Minnesota Celebrates New Office to Enhance Native American Health

By Isaac White

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) celebrated a significant advancement in public health with the official launch of Minnesota’s statewide Office of American Indian Health (OAIH) in late May. This event not only marked the formal establishment of the OAIH but also showcased the state’s commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of American Indian communities in Minnesota.

Established in 2022 and formally announced in 2023, the Office of American Indian Health was created to address the urgent and unique health disparities faced by American Indian communities. It ensures that the voices and perspectives of these communities are integral to Minnesota’s public health initiatives, serving as a testament to the state’s recognition of their distinct challenges and needs.

The OAIH is grounded in respecting indigenous, cultural ways of healing, understanding health as a complete state of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Minnesota acknowledges its tribes as sovereign entities, emphasizing that building trust between governments requires transparency, effective communication, and the creation of welcoming, inclusive environments where individuals can thrive.

The Office of American Indian Health, a pillar of information, works closely with tribal and urban American Indian organizations throughout Minnesota. It offers technical support to leaders, helping them build infrastructure capable of managing various public health crises, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters. Additionally, the office plays a crucial role in improving data collection and analysis, a key to effective planning and addressing health disparities. A significant component of OAIH’s strategy includes a tribal grants program that funds public health initiatives designed by and for tribal and American Indian communities.

The launch event featured speeches from notable figures such as Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, who played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of the OAIH, and Commissioner Brooke Cunningham, who spearheaded the collaborative efforts to make this initiative a reality. Their contributions underscore the importance of political support in addressing health disparities in American Indian communities.

"Today we gather to connect, learn together and highlight the establishment of MDH’s Office of American Indian Health in state law,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “We are also celebrating the important work being done by sovereign tribal partners and our continued support of tribal nations and urban American Indian communities as we work together to strengthen public health throughout the state.”

Kris Rhodes expressed his pride in the establishment and the forward-looking approach of the office:

“Nijiikendam ji-ayaayaan omaa noongom, [I am glad to be here today,]” said Rhodes. “It’s rare for states to have an office like this, and we are proud to be leading the way here in Minnesota. Our work is grounded in respect for tribal ways of healing, and we recognize health as a complete and balanced state of wellbeing. We are excited to celebrate the launch of the Office of American Indian Health. Miigwech!”

The event also included a round dance and honored two state employees, Jackie Dionne and Dr. Melanie Peterson-Hickey, for their dedication to the establishment of the OAIH.

The OAIH supports a broad spectrum of public investments in housing, transportation, education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and criminal justice to promote public health in American Indian communities. By following the Tribal Consultation Policy, MDH continues to strengthen government-to-government relationships with the eleven tribal nations, ensuring that actions significantly affecting the tribes are preceded by thorough consultations.

The Office of American Indian Health represents a significant step forward for public health in Minnesota. It aims to directly improve conditions for American Indian populations, and the state looks forward to seeing meaningful improvements in their health outcomes through this initiative.