PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH BILL INTRODUCED TO EXPAND USE OF EXISTING RESOURCES FOR URBAN INDIAN HEALTH CARE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contacts: 

NCUIH: Sara Williams, swilliams@ncuih.org 

THE BILL WOULD ALLOW EXISTING INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE RESOURCES TO ALLOW FOR RENOVATIONS, CONSTRUCTION, AND EXPANSION OF URBAN INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS. 

Washington, D.C. (May 25, 2021) – Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would expand the use of existing Indian Health Service (IHS) resources under Section 509 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) (25 U.S.C. § 1659) to increase the funding authority for renovating, constructing, and expanding Urban Indian Organizations (UIO). Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), James Lankford (R-OK) along with co-sponsors Moran (R-KS), Feinstein (D-CA), and Smith (D-MN) on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee introduced the identical Senate bill.  

UIOs do not have access to facilities funding under the general IHS budgetary scheme, meaning that there is no specifically allocated funding for UIO facilities, maintenance, sanitation, or medical equipment, among other imperative facilities needs that have arisen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the whole IHS system had to make the transition to telehealth, negative pressurizing rooms, and other facility renovations to safely serve patients during the pandemic, UIOs were not allowed to make those transitions due to this restriction. Section 509 currently permits the IHS to provide UIOs with funding for minor renovations, and only in order to assist UIOs in meeting or maintaining compliance with the accreditation standards set forth by The Joint Commission (TJC). These restrictions on facilities funding under Section 509 have ultimately prevented UIO facilities from obtaining funds necessary to improve the safety and quality of care provided to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons in urban settings. Without such facilities funding, UIOs are forced to draw from limited funding pools, from which they must also derive their limited healthcare funding for AI/AN patients. 

“The impacts of COVID-19 will be with our Native communities for a long time to come. It is critical that the Indian Health Care Center of Santa Clara Valley and other UIOs be able to provide a safe environment for the families and patients we serve,” said Sonya Tetnowski (Makah), NCUIH President-elect, President of California Consortium for Urban Indian Health (CCUIH), and CEO of the Indian Health Care Center of Santa Clara Valley. “We are extremely grateful for this Congressional leadership in rectifying a longstanding barrier preventing us from using existing funding to make urgent upgrades.” 

With only 1 out of the 41 UIOs predicted to maintain TJC accreditation, it is imperative for Congress to expand the use of existing IHS facilities funding under Section 509. UIOs serve a fundamental role in aiding Congress in fulfilling its trust obligation to approximately 70% of federally enrolled Indians who do not live on tribal lands. A failure for Congress to expand IHS facilities funding under the current model would amount to a violation of its fiduciary duties in providing AI/AN citizens with accessible healthcare. 

“Urban Indian Organizations are a lifeline to Native Americans living in urban areas across California,” said Senator Padilla. “Yet, UIOs are prohibited from using Indian Health Service funding for facilities, maintenance, equipment, and other necessary construction upgrades. During the pandemic, many UIOs couldn’t get approval for ventilation upgrades, heaters, generators, and weatherization equipment. Removing this unjust burden on UIOs is a commonsense fix and would allow them to improve the quality of the culturally competent care that they provide.”  

86 percent of UIOs report needing to make facilities and infrastructure upgrades, while 74 percent of UIOs report unmet need for new construction to better serve patients. These needs include but are not limited to the construction of urgent care facilities and infectious disease areas, capacity expansion projects, ventilation system improvements, and upgrades to telehealth and electronic health records systems. However, under an existing obsolete provision of law, UIOs are prevented from using the money allocated to them by Congress on these critical projects. The Urban Indian Health Providers Facilities Improvement Act amends the law to allow UIOs to spend appropriated funding on construction and renovation projects to improve the safety and quality of care provided to urban Indian patients. 

“Oklahoma has the second-largest Urban Indian patient population and is proudly served in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City clinics. We should continue to improve health care access for our Urban Indian population and broaden the flexibility for Urban Indian Organizations’ use of facilities renovation dollars, in addition to those for accreditation, to meet patient needs,” said Senator Lankford. “We should finalize these changes to ensure we provide more, quality options for Tribal health care. I look forward to the support from the leadership of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on this important legislation.” 

