Observances ~ November
American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

American Indians and Alaska Natives have profoundly shaped our country's character and our cultural heritage. Today, Native Americans are leaders in every aspect of our society -- from the classroom, to the boardroom, to the battlefield. This month, we celebrate and honor the many ways American Indians and Alaska Natives have enriched our Nation, and we renew our commitment to respecting each tribe's identity while ensuring equal opportunity to pursue the American dream.

For more information, see the White House, Presidential Proclamation National Native American Heritage Month, 2012.

Definition

Both the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the 2010 Census define "American Indian/Alaska Native" as people having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.

This category includes people who indicated their race(s) as “American Indian or Alaska Native” or report an enrolled or principal tribe, such as Navajo, Blackfeet, Inupiat, Yup’ik, or Central American Indian groups or South American Indian groups.

For more information, see the U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census Briefs, Overview of Race & Hispanic Origin: 2010.

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Demographics

According to U.S. Census Bureau in 2010 there were roughly 5.2 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the United States, representing approximately 1.7% of the U.S. total population.

The projected U.S. AI/AN population for July 1, 2050, is estimated to reach 8.6 million, constituting approximately 2% of the U.S. population by that date.³

The proportion of Alaska's population identified as AI/AN as of the 2010 Census was 19.5%, the highest rate for AI/AN of any state. Alaska was followed by Oklahoma (12.9%), New Mexico (10.7%), and South Dakota (10.1%).

As of April 1, 2010, the median age of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population was 29.0, younger than the overall median age of 37.2. About 30% of AIANs were younger than 18, and 8% were 65 and older.

States with the largest AI/AN populations as of the 2010 Census were California (723,225), Oklahoma (482,760), and Arizona (353,386).

For more information, see the U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month, November 2011.

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Examples of Important Health Disparities

CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report

The CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report - United States, 2011 (CHDIR), provides analysis and reporting of recent trends and ongoing variations in health disparities and inequalities in selected social and health indicators—important steps in encouraging actions and facilitating accountability to reduce modifiable disparities through applying interventions that are effective and scalable.

Examples of important health disparities noted in the CHDIR:

In 2006, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) mothers had the second highest infant death rate compared with other mothers. The AI/AN infant death rate was second to the rate among African American mothers and 48.4% greater than the rate among white mothers.

In 2007, AI/AN populations (combined) had the highest rate of motor vehicle-related deaths, one of the highest rates of suicides, and the second highest death rate due to drugs (includes illicit, prescription, and over-the-counter) compared with other racial/ethnic populations.
In 2009, AI/AN adults were among those with the highest prevalences of binge drinking, one of the highest number of binge drinking episodes per individual, and the highest number of drinks consumed during binge drinking.
In 2008, the AI/AN birth rate among females 10-19 years of age was the third highest (following African Americans and Hispanics).
In 2009, both AI/AN youth aged 12-17 years and AI/AN adults aged 18 years or older had the highest prevalences of current smoking compared with other racial/ethnic populations.
In 2009, the prevalence of AI/AN adults aged 18 years and older who did not complete high school represented the second largest prevalence--second to the prevalence among Hispanics and similar to prevalence among African Americans. The prevalence among AI/AN adults was 127.3% larger than the prevalence among white adults.
In 2009, the percentage of AI/AN adults living in poverty was among the largest compared with other racial/ethnic groups (and was similar to percentages among African Americans and Hispanics). Twelve percent more AI/AN adults lived below the federal poverty level, as compared with white adults.
In 2009, AI/AN adults who owned or rented housing more often lived in inadequate and unhealthy housing compared with white adult householders. The percentage of AI/AN adult householders living in inadequate housing was similar to percentages among African American and Hispanics. These populations had the largest percentages living in inadequate housing compared with other racial/ethnic populations.
In 2008, the percentage of AI/AN adults aged 50 years and older who received colorectal screening was 9% less than the percentage of white adults screened.

See the CHDIR Website for more.

For more information, see:
Mortality Rates by Race/Ethnicity, Health, U.S., 2011, Table 24

Healthy People
NCHS Healthy People 2010 Final Review (2010)
NCHS Healthy People 2010 AI/AN Snapshot
CDC Wonder, Data 2010: the Healthy People 2010 Database

Healthy People 2020
Healthy People 2020 Brochure
NCHS Healthy People 2020 Summary

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Programs and Accomplishments

CDC's Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (OSTLTS), Tribal Support Unit, serves as the primary link between CDC/ATSDR and Tribal governments.

CDC/ATSDR works with Tribal Governments, Native-serving organizations, Urban Indian Health Programs, the Indian Health Service (IHS), and others to establish and increase collaborations to strengthen infrastructure and capacity. The CDC/ATSDR Tribal Consultation Policy establishes agency policy and guidance for consultation between CDC/ATSDR and elected Tribal leaders. The CDC/ATSDR Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) meets to exchange information about public health issues in Indian Country, identify urgent public health needs in AI/AN communities, and discuss collaborative approaches to addressing these issues and needs.

Heart Disease and Cancer are the Leading Causes of Death for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).

In addition, a variety of health disparities affect AI/AN communities, including, disproportionately high prevalence for: Diabetes, Suicide, Teenage Pregnancy, Infant Death, Unintentional and Motor Vehicle Injuries, Chronic Liver Disease, and Cirrhosis.

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