PRESS RELEASE: Senate Passes First FY 2020 Appropriations Minibus with Interior Spending Package

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi, 202-544-0344, mraimondi@NCUIH.org

November 4, 2019

Senate Passes First FY 2020 Appropriations Minibus with Interior Spending Package

Minibus includes $53 million for Urban Indian Health

The Senate passed its first fiscal 2020 spending package on Thursday, as lawmakers have only a few weeks left to prevent a government shutdown. This approximately $332 billion package, cleared the full Senate by a final vote of 84-9, and included spending bills for the departments of Interior, Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD.

The House minibus was passed in June, under H.R. 3055. The Senate minibus, known as minibus #2, provides a lower overall funding level for the Indian Health Service (IHS) at roughly $6 billion in FY 2020, compared to $6.3 billion under the House minibus. So far, negotiations between the House and Senate on a final spending package has shown little to no progress, as the current Continuing Resolution (CR) is set to expire on November 21, 2019.

According to the House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) another stopgap measure through February or March would most likely be necessary – although House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) publicly declare all twelve FY 2020 appropriations bills will be completed by the beginning of the New Year.

The National Council of Urban Indian Health has tirelessly advocated both the House and the Senate to increase the urban Indian health line item. In May, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2020 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that included an approximated $30 million increase for urban Indian health care in the Indian Health Service budget- bringing funding to $81 million for Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). Shortly after, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a $35 billion Interior spending package to include a recommendation of $53 million for the Urban Indian Health program, an approximate increase of almost $2 million above the current enacted level.

House

  • IHS – $6.3 billion
  • Urban Indian Health – $81 million

Senate

  • IHS – $6.04 billion
  • Urban Indian Health – $53 million

Contact Congress

As Congress works to shape the federal government’s budget, there is still time for you to contact your member of Congress today and tell them to prioritize increased funding for urban Indian health!

PRESS RELEASE: ICWA Held Constitutional in Big Win for Indian Country

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NCUIH Previously Filed Amicus Curiae Brief in Support of ICWA

Washington, DC (August 12, 2019) — On Friday, August 9, 2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit found the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) constitutional, overturning an October 2018 decision from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas that held ICWA unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, declaring that it creates a separate set of practices for a racial group. The Brackeen v. Bernhardt case was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, where NCUIH joined nearly 400 Tribes and Indian organizations in filing an amicus curiae brief in support of ICWA’s constitutionality.

“All children and families thrive when kept together. That is why the United States Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act over 40 years ago as part of the federal government’s trust obligation owed to Indian Country. The decision to uphold ICWA is a win for all of Indian Country. We are grateful for the leaders in Congress who also filed a joint bicameral, bipartisan amicus brief in defense of ICWA  U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) along with U.S. Representatives Karen Bass (D-Calif.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and Don Young (R-Alaska),” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

In its opinion, the Court rendered judgment in favor of the defendants (the federal government and four tribes) on all claims. The Court held that ICWA is constitutional because: it is based on a political classification that is rationally related to the fulfillment of Congress’s unique obligation toward Indians; ICWA preempts conflicting state laws and does not violate the Tenth Amendment anti-commandeering doctrine (the doctrine that prohibits the federal government from commandeering state governments or requiring states or state officials to adopt or enforce federal law); and ICWA does not violate the nondelegation doctrine (the principle that Congress cannot delegate its legislative powers to other entities). The court also concluded that a Bureau of Indian Affairs Final Rule implementing ICWA is valid and constitutional.

Tribal leaders, Indian organizations, child advocates, and attorneys specializing in Indian law had been concerned that if the Texas ruling were upheld, it could have opened the door to constitutional challenges of other federal laws based on the special political relationship between American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and the U.S. government – including laws and regulations affecting health care, housing, criminal jurisdiction, gaming, and the environment.

PRESS RELEASE: Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation Introduced to Improve Health Care Access for American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans in Urban Areas

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The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act has broad support across Indian Country.

Washington, DC (August 2, 2019)—Today, Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) introduced the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act (S. 2365) which would improve health care access for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans by providing Department of Veterans Affairs coverage for care that AI/AN vets receive from Title V Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs). The legislation allows AI/AN veterans better access to culturally-competent care and alleviates burdens on the VA system. In addition to Udall and Khanna, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Deb Haaland (D-N.M.).   

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed a resolution in July supporting this legislative fix to help UIOs have the resources to better serve AI/AN veterans. The bill is also supported by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and VoteVets.