“Despite having extremely limited resources, Urban Indian organizations have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and for long before that have provided comprehensive, culturally competent care to urban Indians and other medically underserved patients across the country,” said Rep. Gallego. “Congress must immediately end this erroneous restriction on UIOs’ ability to spend the money Congress gave them on the projects that will best serve their patients. We must pass this bill without delay.” 

“Like many community healthcare centers, Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) have been hit financially because of COVID and have struggled to renovate their facilities and expand capacity requirements,” said Rep. Bacon. “Under current law, UIOs cannot use federal funds to pay for these improvements and keep their doors open. Our bill lifts that restriction and grants access to these funds. These health centers care for so many members in our Nebraska community. It’s only right we close this loop hole so they can provide quality care to their patients.” 

BACKGROUND 

Recently, NCUIH was successful in working with Congress to allow some of the COVID-19 funds to be used for COVID-19 related facilities updates. However, the limitations of the IHCIA provision have continued to pose a barrier for UIOs for facility maintenance. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) and Senator Lankford (R-OK) also inquired about the impacts of the restrictions at a recent Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing. 

NCUIH along with 29 other Native organizations recently included this request in a joint letter on infrastructure priorities, which also advocated for $21 billion for Indian health infrastructure inclusive of UIOs.  

READ THE FULL LEGISLATIVE TEXT ONE PAGER: REMOVE FACILITIES RESTRICTIONS ON UIOS

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE WEEK STARTS TODAY

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PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE WEEK STARTS TODAY

CIRCLE OF RESILIENCE: EMPOWERING INDIAN COUNTRY IN A VIRTUAL WORLD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@ncuih.org

Washington, D.C. (May 24, 2021) – The National Council of Urban Indian Health’s 2021 Annual Conference, themed Circle of Resilience: Empowering Indian Country in a Virtual World, starts this week running Tuesday, May 25 through Thursday, May 27, 12 – 5 p.m. EST daily. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) will highlight high priority issues such as COVID-19, mental health disparities, community outreach, Missing and Murdered Native Americans (MMNA), and policy that is directly affecting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in urban areas and offer many networking opportunities.

“Against all odds, Indian Country has proven to be resilient. We know you have worked nonstop this year, working harder shifts and longer hours to provide more services for your communities than ever before,” said NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “This year’s conference is not just a reflection of the work we have done, but the chance for our community members to highlight all the work done at home.” 

NCUIH is excited to host an array of subject matter experts, Members of Congress, and representatives from federal agencies with dedicated spaces to collaborate throughout the conference. Today’s ever-changing virtual world brings a unique set of challenges while offering leaders the opportunity to innovate within their organizations to better reach the communities they serve.

We want to express our gratitude to our sponsors who graciously contributed to the 2021 NCUIH Annual Conference and to our exhibitors who will offer information and products during the conference for attendees to view or purchase between sessions. We invited a wide range of organizations including arts and crafts vendors to provide an engaging experience for attendees to build relationships and show their support for Indian Country in this new and exciting virtual event space.

SPONSORS:

Sponsors - PR

EXHIBITORS:

Exhibitors - PR

This year’s Annual Conference will offer three days of agency reports, best practices to empower and equip urban Indian organizations at the local level, and collaboration focused on culture, healing, culture, medicine, and wellness

REGISTER NOW  CONFERENCE ATTENDEE HUB

PRESS RELEASE: National Council of Urban Indian Health Partnered with Uber to Provide Transportation to Vaccine Clinic for urban Indians in the D.C. Metropolitan Area

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Press Contacts: 

NCUIH: Sara Williams, swilliams@ncuih.org 

Uber: UberPress@GlobalStrategyGroup.com 

Uber is donating 2,000 FREE/discounted rides to connect the American Indian and Alaska Native Communities to the COVID-19 Vaccine in DC metropolitan region and Baltimore. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 13, 2021) – Today, the National Council for Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) announced a new partnership with Uber to provide rides to Native American LifeLines Baltimore for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) metropolitan area to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. Through this partnership, Uber provides 2,000 free or deeply discounted rides to members of the AI/AN community in the DMV to ensure vaccine equity.   

“Since last fall, NCUIH and Native American LifeLines have pushed for the inclusion of the 65,000 Natives in the DMV as Natives are dying from COVID-19 at the highest rates worldwide,” said NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “Lack of transportation should not hinder our relatives from having access to vaccinations. This partnership with Uber will ensure safe and convenient transportation to and from appointments as we continue this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”   

“We understand the necessity of high-quality health care and are proud to partner with the National Council of Urban Indian Health to help them make access to the COVID-19 vaccine seamless for the community they serve,” said Michele Blackwell, Public Affairs Manager for Uber. “Transportation is often a critical barrier that prevents vulnerable communities from accessing the health care they need. Uber is working hard in Baltimore and in the Washington, DC region to be part of the solution and ensure all people have access to the transportation they need to protect themselves and their families from this virus.”  

