Tribal governments are public health jurisdictions with inherent legal authorities and powers equal to or greater than state and local governments. Tribal jurisdictions exercise a wide range of governmental public health powers including, but not limited to, the following functions:
Despite the legal authorities and powers of Tribal governments, federal, state, and local laws and policies often fail to include Tribal governments as an integral part of our nation’s public health system. The American Indian Health Commission provides critical education and advocacy to advance structural change. These efforts include conducting regular trainings on the legal foundations of Tribal Public Health Sovereignty to state agencies, legislators, and national organizations.
The American Indian Health Commission also serves to provide Tribally-driven model public health codes and resources that strengthen Tribal sovereignty and self-governance. Below are a list of resources for Tribal, federal, and state governments and others working with Tribes in advancing Tribal sovereignty and improving cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
Understanding Tribal Sovereignty and Public Health Jurisdiction – WEBINAR