NCUIH Statement Condemning Racist Vandalism at Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley

Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-932-6615, mraimondi@ncuih.org

WASHINGTON, DC (July 8, 2020) – Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health released the following statement:

The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley in San Jose, California was a target of a recent racist vandal. As the national representative of 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), including this one, we vehemently admonish this horrifying attack against our community.

We stand in solidarity with our Black relatives whose voices are finally beginning to be heard. This recent attack highlights the centuries of racism against people of color. Unfortunately, the structures which created this country left a legacy of systemic racism that has directly affected our communities. As Natives, we know we are all connected and that racism knows no bounds.

The Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley has been a pillar of support for the community from day 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic and was among one of the first counties in the United States to shelter-in-place. During this crisis, their staff continued to come to work every day despite the many fears and unknowns that come with this virus. This clinic will not be undeterred by this cowardly attack on their property.

We stand with the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley. We are resilient and we are still here because we can stand together.

• Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley Statement

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The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national non-profit organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health and public health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban areas. NCUIH is the only national representative of the 41 Title V Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) under the Indian Health Service (IHS) in the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). NCUIH strives to improve the health of the over 70% of the AI/AN population that lives in urban areas, supported by quality, accessible health care centers.