Promo codes will be distributed to individuals in the DMV from NCUIH and Native American LifeLines and will be redeemable until September 30, 2021. Offers will ensure each participant can get to and from each vaccination appointment at little to no cost to them. This announcement is part of Uber’s commitment to donate 10 million free rides to vaccine appointments nationally.   

For a comprehensive list of ways Uber has helped Move What Matters in the DMV since the outset of the pandemic, check out our blog www.uber.com/blog/moving-what-matters-in-the-dmv/. Visit www.ncuih.org/vaccine for more information on the vaccination clinic and our Be a Good Relative Campaign encouraging urban AI/AN to get vaccinated. 

PRESS RELEASE: Senate Hearing Highlights Importance of Urban Indian Health as COVID-19 Rages On

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

NCUIH President Walter Murillo testified on the critical work of urban Indian health. 

Washington, D.C. (April 14, 2021) – Today, the President of the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs for an oversight hearing on “Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Health Systems One Year Later.” Walter Murillo (Choctaw), CEO of Native Health in Phoenix, joined representatives from the Indian Health Service (IHS), National Indian Health Board, Papa Ola Lokahi, and Alaska Native Medical Center for the virtual hearing.

“Because the Indian health care system and UIOs have never been properly funded, we started from an extreme deficit when the pandemic hit,” Murillo said. He continued, “UIOs only receive $672 per patient for the year – this is unacceptable. The past 12 months have reminded us how resilient our people are and highlighted how critical our Indian health care system is to the lives of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Tragically, we have planned many funerals and lost far too many members of our communities.” 

Native health systems “started the rollout of some of the most successful vaccine campaigns in the country, and they continue to work every day to keep native communities safe. It really is remarkable how native health systems have overcome long odds, considering how under-resourced they were to begin,” said Chair Brian Schatz (D-HI) in his opening statement.

Senators from both sides of the aisle emphasized the importance of the federal government’s trust responsibility to provide health care for all Native people and key fixes needed to improve urban Indian health. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) said, “We need to make sure that Congress is providing sufficient resources directly for the urban Indigenous.”  Senator Lankford (R-OK) who championed legislation to extend the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to UIOs applauded the IHS for swift implementation of that provision which passed as a standalone bill last year.

Hot Topic: 100% FMAP for UIOs

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) pushed for the enactment of a permanent 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for services provided by Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). “There’s no reason to distinguish between an IHS, Tribal, or UIO facility. They all should get full 100% FMAP reimbursement. Urban Indian health is suffering, and there is no reason not to give them parity,” said Senator Cantwell. Mr. Murillo, who has been fighting for full FMAP for 20 years, explained how parity would help equalize serious funding shortages experienced by urban Indian organizations.

Hot Topic: Facilities

Infrastructure was another key topic of the hearing discussion with both Senator Smith and Senator Lankford inquiring about restrictions faced by UIOs with regards to facilities upgrades. In his written testimony, Mr. Murillo requested the Committee support $21 billion for Indian health infrastructure inclusive of UIOs and the support of removing restrictions on UIOs. Senators learned about how UIOs cannot access any infrastructure funds under the IHS facilities line item and the need for the American Jobs Plan to include avenues for improvements for urban Indian health facilities.

Next Steps

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will take the recommendations from today into consideration as they prepare their legislative priorities for this Congress related to responding to COVID-19.

More Information 

Read Written Testimony Watch Testimony

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH and Native American Lifelines Announce DMV Vaccines for Natives

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

National Council of Urban Indian Health and Native American Lifelines Announce DMV Vaccines for Natives

After months of barriers, urban Indians in the DMV will finally be able to get vaccinated.

 Washington, D.C. (April 13, 2021) – The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) and Native American Lifelines (NAL) are pleased to announce the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for urban Indians in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area. In partnership with the Indian Health Service and University of Maryland – Baltimore, registration is now available for appointments in Baltimore beginning on Wednesday, April 14.

