The TAC is advisory to the NIH, and provides a forum for meetings between elected Tribal officials (or their designated representatives) and NIH officials to exchange views, share information, and seek advice concerning intergovernmental responsibilities related to the implementation and administration of NIH programs. (See our charter for more information.) It was established to help ensure that Tribes and AI/AN people have meaningful and timely input in the development of NIH policies, programs, and priorities. The NIH TAC seeks to ensure that NIH policies or activities that affect AI/AN communities are brought to the attention of Tribal leaders.

The NIH TAC charter calls for representation from each of the 12 geographic areas served by the Indian Health Service (IHS) including Alaska, Albuquerque, Bemidji, Billings, California, Great Plains, Nashville, Navajo, Oklahoma, Phoenix, Portland, and Tucson. In addition, the NIH TAC charter calls for one representative (and a designated alternate) for each of five National at-large Tribal member positions. The NIH TAC met for the first time on September 29-30, 2015, and has met twice annually through September 2017.