Statement from Secretary Becerra Recognizing Native American Heritage Month

Secretary Becerra joined hundreds of Tribal leaders, traditional practitioners, advocates, academics, and government officials in the Great Hall at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the 2^nd Annual Traditional Healing Summit.

“Hosting the Traditional Healing Summit, as well as all of the ongoing efforts to engage with Tribal communities, is one of the ways that HHS recognizes and celebrates the countless contributions that Native Americans have made and continue to make to our nation and its health. More than 10,000 people who proudly work at HHS have Native American ancestry. I am thankful for their commitment to their communities, the sharing of their culture, and the contributions they make toward our successes as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“As a Department, we recommit to advancing and supporting Tribal sovereignty; upholding the Federal Government’s solemn trust and treaty relationship; and working in partnership with Tribes to promote prosperity, dignity, and safety for all Native peoples across Indian Country.

“President Biden and Vice President Harris have taken historic actions to support Indian country. The President has issued three Executive Orders that reform Federal funding to help live up to the promise of Tribal self-determination, improve public safety and criminal justice for Native Americans, and make educational outcomes and better career opportunities for Native American students.

“HHS has embraced the directives outlined by the President. We have worked continuously to improve program application and reporting processes, reduce administrative burdens for Tribes, and take steps to identify and address unmet federal funding needs. As a key example, for the first time ever, HHS now allows health insurance providers to cover traditional health care practices, which are a way of life in many Tribal communities. HHS is also finishing Tribal consultation on a first-of-its-kind Tribal data access policy to advance transparency, accountability, and respect for Tribal sovereignty across the Department.

“The Indian Health Service is part of the Department of Interior’s Road to Healing project, including making trauma-informed support available to those impacted by past federal Indian boarding school policies. Across the Department we have also continued to invest in new infrastructure, expanded mental health and substance use disorder treatment and support, address social determinants of health, and create pathways for health workforce development.

“Our work is far from finished. As we mark this year’s Native American Heritage Month, let us build on a strong foundation of progress and partnership to achieve even more. Let us remain engaged in meaningful Tribal consultation to help meet present and future challenges. Together with the assistance of Tribal leaders we must continue to address the health challenges and opportunities that affect all Native Americans.

“We have been successful – and we will continue to be successful – because of the dedication shown by the Biden-Harris Administration, our HHS Native American employees, and Tribal leaders and communities nationwide. This November and every month, join me in celebrating the culture, heritage, and diversity of these remarkable First Americans and their role in advancing the health and well-being of our country.”