“For months, we have fought tooth and nail to get vaccines for urban Indians in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. The pandemic has wrought many challenges on urban Indians but getting a vaccine shouldn’t have been one of them. Any member of the hardest hit population shouldn’t have had to wait months for this lifesaving opportunity. This is also not what the trust responsibility for healthcare is supposed to be. As we are also serving record patients to address increased needs in behavioral health and domestic violence, we are glad to finally be able to vaccinate our community. We are grateful for partners like NCUIH, IHS, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, who helped make this happen,” said Kerry Hawk-Lessard, Executive Director.

“As the only national organization focused on the health of urban Indians, we are pleased to finally announce that vaccines for Natives in the DMV are now available. It is disappointing that the population dying at the highest rates of COVID-19 worldwide is only just gaining access to vaccines in the DMV five days before the entire country will be eligible. This experience has highlighted a long-standing inequity faced by urban Indians and forced countless Natives to risk additional exposure when flying to reservations to receive a vaccine. As we’ve buried far too many relatives in the past year, we hope that this Administration and Congress will realize that it is now time to fully fund Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and Indian Health Service as we fight our way to the end of this horrific pandemic,” said NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin).

Vaccine Distribution to Urban Indians

Since last fall, NCUIH and NAL have pushed for inclusion of the 65,000 Natives in the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia Metropolitan Area. As Natives are dying from COVID-19 at the highest rates worldwide, NCUIH has advocated to the federal government to prioritize this population for vaccines.

UIOs across the country have highly successful vaccine rollouts that have been touted in the national and local media. After a recent study in January from the Urban Indian Health Institute showed that nearly 75% of Natives would get vaccinated, UIOs are seeing record patients and regularly hosting mass vaccination clinics with hundreds of participants. Because of the success of vaccine administration by UIOs, local and other non-profit organizations have partnered with UIOs. While there is much talk of vaccine equity on a national scale, no state nor the District of Columbia, has prioritized Natives or any other race for vaccines, so UIOs have filled a vital role. For example, one UIO in Montana vaccinated 180 teachers who work with Native students, while many others are sharing their vaccines with the NAACP and LatinX organizations to reach other highly vulnerable groups.

NCUIH created an online petition to urge HHS to provide vaccines to DMV Natives and sent a letter to Administration officials to request vaccines. The Indian Health Service has also assisted the past several months, trying to coordinate vaccines for urban Indians in the area. Several Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) in other states even offered to fly their staff to the DMV to administer vaccines. Finally, urban Indians in the area will have access to vaccines through Native American Lifelines due to the hard work of NAL’s staff and the advocacy of NCUIH.

Vaccine Clinic Information

In partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore the clinic will be open to anyone 16 years of age and older who is eligible. Appointments will be available starting Wednesday, April 14. They will be scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the coming weeks. Because this will be an IHS-sponsored clinic, the following groups are deemed eligible as per Native American Lifelines vaccine plan: tribal citizens and descendants, non-Native family members, partners, or caregivers of tribal citizens and descendants, non-Native individuals working in Native-serving organizations (e.g., NCUIH, NCAI, NACA, NARF, NIGA, NIHB, BIA, BIE, IHS, HHS, Interior, etc.)

If you are unable to schedule your appointment online, in need of transportation assistance, please call Jessica or Bri at Native (410) 837 – 2258 (x102 for Jessica and x106 for Bri).

UMB Vaccine Clinic:
Address: 601 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, Md. 21201
Parking: Pratt and Penn Garages

  • Pratt Garage: 646 W. Pratt St.
  • Penn Garage: 120 S. Penn St.
  • Handicap or Mobility Assistance Parking:
    • Pratt Garage, 3rd floor

Hours of Operations: Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST

If you have already received one dose of Pfizer and need a second dose, please call the number above to schedule a second dose if you do not see the time available online.

About NCUIH and NAL

Native American Lifelines (NAL) is one of 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) funded by the Indian Health Service. Native Americans Lifelines operates two outreach and referral clinics in two states but is recognized as only one facility by the Indian Health Service. NAL receives less than $1 million to serve all urban Indians in Baltimore (including Washington, DC) and Boston. The mission of Native American Lifelines is to promote health and social resiliency within Urban American Indian communities. Native American Lifelines applies principles of trauma informed care to provide culturally centered behavioral health, dental, outreach and referral services.