“The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act is important legislation to ensuring that our veterans in urban areas are no longer left behind. Now, the Department of Veterans Affairs will have the explicit authority to reimburse the 41 Title V Urban Indian Organizations who are already providing critical resources for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans who have served the United States,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

“The National Council of Urban Indian Health has made it a priority to ensure that Urban Indian Organizations are included in the IHS-VA MOU to help provide health care to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans. As a Native veteran myself, I understand the importance of coming home and knowing I have a safe space to receive care. Thank you to my own Representative Ro Khanna,  and we are grateful for the leadership of the 116th Congress in introducing this landmark legislation,” said NCUIH Vice President Sonya Tetnowski.

“At First Nations Community HealthSource, we never turn anyone – veteran or not – away. Native veterans in Albuquerque consider our facility a safe, accessible space to receive health care. With critical underfunding, this legislation would allow all Urban Indian Organizations to finally be reimbursed for the necessary care we already provide to our Native veterans,” said Linda Son-Stone, NCUIH Secretary Chief Executive Officer of First Nations Community HealthSource, an Urban Indian Organization and member of NCUIH.

The NCAI resolution states: “The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) urges Congress to pass legislation that amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. §1645(c) to insert UIOs after IHS and Tribal Organizations and require VA to reimburse for services provided to AI/AN veterans at all of the IHS, Tribal, and urban (I/T/U) system, in order to protect the health and welfare of AI/AN veterans living in urban centers, thereby honoring their sacrifices.”

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the national organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH is the only organization that represents all 41 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) federally funded by the Indian Health Service.

Press Release from Rep. Ro Khanna

RELEASE: KHANNA, UDALL INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL BILL TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS

August 2, 2019

Press Release

Bill will ensure equal access to culturally competent care for urban Native veterans in cities across the United States

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, announced introduction of the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act, a bill to improve health care access for Native American Veterans by providing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage for care that Native American veterans receive at urban Indian health centers.  This legislation would help Native American veterans acquire culturally competent care, while at the same time helping relieve the burden on the VA system.

“Native Americans serve in the military at a higher rate than any other population, and over 70 percent of Native Americans live in urban areas. Urban Indian organizations, like the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley, fill a crucial gap in the health care system for Native Americans that do not have access to more remote facilities run by the Indian Health Service. To honor their service to the United States, we must ensure that Native veterans have access to the care that best fits their cultural and health needs,” said Rep. Khanna.

“We owe all veterans a debt for their service to our country, and this legislation will ensure more Native veterans have equal access to timely, culturally-competent care regardless of where they choose to live after leaving their military service. I am proud this bill continues my work toward equitable and effective health care for all Native communities,” said Senator Udall. 

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is the primary federal agency responsible for providing health care to Native Americans through a series of federally operated facilities, tribally run facilities, and urban Indian health centers operated by urban Indian organizations. Federal law allows the VA to reimburse federally-operated and Tribally-operated IHS facilities for services they provide to Native American veterans.

However, the law does not currently allow urban Indian health centers to participate in the same service reimbursement agreements as other two branches of IHS. This exclusion limits the ability of those urban facilities to maintain and expand services sought by Native American veterans and other Native American patients.  The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act will correct this exclusion and allow Native American veterans to have access to the timely, culturally competent care they deserve.

In addition to Udall and Khanna, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Representatives Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Don Young (R-Alaska), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), and Deb Haaland (D-N.M.).

“All veterans deserve to have access to the benefits and services they have earned, but limitations in the law are preventing Native American veterans from seeing providers at urban Indian health centers. We’re putting a bill forward that will ensure Indian health programs are eligible for reimbursements from the VA, so that Native American veterans get the services they need in a timely manner while giving the VA more options to deliver services in a timely manner,” said Rep. Haaland, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

“Native American veterans have earned the right to quality, culturally-sensitive health care. Our country is indebted to Native veterans in this respect and more. I stand beside Rep. Khanna as he calls attention to the unique shortfalls that exist for Native veterans in our healthcare systems. The majority of Native Americans live in urban areas, and yet problems persist in VA and Indian Health Service reimbursements that reduce patients’ access to care. The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act will close gaps in health equity for Native veterans. I hope to quickly see its passage through the U.S. House,” said Assistant Speaker Luján.

