Tribal health advocacy encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people, promoting tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and ensuring access to quality health care for tribal communities.

Tribal health advocates use a variety of strategies to achieve their goals, including education and awareness raising, policy development and implementation, and community organizing and mobilization.

Tribal health advocates face a number of challenges, including lack of resources, political opposition, and cultural barriers.

Tribal governments play a critical role in health advocacy by developing and implementing health policies and programs, advocating for federal and state policies that support tribal health, and working with tribal communities to identify and address health needs.

Tribal health organizations play a vital role in health advocacy by providing health care services to tribal communities, advocating for policies that support tribal health, and conducting research on tribal health issues.

Community members play an important role in health advocacy by sharing their experiences and perspectives on health issues, advocating for policies that support their health needs, and holding tribal governments and health organizations accountable.

Tribal health advocacy efforts have led to a number of successes, including the passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the establishment of the Indian Health Service, and the development of culturally appropriate health care programs.

Tribal health advocacy today faces a number of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, and the lack of access to affordable health care.

There are a number of ways to support tribal health advocacy, including educating yourself about tribal health issues, advocating for policies that support tribal health, and donating to tribal health organizations.

Tribal health advocacy will become more important in the years to come as tribal communities face new challenges and opportunities. Tribal health advocates will continue to be a vital force for improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Native people.