‘A history in the making’: First Navajo Nation citizen leads Indian Health Service

Tso, a Navajo citizen is being sworn in during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on the afternoon of September 27, 2022. Nez is taking part in the celebration.

“It is a history in the making — our first Navajo to be the IHS director,” Nez said during a live broadcast from Houston, Texas, as he makes his way to the nation’s capital.

Tso has worked for the IHS since 1984. She most recently served as director of the Navajo Area of the IHS, helping address the COVID-19 pandemic on the largest reservation in the United States.

“Now she’s going to be helping all Indigenous nations throughout the country,” Nez said.

“So we’re very proud of her,” he added.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Tso as director of the IHS by a voice vote on September 21, 2022.

Video courtesy Navajo Nation Office of President and Vice President