“Native Americans have served our nation in uniform at a historically high rate, but too often these veterans face barriers and roadblocks when it comes to receiving the care and benefits they’ve earned. Our bipartisan bill provides Native American veterans in Montana with the health care and services they need when returning home from military service. It also expands Native American veterans’ access to care by streamlining reimbursements to clinics that provide essential care to these men and women in uniform,” said Senator Tester, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

“Right now, dozens of clinics around the country that serve Native veterans-including several in Minnesota-aren’t being reimbursed for care they provide like their federally or tribally operated counterparts. Clinics that serve Native veterans in urban areas should be reimbursed just the same as clinics in any other community. These are clinics that treat things like mental health–including PTSD–chronic diseases, and addiction. And they do so in a culturally sensitive way meaning that Native vets often seek care at these facilities instead of at the VA. Our bill would make a simple fix to make sure clinics get the same level of reimbursement no matter where they’re located,” said Senator Smith.

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act. This bill will amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to authorize urban Indian organizations to enter into arrangements for the sharing of medical services and facilities,” said Rep. Gosar.

“I have long supported giving veterans a choice in how they access their health care. Alaska Native veterans and veterans from Native communities across our country deserve to seek care at facilities that are close to their homes and from doctors who they feel most comfortable with. This legislation is simple: if a Native veteran accesses care from an Urban Indian Organization clinic, then that clinic should be reimbursed by the VA for services provided. Our veterans risked everything to keep our country safe, and this legislation is an important part of ensuring that our heroes receive the care they have earned. I am grateful to Representatives Khanna, Moore, and Gosar for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with them to get it past the finish line,” said Rep. Young.

“This partnership supports eligible Native American veterans in Nebraska and provides access to quality health care closer to their home. Passing this legislation would promote accessible public-health services by increasing care coordination, collaboration, and resource-sharing between the agencies,” said Rep. Bacon.

“This legislation would ensure that all tribal health programs serving Native veterans can be reimbursed by the VA. Native American veterans bravely served our country. We need to ensure they are taken care of and receive care that meets their unique cultural and social needs,” said Rep. Moore.

As of 2018, the VA had partnered with 188 federally-operated and Tribally-operated IHS facilities to provide direct care and reimbursement for services ranging from primary care to behavioral health. These agreements have resulted in improved access to care for more than 9,300 Native American veterans.

With the Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act, 37 urban Indian nonprofit IHS facilities operating in 19 states will be able to partner with VA on similar reimbursement agreements, including the First Nations Community HealthSource in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley facility in San Jose, California.

“At First Nations Community HealthSource, we never turn anyone – veteran or not – away. Native veterans in Albuquerque consider our facility a safe, accessible space to receive health care,” said Linda Son-Stone, Chief Executive Officer of First Nations Community HealthSource. “With critical underfunding, this legislation would allow all Urban Indian Organizations to provide more services for the necessary care we already provide to our Native veterans. Thank you, Senator Udall, Representative Haaland, and all of the legislators who made Native veterans a priority.”

“The National Council of Urban Indian Health has made it a priority to ensure that Urban Indian Organizations are included in the IHS-VA MOU to help provide health care to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans,” said Sonya Tetnowski, Vice President of the National Council of Urban Indian Health and CEO of the Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley. “As a Native veteran myself, I understand the importance of coming home and knowing I have a safe space to receive care. Thank you to my own Representative Ro Khanna, and we are grateful for the leadership of the 116th Congress in introducing this landmark legislation.”

The bill is supported by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American, and VoteVets.

“The Health Care Access for Urban Native Veterans Act is important legislation to ensuring that our Native veterans in urban areas are no longer left behind,” said Francys Crevier, NCUIH Executive Director. “Now, the Department of Veterans Affairs will be able to fully work with the 41 Title V Urban Indian Organizations that are integral to the Indian Health Service IHS/Tribal/Urban system who are already providing critical resources for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans who have served the United States as part of their dual trust obligation not only for veterans but also for American Indians and Alaska Natives.”

The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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About the Office

Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RepRoKhanna.

PRESS RELEASE: Health Advocate and Former NCUIH Executive Director, Geoffrey Roth, Appointed as the North American Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

Health Advocate and Former NCUIH Executive Director, Geoffrey Roth, Appointed as the North American Member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues

Mr. Geoffrey Scott Roth, a Standing Rock Sioux Tribe descendant, will serve as a Member and Representative to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).

