Posted on June 26, 2024

NIHB Supports NCAI 2024 Mid-Year Conference

NIHB staff supported the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 2024 Midyear Conference. During the General Assembly on Thursday, June 6, NIHB Vice Chairman Sam Moose, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, provided an update on the work of NIHB to the NCAI delegates. Vice Chairman Moose expressed the importance of having a Tribally led organization advocating for the health priorities of Indian Country.

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Posted on June 06, 2024

TRIBES WIN MAJOR VICTORY AT UNITED STATE SUPREME COURT

On June 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its opinion in Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe (23-250). The question of the case was whether the Indian Health Service (IHS) must pay contract support costs (CSC) on 3rd party revenues collected from Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurance. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tribes in a 5-4 decision. The Supreme Court found that,

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Posted on June 06, 2024

Looking Back at the 2024 Heroes in Health Gala

On May 21, 2024, the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) proudly hosted the Heroes in Health Awards Gala during the 2024 National Tribal Health Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota. This esteemed event honored outstanding individuals, programs, and organizations dedicated to advancing health in Indian Country.

We were honored to welcome esteemed guests, advocates, and champions of health. William “Chief Bill” Smith, Chairperson of NIHB and a member of the Valdez Native Tribe, opened the evening with heartfelt remarks. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the extraordinary efforts of those working tirelessly to improve American Indian and Alaska Native health.

Guests were treated to a gourmet menu crafted by renowned Chef Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota,featuring a blend of traditional ingredients and contemporary flavors, including a grilled sunchoke and acorn squash salad, seared bison tenderloin, cornmeal-dusted walleye filet, and a delightful crispy maple wild rice cake.

We were privileged to enjoy a special performance by the Knife Family of the Black Hills. Gabrielle Knife and her family shared the beauty of Lakota traditions through song and dance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Native American communities.

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, expertly hosted by Whitney A. Rencountre II, where we celebrated the remarkable contributions of our award recipients:

• Regional Impact Awards: Honoring Dr. Martha Cotton and Lisa Wade from Alaska, Sarah Maestas from Albuquerque, Adriann Ricker and LeeAnna Muzquiz from Billings, the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center from Bemidji, and more for their transformative work in their regions.

• Advocate of the Year Award: Angela Wilson (Pit River Hammawi), in recognition of her unparalleled dedication to advocacy in Native health.

• Outstanding Accomplishment in Mentorship Award: Beverly Stabber Warne​ (Oglala Lakota), in honor of her significant influence in the health sector through mentorship. 

• Next Generation Award: Chase Kornacki​ (Navajo Nation​), in recognition oftheir work as an emerging leader who is making a difference in health innovation and community wellness.

• Jake Whitecrow Lifetime Achievement Award: Lincoln Bean, Sr.​ (Organized Village of Kake), in honor of his lifelong dedication to advancing Native health.Past recipients include Cathy Abramson and Buford Rolin.

Additionally, we paid tribute to Cathy Abramson, a lifelong leader and health warrior, and remembered her invaluable contributions to our community. The evening was a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of Native health advocates.

As the evening drew to a close, we expressed our deepest gratitude to all attendees for their unwavering support. The 2024 Heroes in Health Awards Gala not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the collective strength and determination that drive our mission to enhance health and wellness in Indian Country.

Thank you for joining us in honoring these remarkable achievements. Together, we continue to advance health and wellness across Indian Country, united in our shared mission and vision for a healthier future.