Health Equity: Changing the Narrative About Indian Country
Native News Online is launching a year-long deep dive into critical health equity issues affecting Indian Country. Through this reporting project, our team of journalists will explore four pressing challenges facing tribal communities and their citizens: mental health, environmental health, maternal mortality, and the overdose crisis.
American Indians and Alaska Natives face stark health disparities, with life expectancies 5.5 years shorter than the U.S. average and higher mortality rates across numerous conditions. Our coverage goes beyond statistics to examine innovative, culturally centered solutions developed by Native communities.
Led by award-winning Senior Editor Elyse Wild and Reporter Kaili Berg (Aleut), this project aims to shine a light on both challenges and successes in tribal healthcare. Through our Native News Online platforms and partnerships with Native-owned and mainstream media outlets, we'll work to ensure these stories reach tribal leaders, citizens, policymakers, and allies nationwide, advancing understanding of health equity issues in Indian Country. Our goal is to help change the narrative about health in Native American communities.
Want to submit news or share a personal story about how health equity in Indian Country affects you, your family, or your community? Contact editor@