Washington, DC (July 23, 2019)—The United Nations recently announced the eight new members to the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues nominated by indigenous peoples’ organizations for a 3-year term beginning in January 2020. Among those appointed by her Excellency Inga Rhonda King, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is Mr. Geoffrey Scott Roth (Standing Rock Sioux).

“As a longtime health advocate and a former NCUIH Executive Director, the National Council of Urban Indian Health is thrilled to have Mr. Geoffrey Roth join the UNPFII as a Member in 2020.  Given Mr. Roth’s extensive knowledge and long work history with American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) populations in tribal and urban areas, Mr. Roth will represent the interests of all AI/AN at the UNPFII at every level,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

“I am extremely honored by the outpouring of support for my candidacy to the UNPFII. I am looking forward to listening to and sharing overlooked issues facing our Indigenous brothers and sisters in urban settings as well as tribal and on reservations,” said Mr. Roth.

Currently, Geoffrey Roth serves as an advisor for Indian Health for Urban Indian Programs and a volunteer for Latin American Indigenous organizations. He is highly respected Indian Rights activist with over 20 years of experience- from grassroots to Presidential Appointee (Obama Administration- 2010-2016). Geoff is a specialist in gender diversity, native education and NGO engagement. He is responsible for the first participation of the US Government’s Indian Health Service in the International AIDS Conference (2015). As a Native and LGBTQ2S leader, he has represented the government and coordinated NGOs in/at International Indigenous Working Groups and Bilateral Meetings with Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

As the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s Executive Director, he worked with Congress to permanently reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, Affordable Care Act; and helped to mobilize the community to secure US government representation at UNPFII and support for UNDRIP. As White House Tribal Colleges and University Initiative liaison, he worked to fund Tribal and Urban communities. Stepping up when needed in issues overlooked, he became the Executive Director of the Native American Youth Association in Oregon (1998); and President of the Board, National Native American AIDS Prevention Center (2005-2010). Mr. Roth was granted the University of Oregon’s National Public Service Award (2015), and the University of Oregon’s 100 Ducks Who Made a Difference (2019).

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NCUIH Youth Council Updates: 2018 Cohort Announces Native Youth Virtual Convening; 2019 Cohort Completes Orientation in Washington, DC

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH Youth Council Updates: 2018 Cohort Announces Native Youth Virtual Convening; 2019 Cohort Completes Orientation in Washington, DC

The national virtual youth convening will take place on August 6, 2019. The 2019 Cohort attended a rigorous 2-day orientation in June.

Washington, DC (July 19, 2019) – The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) announced a Native Youth Virtual Convening hosted by the 2018 NCUIH Youth Council on August 6, 2019. The 2019 NCUIH Youth Council cohort recently joined NCUIH in Washington, DC for orientation.

“Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 10 to 24. NCUIH’s Youth Council is at the forefront of a movement to promote resiliency and prevent suicide in youth. We are excited to launch the virtual youth convening and to have our newest cohort join in our prevention campaign,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

Native Youth Virtual Convening on August 6, 2019

The Native Youth Virtual Convening will provide an overview on how to become an Indigi-Wellness Champion. An Indigi-Wellness Champion is: American Indian and Alaska Native youth that embraces their indigeneity, lets their culture be the armor that protects them and builds/promotes resilience to empowering future generations. All AI/AN youth and allies across Indian Country are invited to participate in this free event.

  • Who: All AI/AN youth and allies across Indian Country.
  • What: A virtual convening of AI/AN youth led by the NCUIH Youth Advisory Council.
  • When: August 6th from 3pm – 5pm EST
  • Where: Online
  • Why: To raise awareness about an upcoming national campaign on empowering AI/AN youth to be resilient.
  • Learn more and register.

Meet the 2019 Youth Council

Czarina Campos
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma		 Taylor Francisco
Navajo Nation		 Megan McDermott
Descendant Piegan
Blackfeet & Plains Cree		 Quentin Paulsen
Nima Corporation		 Benjamin Sandecki 
Cherokee

2019 NCUIH Youth Council Orientation

Recently, the 2019 class of NCUIH Youth Council members Czarina Campos (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), Taylor Francisco (Navajo Nation), Megan McDermott (Descendant Piegan Blackfeet & Plains Cree), Quentin Paulsen (Nima Corporation), and Benjamin Sandecki (Cherokee) traveled to Washington, DC for orientation. The activities included two days of workshops led by NCUIH staff and special guests. The keynote speaker was Native American Lifelines Executive Director Kerry Hawk-Lessard who provided an overview about how urban Indian organizations (UIOs) operate every day. Special guests also included LorenAshley, Program Manager, United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc (UNITY), who spoke about best practices for youth councils.

