Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation Applauds HHS Commitment to Tribal Health Care

The Native Americans for Sovereignty and Preservation (NASP) welcomes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announcement to deploy more than 70 Public Health Service officers to Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities across the country. This decisive action reflects a long-overdue commitment to addressing the critical staffing shortages that have plagued tribal health systems for decades.

Our relatives in Indian Country have faced systemic barriers to accessing quality, consistent healthcare. With vacancy rates exceeding 30% in many IHS facilities, this mobilization of Public Health Service officers—including physicians, nurses, and medical technologists—is a step toward restoring trust and fulfilling the federal government’s treaty obligations to tribal nations. As Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated, this effort is about “delivering timely, quality care to Native families” and “restoring trust” through collaboration with tribal leaders, providers, and the communities they serve.

At NASP, we believe that meaningful progress in Indigenous healthcare must begin with listening to the voices of our people on the ground. The Trump Administration’s initiative to strengthen IHS facilities aligns with our mission to empower tribal communities through localized, culturally competent solutions. By placing experienced officers in priority sites, HHS is investing in the long-term health and resilience of our nations.

We commend HHS for recognizing the urgency of this crisis and taking bold action. As Acting IHS Director Benjamin Smith noted, this effort will expand access to preventive care, improve chronic disease management, and advance wellness in Indian Country. These are lifelines for families who have waited far too long for equitable healthcare.

The inclusion of senior officers to bolster leadership and operations is particularly encouraging. Strong leadership, rooted in partnership with tribal governments, is essential to reversing the legacy of neglect and ensuring that our communities receive the care they deserve.

We also applaud the support from lawmakers such as Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ), among others, who have championed this cause. Their advocacy underscores the shared responsibility to uphold the federal trust obligation to tribal nations.

However, this mobilization must be the beginning—not the end—of a sustained effort to reform IHS and prioritize tribal sovereignty in healthcare decision-making.

NASP calls for continued collaboration between federal agencies, tribal leaders, and grassroots organizations to build a system that truly serves the needs of Indigenous people. This includes:

• Centering tribal input in staffing, resource allocation, and policy development.
• Investing in workforce development to train and retain Native healthcare professionals.
• Ensuring culturally responsive care that respects traditional healing practices and community values.

Our relatives in Montana, North Dakota, Arizona, and beyond deserve more than temporary fixes. They deserve a healthcare system that respects their dignity, traditions, and right to thrive. NASP stands ready to support these efforts and hold leaders accountable to the promises made today.

As we move forward, let us remember: the strength of Indian Country lies in our people. By working together—government, tribes, and organizations like NASP—we can create a future where every Native family has access to the care they need, when and where they need it.