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Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month
November 2024
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tribal Health Research Office (THRO) celebrates Native American Heritage month, in which we honor the many contributions of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Islanders in improving the health and well-being of Native populations and populations across the United States and the World. We look to give light to the voices and vision of AI/AN populations in health data centered around Indigenous data sovereignty practices.

Videos

NIH Indigenous Data Sovereignty Meeting
The Tribal Health Research Office conducted a subject matter experts meeting for the development of an NIH Indigenous Data Sovereignty Policy, which included subject matter experts on Tribal Sovereignty, Indigenous data protections and Indigenous research. The Tribal Health Research Office is leading efforts to develop a comprehensive policy, applicable to NIH research programs, that recognizes Indigenous Data Sovereignty. The NIH Indigenous Data Sovereignty policy aims to uphold Tribal sovereignty regarding the collection, ownership, stewardship, access, transfer and use and re-use of data.

Beyond Survivance: Thrivance Among American Indian and Alaska Native Cancer Survivors
Dr. Karina Walters, the NIH Tribal Health Research Director, presents on surviving and thriving for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) cancer survivors. Dr. Walters highlights the cancer burden in the AI/AN population and discusses the challenges of screening, diagnosis, and treatment in the AI/AN population in the context of historical trauma and indigenous traditions and beliefs.

Watering the Seeds of AI/AN Ancestral Love and Wisdom to Create Healthful Families and Generations
Dr. Karina Walters, director of the NIH Tribal Health Research Office presents “Watering the Seeds of AI/AN Ancestral Love and Wisdom to Create Healthful Families and Generations” as well as conducting a fireside chat with ANA Commissioner Partice Kunesh on areas of mutual interest and collaboration between ANA and NIH.

April 22, 2022
Tribal Health Research and Resources Related to Bone, Muscle, Skin, and Autoimmune Diseases
Dr. David R. Wilson, director of THRO, and Dr. Lindsey A. Criswell, director of NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, talk about bone, muscle, skin, and autoimmune diseases; their impact on AI/AN people; and related research and resources.

November 29, 2021
Drug Use and Addiction
Dr. David R. Wilson, director of THRO, and Dr. Nora Volkow, director of NIH’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, talk about current issues related to drug use and addiction, including the impacts of COVID-19, the importance of cultural strengths, and NIH research.

November 23, 2021
Event Recording: The Interconnectedness of Culture and Science
THRO hosted a virtual guest lecture with Dr. Donald Warne, of the University of North Dakota, about the interconnectedness of culture and science to celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Native ingenuity and culture.

July 15, 2021
Mental Health
Dr. David R. Wilson, director of THRO, and Dr. Joshua Gordon, director of NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health, discuss current issues related to mental health in AI/AN communities, including the impacts of COVID-19, the importance of suicide prevention, and NIH research and resources.

December 15, 2020
COVID-19 Research and Vaccines
Dr. David R. Wilson, director of THRO, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, address important questions surrounding COVID-19 research, clinical trials, and vaccines within American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

March 6, 2017
Storytelling Challenge: Health and Wellness in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities
THRO sponsored a video storytelling challenge to create awareness around American Indian and Alaska Native culture and how it supports health and well-being in Native communities. View the selected videos.

Student Resources

Student Spotlight with Leah Nez
Leah Nez conducted research with NIH as an undergraduate student and post baccalaureate fellow. She shares her background and experiences, path to studying bioethics, and advice for other students.

LinkedIn
Connect with THRO on LinkedIn to help us establish an online community of professionals and students working in or with interest in Tribal health research.

Find training and internship opportunities listed on NIH’s Office of Intramural Training & Education website and the NIH Training Opportunities webpage.

Newsletters

Honoring Health
NIH information and resources for American Indians and Alaska Natives
NIH News In Health
Practical consumer health news and information based on NIH research

Reports and Meeting Summaries

Lecture Overview: The Interconnectedness of Culture and Science
Key observations from Dr. Donald Warne’s November 2021 guest lecture about the interconnectedness of culture and science.
NIH Traditional Medicine Summit Report
The NIH Traditional Medicine Summit Report details a historic gathering for NIH that provided a foundation for integrating traditional healing knowledge with research.
NIH Strategic Plan for Tribal Health Research
2018 Portfolio Analysis: American Indian and Alaska Native Health Research
Learn About NIH’s Investment in Tribal health research.
Tribal Data Sharing and Genetics Policy Development Workshop Meeting Summary

Publications

THRO Fact Sheets