 

NCUIH Development Director Alejandro Bermudez Del-Villar facilitated a cultural exchange with indigenous youth from Guatemala and Mexico with Xunik Tavico-Juan, Q’anjobal/Mayan Community (Guatemalan), Magda Tavico-Juan, Q’anjobal/Mayan Community (Guatemalan), Luis David Perez, Mixe from Puxmetacan, Oaxaca (Mexico) based in Mexico City.

Julia Dreyer, NCUIH Federal Relations Director provided a history of urban Indian health care and federal partnerships. Carla Lott, NCUIH Congressional Relations Director, presented an overview on urban Indian health policy and conducted a visit to Capitol Hill to learn about Congress.

 

About the NCUIH Youth Council

PRESS RELEASE: NCAI Passes Resolution Urging US Congress to Reimburse Urban Indian Organizations Serving Veterans

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org  

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Passes Resolution Urging the United States Congress to Reimburse Urban Indian Organizations Serving Veterans

With legislation from the US Congress, Urban Indian Organizations will be reimbursed for providing necessary services to AI/AN veterans living in urban centers.

Washington, DC (July 15, 2019)—The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has passed a resolution calling on the United States Congress to enact legislation requiring the Veterans Affairs Administration to reimburse Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) for health care provided to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans.

At the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Conference in Reno, Nevada, NCUIH leadership presented in support of this important resolution.

On July 15, 2019, the NCAI resolution was reported as having passed.

“We are grateful for NCAI and their ongoing leadership in ensuring that AI/AN veterans in urban areas are receiving access to the critical care they deserve as veterans and AI/ANs. Now, it is up to Congress to move forward in introducing legislation so our veterans in urban areas are no longer left behind,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

“Honoring the IHS-VA MOU is important for me as an American Indian and a veteran. We hope this helps more urban Indian veterans get the care they need and are owed by this government,” said Andy Joseph, Jr., NCAI Health Subcommittee Chair and US Army Veteran.

Text of the Resolution

WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the health, safety and welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and

WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was established in 1944 and is the oldest and largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) tribal governments; and

WHEREAS, tribal nations have a unique government-to-government relationship with the United States; and

WHEREAS, AI/ANs serve in the military at higher rates than any other population; and

WHEREAS, the majority of the AI/AN population resides in urban areas today; and

WHEREAS, the term “Urban Indian” refers to an AI/AN person who is not living on a reservation, either permanently or temporarily – often historically because of the federal government’s forced relocation policy or economic or educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Congress has long recognized that the federal government’s obligation to provide health care for AI/AN people follows them off reservation; and

WHEREAS, in 1955, Congress created the Indian Health Service (IHS) in order to fulfill its trust responsibility to protect the interests of tribal nations through the provision of health care to AI/AN people; and

WHEREAS, the federal trust responsibility to provide health care to AI/ANs does not apply solely to the IHS because the obligation extends to all government agencies, including the VA; and

WHEREAS, addressing this gap in the IHS-VA MOU implementation will foster consistency, improve transparency, and provide support and services to eligible AI/AN veterans and their caregivers, as intended; and

WHEREAS, cultural competency is crucial to reducing AI/AN health disparities and improving access to health care, and AI/AN veterans often prefer to use Indian health care providers for reasons related to cultural competency, familial relations, wait times, or availability of Native-specific cultural and social services; and

WHEREAS, veterans are more likely to receive the care they have earned if they can choose where, how, and from whom they receive care.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) urges Congress to pass legislation that amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act at 25 U.S.C. §1645(c) to insert UIOs after IHS and Tribal Organizations and require VA to reimburse for services provided to AI/AN veterans at all of the IHS, Tribal, and urban (I/T/U) system, in order to protect the health and welfare of AI/AN veterans living in urban centers, thereby honoring their sacrifices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of NCAI until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.

CERTIFICATION

The foregoing resolution was adopted by the General Assembly at the 2019 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Nugget Casino Resort, June 24-27, 2019, with a quorum present.

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Urges Senate Appropriations Committee to Match House Funding Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH Urges Senate Appropriations Committee to Match House Funding Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

NCUIH sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee to request the same funding level as included in Chairwoman McCollum’s House bill for urban Indian health.

