NCUIH Congratulates Mark Cruz on Appointment as HHS Senior Advisor, Reaffirming Secretary Kennedy’s Commitment to Indian Country

On Thursday, June 20th, 2025, Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, was sworn in by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Senior Advisor to the Secretary. Mr. Cruz’s appointment demonstrates the Secretary’s commitment to fulfilling the promise he made during his confirmation hearing to ensure that Native voices have a seat at the highest levels of the Department.

During the ceremony Secretary Kennedy said, “Indian Country is not just a concern of mine—it is a top priority. We cannot Make America Healthy Again without making Native health a central focus… it is very important to me to have a Native American in my direct inner circle so that every decision we make at HHS takes into consideration the impacts and the potential opportunities for Native Americans.”

The National Council of Urban Indian Health commends Mr. Cruz on this important appointment, and looks forward to working with Mr. Cruz and the HHS team to elevate urban Native health and uphold the trust responsibility to all Native communities, no matter where they live.