NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN & ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH.
The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportunity to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present.
OVERVIEW
There are 574 federally recognized Indian Nations (variously called tribes, nations, bands, pueblos, communities and native villages) in the United States. Approximately 229 of these ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse nations are located in Alaska; the other federally recognized tribes are located in 35 other states. In Region 9 there are 150 federally-recognized tribes.
Additionally, there are state recognized tribes located throughout the United States recognized by their respective state governments.
HIV AMONG AMERICAN INDIANS/ALASKA NATIVES
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/ANs) communities have seen a 70% increase in new HIV infections among young Native men who have sex with men. Roughly one third of AI/ANs with HIV do not know that they have HIV. We know that without knowledge of their status, these individuals do not seek the medical care needed and available to support them. We also know that AI/ANs have one of the lowest life expectancies after an HIV diagnosis, which potentially points to the challenges related to HIV stigma, accessibility to consistent care, relevance of resources, and socioeconomic barriers these individuals and communities face.
- From 2008 to 2018, the annual number of HIV diagnoses increased 28% among AI/ANs overall.
- From 2010 to 2017, 67% increase among 25 to 37 year olds and 57% among men.
- 81% increased among gay and bisexual men
- 9th leading cause of death
- 1 out of 4 are unaware of their HIV status
- Lower survival rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups
- From 2013 to 2018, second highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea
(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/racialethnic/aian/index.html)
Please join the Virtual Intercultural Diversity series to learn more.
NOVEMBER 4
Topic: Impact of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation & Challenges faced and Collaboration efforts
Speaker: Roselyn Tso, Area Director, Navajo Indian Health Service
NOVEMBER 10
Topic: American Indian/Alaska Native RADM Leadership Roundtable Panel: Lessons and Perspectives
Speakers: RADM Michael D. Weahkee, RADM Travis Watts and RADM (ret) Kevin Meeks
NOVEMBER 18
Topic: American Indian Health Equity in the 21st Century
Speaker: Donald Warne, MD, MPH