Washington, DC (June 10, 2019) — Today, the National Council of Urban Indian Health sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting to match the funding for the urban Indian health line item in the House Appropriations bill that recently passed out of the full Appropriations Committee. Last month, the Senate held their first hearing on the Interior budget with Secretary Bernhardt.

“After years of stagnation and chronic underfunding to the urban Indian health budget, NCUIH would like to see the Senate follow the House by also including $81 million for the urban Indian health item. NCUIH urges the Senate to follow the House bill’s example which incorporates a solution of addressing the unmet needs of urban Indians by increasing the overall IHS budget without taking away from the other line items,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) are the only part of the Indian health System (IHS/Tribal facilities/UIOs) that only receive funding from one source within the IHS budget – the urban Indian line item. The 41 UIOs in 22 states are an integral part of the Indian health system.  Currently, UIOs receive less than 1% of the IHS budget creating serious budget constraints while still providing culturally-competent and quality healthcare.

The House Interior Appropriations Bill authored by Chairwoman Betty McCollum includes $81 million for the urban Indian health line item, which is an approximately $30 million increase from current levels. The House Bill will next move to the floor for a vote.

As the Senate continues to develop their Interior Appropriations bill, NCUIH requests that they include the $81 million for urban Indian health. This needed increase would allow UIOs to hire more staff, expand vital services from behavioral health to substance misuse programs, and improve health outcomes for the growing demand for health care for urban Indians.

PRESS RELEASE: House Interior Appropriations Bill Advances to the Full Committee with NCUIH Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

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Contact: Meredith Raimondi
Manager, Communications & Events
National Council of Urban Indian Health
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

House Interior Appropriations Bill Advances to the Full Committee with NCUIH Request of $81 Million for Urban Indian Health

Chair Betty McCollum’s draft bill that advanced to full committee includes a $30 million increase to the urban Indian health line item.

Washington, DC (May 16, 2019) — Yesterday, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies approved by voice vote its fiscal year 2020 bill with the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s request of an increase for the urban Indian health line item to $81 million. The fiscal year 2020 bill draft from Chair Betty McCollum includes this increase of approximately $30 million for the urban Indian health line item from current funding levels and a $537 million increase to $6.3 billion for the Indian Health Service overall budget from fiscal year 2019.

Chair McCollum’s bill incorporates a solution of addressing the unmet needs of urban Indians by increasing the overall IHS budget without taking away any money from Tribes. This needed increase would allow the 42 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) to hire more staff, expand vital services from behavioral health to substance misuse programs, and improve health outcomes for the growing demand of health care for urban Indians.

“NCUIH applauds the leadership of Chair Betty McCollum and her longstanding commitment to fulfilling the trust and treaty responsibilities of the US government with American Indians and Alaska Natives by investing in the Indian Health Service and urban Indian health programs. After years of stagnation and chronic underfunding to urban Indian health and the Indian Health Service (IHS) budget, NCUIH is hopeful that Chair McCollum’s bill requesting $6.3 billion for IHS, which is higher than the proposed budget by the President of $5.9 billion, and $81 million for urban Indian health will continue to move forward for consideration by the full House,” said NCUIH Executive Director Francys Crevier.

“This bill continues our subcommittee’s nonpartisan approach to addressing issues facing our Native American brothers and sisters. I am committed to honoring our trust and treaty obligations,” said Chair McCollum in her opening remarks during yesterday’s hearing.

“We strongly agree on Indian Country. It’s a testament to [Chair McCollum] and the rest of the members on this subcommittee that we continue our nonpartisan approach to programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives which constitute roughly a quarter of this bill. In this often hyper partisan environment, the work we do together on behalf of Indian Country is a welcome change.” said Ranking Member Dave Joyce during his opening remarks before the bill was approved.

Earlier this year, NCUIH President Maureen Rosette testified before the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee for this increase of the urban Indian line item to a total of at least $81 million. NCUIH also sent a letter to all Members of Congress with facilities in their districts to support higher funding for urban Indian health. 16 Members of Congress signed the final letter, led by Rep. Raul Grijalva, to the Interior Appropriations Committee, in support at least $81 million for the urban Indian health line item.

The increased funding would be critical to the 42 UIOs across the country. These UIOs an integral part of the Indian health system, which is comprised of the IHS, federally recognized Tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations (I/T/Us). UIOs provide culturally-competent healthcare to approximately 70% of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in urban settings. UIOs are on the front lines in assisting the federal government in providing for the health and well-being of urban Indians.