The National Council of Urban Indian Health 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 living in urban areas. NCUIH strives to improve the health of all AI/ANs, including the over 70% of the AI/AN population that lives in urban areas, supported by quality, accessible health care centers.
NCUIH was recently named a founding member of the President’s COVID-19 Community Corps. 

To Schedule Your Appointment and Learn More Visit NCUIH.org/Vaccine

  • Schedule an appointment
  • Volunteer at a clinic
  • Learn more about NCUIH’s advocacy efforts

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Announces Annual Conference Registration Now Open

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Circle of Resilience: Empowering Indian Country in a Virtual World

Washington, D.C. (April 1, 2021) – The National Council of Urban Indian Health’s 2021 Annual Conference, themed the Circle of Resilience: Empowering Indian Country in a Virtual World, early bird registration is now open. The conference will highlight high-priority issues such as COVID-19, mental health disparities, community outreach, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), and policy that is directly affecting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in Urban Areas.

“Our ancestors thrived through times of adversity and this last year has emphasized how resilient we truly are,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “Urban Indians have been versatile in adapting to a virtual world since the start of the pandemic a year ago, especially in the healthcare field. The National Council of Urban Indian Health wants to further empower and rejuvenate urban Indians and the organizations that support them as we cross over this historical milestone.”

NCUIH is excited to host an array of subject matter experts and representatives from federal agencies and congressional members with multiple opportunities for networking throughout the conference. This new virtual world brings a unique set of challenges while offering leaders the opportunity to innovate within their organizations to better reach the communities they serve. This year’s Annual Conference will offer three days of information and collaboration focused on culture, medicine, wellness, and best practices to empower and equip urban Indian organizations at the local level.

Register Now

PRESS RELEASE: IHS Announces Medical Malpractice Coverage for Urban Indian Health Workers Following Enactment of NCUIH Legislation

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Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2021) – On Monday, March 22, the Indian Health Service (IHS) announced the successful implementation of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and their employees to the same extent and in the same manner as to Tribes and Tribal Organizations. The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) has advocated for over 20 years for medical malpractice coverage for urban Indian health workers. With this essential change, a single organization can redirect up to $200,000 annually to patient care.

 

Congressional champions Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), along with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Tom Udall (D-NM), James Lankford (R-OK), and Martha McSally (R-AZ), worked tirelessly to ensure this important fix to expand resources for UIOs. NCUIH legislation to provide coverage for urban Indian health workers passed late last year as a standalone bill with broad bipartisan support.

 

“During the pandemic, every dollar makes a difference for these critical organizations providing care to urban Indians,” said NCUIH CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “We applaud our Congressional advocates in helping stretch our limited resources to serve urban Indians at such a critical time. As Natives continue to have the highest death rates in the world, the federal government must uphold its trust responsibility and continue to provide every possible opportunity to increase access to care.” 

 

“Federal tort law currently omits coverage for UIOs, and especially during the coronavirus pandemic, UIOs, like other already covered Tribal health facilities, need to have the peace of mind that they can utilize their funds for care, not court cases,” said Senator Lankford.

 

“Oklahoma City Indian Clinic has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars each year on liability insurance for our providers,” said NCUIH Vice-President and CEO of Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Robyn Sunday-Allen. “With this parity, we can now put every cent back into services. We applaud the leadership of Senator Lankford on helping redirect our limited resources back to patients and families who rely on our services now more than ever.”

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Testified Before House on COVID-19 Impacts in Indian Country

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2021) – National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin) testified before the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, led by Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM). The hearing is addressed the “Emerging Coronavirus Impacts in Indian Country.”

“Urban Indian Organizations have continuously provided services in the hardest hit urban areas during the entire pandemic,” said Crevier. “There have been vast improvements from where we were a year ago with regards to the availability of supplies, tests, and vaccines, but that will never make up for the sheer number of Native lives lost. Unfortunately, despite improvements, the situation facing Natives has not relented. The bottom line is that what little data exists for Natives shows a stark reality: COVID-19 is killing Native Americans at a faster rate than any other community.”

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), an urban Indian health champion, requested additional information about why Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) cannot make any facilities-related upgrades using federal funds. Ms. Crevier explained that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act contains unnecessary limitations on UIOs and urged for a legislative fix to allow UIOs to use federal funds for facilities. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL) discussed the long-standing inequities experienced by UIOs due to lack of full funding.

“Structural deficiencies led to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on Native American communities,” Said Rep. Leger Fernandez. “We must also identify ways to address the root causes of the impacts. I heard over and over in today’s testimony about the need for full funding as is required by the trust responsibility.”

