Statement from National Council of Urban Indian Health Executive Director Francys Crevier

Washington, DC (August 16, 2019) – Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health Executive Director Francys Crevier released the following statement:

“The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has long encouraged Members of Congress and the Administration to honor the United States trust obligations to Indian Country including American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) on and off reservations. For over 20 years, we have advocated for proper funding of IHS, which includes Urban Indian health care, the overall betterment of Indian Country and the rights of Sovereign nations.  NCUIH agrees with the Broken Promises report that emphasizes the critical role of the 41 Title V Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) funded by Indian Health Service that provide “the only affordable, culturally competent health care services available in urban areas. “ The report accurately states that 70% of AI/ANs live in urban areas and ‘many of the recurring health problems faced by Native Americans in general are more acute for those living in urban areas.’ We look forward to working with the 116^th Congress on incorporating suggestions on how best to provide full, guaranteed funding to IHS for Tribes and UIOs including outlining steps to ensure UIOs are able to do their critical work.”

More Information

• Warren-Haaland Op-Ed in Indian Country Today
• Haaland, Warren Release Legislative Proposal to Address Chronic Underfunding and Barriers to Sovereignty in Indian Country