignty Matters
Learn more about what food sovereignty is and why it’s important for indigenous and Native communities.
Use these resources to learn more about traditional healing practices and how they can help improve the health of AI/AN populations.
NLM | Medicine Ways: Traditional Healers and Healing
The exhibition, Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness, explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illness, and cultural life for AI/AN people. The website includes the exhibition’s video interviews, timeline content, and images of some objects and artifacts formerly on display.
IHS | Native American Traditional Healing: Information and Ways to Collaborate for Western Medicine and Mental Health Providers
This presentation from Kee Straits, PhD, outlines traditional healing in Native American cultures and how we can build stronger collaborations between Western and Traditional practitioners.
OJP | Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts: The Key Components
Tribal Healing to Wellness Programs provide access to holistic, structured, and phased substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation services that incorporate culture and tradition. This document outlines key components of the Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts system which brings together community-healing resources with the tribal justice process.
SAMHSA | Traditional Foods as Medicine: Exploring the Possibilities
The booklet is a companion to the Traditional Foods as Medicine Webinar which explores food sovereignty, epigenetic memory, trauma, somatic healing, and discusses an Indigenous food system model. The booklet also provides examples of traditional healing foods and ways to bring them to your table with a few easy recipes.