The American Indian Health Commission (AIHC) supports the Governor’s Indian Health Advisory Council (GIHAC) as a way to improve the relationship between sovereign governments focusing on wellness. The GIHAC includes members representing Tribes and a wide range of entities and is established to:
- Address current or proposed policies or actions that have Tribal implications and are not able to be resolved or addressed at the state agency level and involve more than one agency;
- Facilitate training for state agency leadership, staff, and legislators on the Indian Health System and Tribal Sovereignty; and
- Provide oversight of contracting and performance of services coordination organizations or service contracting entities as defined in RCW 70.320.010 in order to address their impacts on services to American Indians and Alaska Natives and relationships with Indian Health Care Providers.
GIHAC was established under RCW 43.71B and meets three times per year outside of the legislative session. AIHC and HCA collaborate to staff GIHAC meetings.
Uniform Tribal Consultation Policy Checklist
This checklist was developed based on feedback and input from Tribal leaders and representatives from GIHAC, along with AIHC, during our Tribal and Health Leader’s Summit in 2022 as well as other sources listed in the checklist. It is for use by Washington State Agencies developing or updating their Tribal Consultation Policies and Tribal Nations.
Upcoming Meetings:
- December 2, 2025
Past Meeting Minutes:
Other GIHAC Meetings:
- GIHAC Data Sovereignty Committee Meetings
- GIHAC Tribal Reinvestment Account Committee Meetings
For more info on these meetings, please contact us at info@aihc-wa.com.