The full text of the bill is here. The bill next heads to the full Committee for markup.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the only national organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH is the only organization that represents all 42 Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) federally funded by the Indian Health Service.

PRESS RELEASE: NCUIH Releases Preliminary Report on Impacts of Government Shutdown and Trackers for Regulations and Legislation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meredith Raimondi
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

NCUIH Releases Preliminary Report on Impacts of Government Shutdown and Trackers for Regulations and Legislation

During the 2019 Washington Summit, NCUIH provided an update on findings of impacts from the government shutdown and published trackers for regulations and legislation online.

Washington, DC (April 30, 2019) — On April 23 and 24, NCUIH hosted over 120 attendees including representatives from Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) and federal agencies. During the Summit, NCUIH released a preliminary report on the impact on the government shutdown on Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs). In addition, the Policy Department released online trackers for regulation and legislation.

  • The shutdown report survey brief and key findings can be found here.
  • The legislative tracker will be updated on a biweekly basis with new legislation that NCUIH is watching as it relates to Urban Indian Health Program (UIHP) funding and policy. View the legislative tracker here.
  • The regulation tracker is a resource for following activities at federal agencies as they relate to the work of UIHPs. View the regulation tracker here.

The conference featured 7 keynote speakers for a total of over 47 speakers who presented on topics including 2020 Census Update, Strategies to Promote Compliance and Achieve Quality in your Healthcare Program, Sovereignty in the Era of Medicaid Work Requirements and ICWA from Gregory Smith and Elliott Milhollin of Hobbs Strauss, and Past, Present, Future: Urban Indian Health Policy. Many of the presentations are available online here.

“During the shutdown we heard about clinics closing. Indian Country has come together to say we can’t afford another shutdown,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI).

“Indian health is part of a trust obligation that goes back to the earliest treaties of American Indians with the United States Government. There is no argument to justify that urban Indian populations should receive any different level of health care from US Government as part of that trust obligation,” said Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University.

Day two of the Summit included a keynote from Dr. Rose Weahkee, Acting Director of Office of Urban Indian Health Programs at the Indian Health Service and a panel of Native American Staffers from Capitol Hill including Naomi Miguel from the House Committee on Natural Resources, Jacqueline Bisille from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Heidi Todacheene from the Office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the premier National 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH represents 42 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) in the United States.

PRESS RELEASE: At NCUIH Washington Summit, Leaders from Indian Country Address Impacts of Government Shutdown and Outline Vision for Urban Indians

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Meredith Raimondi
Manager, Communications & Events
National Council of Urban Indian Health
202-544-0344
mraimondi@ncuih.org

At NCUIH Washington Summit, Leaders from Indian Country Address Impacts of Government Shutdown and Outline Vision for Urban Indians

On the first day, the National Council of Urban Indian Health Washington Summit featured key insights about the government shutdown and the future of urban Indian health.

Washington, DC (April 24, 2019) — The National Council of Urban Indian Health had a successful first day with keynotes from Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, Principal Deputy Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS), Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI), Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University. The over 100 individuals in attendance included representatives from over 20 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs).

In keeping with the Summit’s theme of One Voice Acting Strategically to improve our Health through Policy and Partnerships, Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee stressed the importance of interagency collaboration with Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs).

“During the shutdown we heard about clinics closing. Indian Country has come together to say we can’t afford another shutdown,” said Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director at the National Council of American Indians (NCAI).

“Indian health is part of a trust obligation that goes back to the earliest treaties of American Indians with the United States Government. There is no argument to justify that urban Indian populations should receive any different level of health care from US Government as part of that trust obligation,” said Professor Matthew Fletcher, Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at the Michigan State University.

Day two of the Summit includes a keynote from Dr. Rose Weahkee, Acting Director of Office of Urban Indian Health Programs at the Indian Health Service and a panel of Native American Staffers from Capitol Hill including Naomi Miguel from the House Committee on Natural Resources, Jacqueline Bisille from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Heidi Todacheene from the Office of Congresswoman Deb Haaland.

View the agenda for April 24 here.

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About the National Council of Urban Indian Health (https://ncuih.org)

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) is the premier National 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the support and development of quality, accessible, and culturally-competent health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) living in urban settings. NCUIH envisions a nation where comprehensive, culturally competent personal and public health services are available and accessible to AI/ANs living in urban communities throughout the United States.  NCUIH represents 42 Urban Indian Health Programs (UIHPs) in the United States.