Note: This post first appeared on the blog of the Indian Health Service.

Each year, November is designated as National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This does not mean the celebration is only limited to November, as we celebrate Native people and Native health each day at the Indian Health Service.

This observance is filled with reflections and appreciation of how Native people have influenced our traditions. It is a time when we reflect and honor rich and diverse tribal cultures and traditions and acknowledge the significant contributions of Native people.

During Native American Heritage Month, the Indian Health Service is recognizing the contributions of federal, tribal and urban health care services and their impact across #IndianCountry. #NativeHealth #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/RBlYdoDxAz

— IndianHealthService (@IHSgov) November 1, 2022

I am proud of the important work we do daily at the Indian Health Service. We work with tribes, tribal and urban organizations, state and local governments, health care workers, educators, law enforcement, community leaders and patients to overcome some of the significant health disparities faced by American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Across the Indian health system, employees at IHS federal, tribal and urban Indian sites work daily to serve American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Many employees provided a variety of services during the COVID-19 pandemic — a time that proved to be one of the most challenging for our agency.

The pandemic highlighted and exacerbated preexisting inequities within our tribal communities. We are grateful for the care that so many heroes who serve our Native people provide. We want to honor them during National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.

On Wednesday, I met with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and toured the Reno Sparks Tribal Health Center in Nevada. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from members of the tribal council, the executive health board and health center staff about their tribal priorities & concerns. pic.twitter.com/lGqCT5gx3e

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 28, 2022

This month, the Indian Health Service will recognize the contributions and services the Indian health system provides. Every day we will highlight that work and how it impacts our communities. You will hear from tribal and urban Indian organization leaders, patients, community members and employees.

We will also recognize our veterans. We hold our veterans in high esteem. Native Americans have a long and proud history of military service. They have participated in every major U.S. military encounter since the Revolutionary War. In the post-911 era, Native Americans have served at higher rates per capita than all other races and ethnicities.

It is an honor to deliver care to Native veterans in partnership with the Veteran’s Health Administration. To all of those who have served, thank you for your service. On Veterans Day, November 11, we will also honor our veterans who serve across the IHS.

We will share this information in our employee newsletter, in our communication with tribal and urban Indian organization leaders, and on IHS social media.

This month, as we all celebrate the traditions, languages and stories of Native people and ensure their rich histories and contributions can live on with each passing generation, let us also reflect on the contributions and impact of the Indian health system.

Roselyn Tso, the new director of the Indian Health Service, is taking a tour across Indian Country to learn more about the issues facing tribal, urban and federal providers. She began her visits in mid-October and has traveled to Massachusetts, California, South Dakota, Oregon, Alaska and Nevada as of October 28.

This week, I am beginning a tour across #IndianCountry to gain a better perspective on national and regional issues affecting the tribal members served by the Indian health system. This is my way of opening the door to better communication across the agency. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Uf1NUZARm3

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 13, 2022

The tour started this week at the Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit in Mashpee, Massachusetts. They have a great team with a strong relationship with the tribe and community, and I thanked them for their dedication and commitment to our patients throughout the pandemic. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/CJMfvhXywK

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 13, 2022

Read more about the tour: https://t.co/q1w6zqCJkG #NativeHealth #IndianCountry 3/3

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 13, 2022

The new YRTC is a place where youth can overcome their challenges and recover their lives to become healthy, strong, and resilient leaders. This demonstrates our commitment to Native youth and families by offering culturally-centered, individualized behavioral health services. https://t.co/JY1UcsKut1 pic.twitter.com/Q2cBtpjmvG

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 14, 2022

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Rosebud and Fort Belknap tribal leadership in Mission, South Dakota. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with them, to hear their concerns, and to share information. I look forward to continuing our important relationship. pic.twitter.com/BjAU1XCpWm

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 17, 2022

Yesterday, I visited with tribal leaders at the IHS Pine Ridge Hospital in South Dakota. I also toured the facility with Pine Ridge leadership and met with several employees to present the IHS COVID-19 Pandemic Response coin and thank them for their service during the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/IrVvfLxvaH

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 17, 2022

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit the construction site for the new Oyate Health Center, a tribally-operated health center in Rapid City, South Dakota. The center will serve Great Plains tribal members. pic.twitter.com/iRTtboavdz

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 18, 2022

IHS Great Plains Area leadership joined me yesterday to meet with the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board and other Great Plains tribal leaders. Thank you to all the Great Plains leaders for sharing your time with me as we work together to serve our tribal members. pic.twitter.com/1W88dn7K3z

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 18, 2022

During my trip across #IndianCountry, I visited the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center in Pendleton, OR, & met with @NPAIHB this week. It has been a joy to be back in the northwest where I once served as director of the IHS Portland Area’s Office of Tribal & Service Unit Operations. pic.twitter.com/XeMbULmgwA

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 21, 2022

Yesterday was a very productive day! I was in Oregon meeting with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs' Tribal Council and had the opportunity to visit the tribes' water treatment facility. pic.twitter.com/6o8DDqHTls

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 19, 2022

I also had a great visit with the dedicated team at the IHS Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center. I expressed my gratitude to the employees and distributed the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coins to the team. pic.twitter.com/ERZF7MEC7L

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 19, 2022

Yesterday I visited the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage, Alaska. They have quite an impressive health program, with Alaska Natives visiting their facility for care from across the state. We also met with Senator Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator. pic.twitter.com/Ckr1xVqNqV

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 21, 2022

Yesterday, I visited the Walker River Paiute Tribe and their tribal health clinic in Schurz, Nevada. I was honored to spend time with Chairman Amber Torres and hear about the amazing programs and plans in progress for the community. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/sRcTknHRik

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 26, 2022

Health Director Ken Richardson and clinic staff provided a great overview of their health services & programs, along with a preview of plans for their new health facility. Thank you to the chairman, tribal council & health center team for your health advocacy & a great visit! 2/2

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 26, 2022

On Tuesday, I visited the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe and their health clinic in Fallon, Nevada. I was honored to be welcomed by Chairwoman Cathi Tuni and the tribal council before we met with their dedicated health clinic team and toured their facility. pic.twitter.com/CY7AomDafD

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 27, 2022

I also visited the Nevada Skies Youth Wellness Center in Wadsworth, Nevada. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Michelle McGinn showed us around the facility, told us about the services they offer to male youth, and highlighted the improvements they have been making to the facility. pic.twitter.com/IwuY1BeWUN

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 27, 2022

On Wednesday, I met with the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and toured the Reno Sparks Tribal Health Center in Nevada. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from members of the tribal council, the executive health board and health center staff about their tribal priorities & concerns. pic.twitter.com/lGqCT5gx3e

— IHS Director Roselyn Tso (@IHSDirector) October 28, 2022

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