- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Conference Theme: Sovereignty = Tribal Public Health
WASHINGTON —The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) announced Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Sioux Tribe) will be the keynote speaker at the 11th Annual National Tribal Public Health Summit. The summit is expected to attract more than 500 leaders at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Neb. on March 17-19, 2020.
Billy Mills
The theme of the summit is “Sovereignty = Tribal Public Health.”
Mills will present his keynote address on Wednesday, March 18. He has been an inspiration for Native Americans and non-Natives alike for decades. A track star while attending the University of Kansas, Mills enlisted as a Marine officer and joined the U.S. Marine Corps track and field team. In 1964, Mills qualified for the Olympics in Tokyo. As an unknown competitor, he made history as the first—and only—American runner to win an Olympic gold medal in the 10,000-meter run.
A pre-conference listening session will provide an overview of the potential impact of the coronavirus on Indian Country. Worldwide, over 80,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed.
“We’re gathering in Omaha at a critical time in public health to hear from Tribes and federal agencies on how they are addressing pressing issues like the Coronavirus outbreak and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic,” said NIHB CEO Stacy A. Bohlen. “Tribal governments have come a long way in providing public health for their people, but we have much to do. During the NIHB Tribal Public Health Summit, we’ll move forward as we celebrate Tribal sovereignty and its effect on Tribal health systems, including public health.”
Plenary sessions and special events are at the Hilton Omaha.
CLICK here for the list of speakers and topics.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
The Winter Solstice Begins a Season of Storytelling and Ceremony
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
