About the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations
The Office of American Indian Health (later renamed the Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations) was started in 2022 and established in 2023 by Sec. 144.0757 MN Statutes to address the unique public health needs, disparities, and health equity of American Indian Tribal communities and urban Indian community-based organizations.
We value Indigenous, cultural ways of healing and recognize health as a complete state of physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
We recognize Tribes as sovereign nations and that fostering trust between governments requires transparency, communication and creating welcoming, inclusive environments where people can be their full selves.
The Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations:
- Aims to address the underlying structural and systemic issues that have created and sustained poor health outcomes among American Indians in Minnesota for many years.
- Works in partnership with Minnesota Tribal and urban American Indian community-based organizations to support the development and/or maintenance of American Indian public health infrastructure.
- Works with all MDH divisions and sections to improve the health and wellbeing of American Indian communities across Minnesota and ensure Tribal/urban Indian communities and their perspectives are represented in all public health initiatives.
- Improves data collection, analysis, and reporting to document, assess, and plan for addressing health disparities among American Indians.
- Develops, implements, and supports a Tribal grants program that supports Tribal public health initiatives by and for Tribal and American Indian communities.
