When it comes to population health, the data points on American Indians are bleak. Their life expectancy is 4.2 years lower than the U.S. average, according to the federal Indian Health Service. Heart disease is a leading cause of death. They also are more likely to die of diseases such as Type 2 diabetes or complications from it.

These serious medical conditions have a common risk factor — obesity. Not surprisingly, Indians are also more likely to become obese than are other ethnic groups in the United States. With a 2014 Minnesota Department of Health report linking health concerns in Indians in part to the loss of traditional tribal foods, a population health initiative focusing on nutrition is sorely needed.

That’s why a new philanthropic push by Minnesota’s Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is so critical for the future of tribal communities in Minnesota and across the nation. Minnesota is one of 14 states that is home to more than 100,000 Native Americans.

This week, the southern metro Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which operates two lucrative Minnesota casinos, announced that it is endowing a new national campaign “to improve Native American nutrition.’’ A $5 million contribution from the tribe will launch the Seeds of Native Health initiative to “promote best practices, expand education and encourage the development of new solutions.’’