Healthy Tribes

Working Together

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have innate strengths and resilience rooted in tribal culture and traditional ways of life. However, AI/AN culture and traditions have been severely disrupted by colonialism, loss of land, and policies, such as assimilation, relocation, and tribal termination, resulting in historical trauma, contributing to higher rates of chronic disease and underlying risk factors, such as obesity and commercial tobacco use.

In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) partners with AI/AN communities to promote health, prevent disease, and strengthen cultural connections to improve health and promote wellness. This occurs in four action areas: epidemiology and surveillance; environmental approaches; health care system interventions; and community programs linked to clinical services.

As partnerships and programs are built and expanded in Indian Country, CDC also aims to address the social determinants of health that are fundamental to success and sustainability of the work. Visit the sections below to learn how the CDC and tribal communities are working together to achieve these goals.

American Indian family enjoying a day in nature.