PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH CEO and Helena Indian Alliance Honored with IHS Director’s Special Recognition Awards in Urban Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 13, 2023) – On December 8, 2023, the Indian Health Service’s Director’s Award Committee honored the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s (NCUIH) CEO, Francys Crevier J.D. (Algonquin) and the Helena Indian Alliance with the 2022 Director’s Special Recognition Award in Urban Leadership.

“I am grateful for the 2022 Director’s Special Recognition Award, which recognizes the tireless efforts of the National Council of Urban Indian Health in advocating for the health and rights of Indigenous communities. This award is not just a personal achievement but a symbol of the collective impact we can make when we work together. Our Urban Indian Organizations, Tribes, and Tribal organization partners have been integral to our movement. I share this honor with our partners, our dedicated team, and the entire Native community living in urban areas as we continue our mission to foster positive change and ensure equitable access to health care.” – NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin)

The Urban Leadership Award recognizes Ms. Crevier’s dedication to advocating for the rights of Indigenous people, better health care in Indian Country, and previously representing Tribes as an in-house counsel. Francys has been instrumental in steering NCUIH’s mission forward for the betterment of health care in Indian Country and championing the rights of Indigenous communities to ensure a healthier seven generations. The award highlights the significance of urban Native advocacy and marks a milestone in the ongoing journey towards equitable health care and justice for Indigenous communities.

Alongside Francys, Todd Wilson (Crow), a distinguished NCUIH board member and executive director of the Helena Indian Alliance in Montana, accepted an Urban Leadership Award on behalf of the Helena Indian Alliance for its outstanding contributions to urban leadership. Mr. Wilson has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities, demonstrating exceptional dedication to improving health care in Indian Country. His leadership at the Helena Indian Alliance showcases a commitment to improving health care for urban Native populations. Kevin Sandoval, HIM/IT coordinator at the Helena Indian Alliance, won an IHS Director’s Special Recognition Award.

This prestigious award follows the recognition bestowed upon Carmelita Skeeter, CEO of the Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa, in 2018. NCUIH remains steadfast in its dedication to enacting positive change and advocating for the rights and well-being of urban Native populations across the United States.

The Director’s Special Recognition Award serves as both validation and inspiration, propelling NCUIH to continue its unwavering commitment to transformative advocacy and enhancing health care access for all Indigenous communities. NCUIH extends its congratulations to Ms. Crevier, Mr. Sandoval, and the Helena Indian Alliance for this well-deserved recognition and significant contributions to Indian country!

About NCUIH

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 a national representative advocating for 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 living in urban areas, by supporting their access to high-quality, culturally-competent care. 

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NCUIH Contact: Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications, mraimondi@ncuih.org, 202-417-7781