House Natural Resources Chairman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) asked Francys Crevier about the importance of an urban confer process. She identified why it is critical for federal agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to have policies that address communicating with UIOs. Ranking Member Don Young (R-AK) discussed the re-introduction of the Rep. Betty McCollum advance appropriations bill for all of the Indian Health Service, including UIOs.

The hearing also included testimony from Chief William Smith, Chairperson and Alaska Area Representative, National Indian Health Board. In his testimony, Chief Smith highlighted the importance of extending permanent 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentages to UIOs and the need for mandatory appropriations for the Indian Health Service, Tribal organizations, and UIOs.

Ranking Member Bruce Westerman (R-AR) acknowledged the disproportionality of the effect of COVID-19 on American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and that the current funding provided in the American Rescue Plan Act is commendable. Still, it is not sustainable for the needs and efficacy of combatting the historical health issues that plague AI/AN people. To reiterate Rep. Westerman’s request for increased funding, Rep. Young called for the subcommittee to introduce a historical “Native people only” bill to address funding and all the needs that impact AI/AN populations and Native people.

Watch Testimony Read Full Testimony

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Applauds the Cancellation of Keystone XL Pipeline Permit

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Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2021) – On his first day in office, President Joe Biden signed a series of Executive Orders including the cancellation of the Keystone XL (KXL) oil pipeline.

“It is exciting to know that the Biden Administration is sincere about its commitment to Indian Country by showing such urgency for Tribal Sovereignty and health,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin). “We encourage the Administration to continue their work and to halt the construction of additional dangerous pipelines on tribal lands, such as the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL).”  

The KXL pipeline was set to go through the heart of the Oceti Sakowin territory. This pipeline violated the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 and Lame Bull Treaty of 1855, both in which the United States committed to protecting against future harm to the tribes’ natural resources. The U.S. did not consult with Tribal leaders before proposing the pipeline. The pipeline posed significant adverse health risks as well as damage to traditional and sacred lands.

The revocation of this permit is a good sign that this administration is eager to work with AI/AN populations to build a healthy and more prosperous future.

PRESS RELEASE: Congressional Leaders Request Resources for Urban Indians in Budget Reconciliation

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Policy Contact: Meredith Raimondi, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

Press Contact: Sara Williams, swilliams@NCUIH.org

Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2021) Today, 26 House Representatives called on Congressional leaders to prioritize expanding resources for urban American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in the COVID-19 budget reconciliation. At a critical time when AI/ANs are dying at alarming rates from COVID-19, the federal government must do more to fulfill its trust and treaty obligations to serve this population. The letter specifically asks for Congress to include a fix that will provide parity for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) and provide significant cost savings to cash-strapped states.

“Urban Indian Organizations are serving an at-risk population in some of the hardest-hit urban centers in 117 counties across 24 states and are doing so with limited supplies and resources. Now is the time to ensure these organizations have equal access to federal resources so they can continue to fulfill the federal government’s trust responsibility to Indian country. At a time when states are most strapped for resources, this fix would allow more resources to flow back into our states and provide parity to UIOs,” said Rep. Ruiz and the 26 Members of Congress in their letter.

According to a February 4, 2021, article by The Guardian, “Covid is killing Native Americans at a faster rate than any other community in the United States, shocking new figures reveal. American Indians and Alaskan (sic) Natives are dying at almost twice the rate of white Americans, according to an analysis by APM Research Lab shared exclusively with the Guardian.”

“One in 475 Native Americans has died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. As Congress works with the new Administration to ensure equity in the pandemic response, a good first step would be fixing this long-standing problem that is impeding critical access to health care for our relatives in urban areas. Additional resources for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs), who have been on the frontlines since day one of this pandemic, also translates to major cost savings for state Medicaid funds that can be immediately redirected to patient care,” said National Council of Urban Indian Health CEO Francys Crevier (Algonquin).

There is a trust responsibility to provide healthcare to all AI/ANs that is a duty of the United States government. Section 3 of P.L. 94-437, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, declares that “it is the policy of the Nation, in fulfillment of its special responsibilities and legal obligations to the American Indian people, to ensure the highest possible health status for Indians and urban Indians.”

Next Steps

NCUIH will continue to work with Congressional leaders and the Biden Administration to build a better COVID-19 response for AI/ANs.