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E-Poster

Indigenous and Tribal

Transforming Health Equity for Native Americans: Addressing Historical Trauma and Systemic Barriers.

Native American communities experience significant health disparities rooted in historical trauma from forced relocation and ongoing sterilization practices occurring as recent as 2019. The persistent marginalization has resulted in disproportionate rates of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and limited access to culturally competent health services affecting Indigenous populations today.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Upon completion, the participant will be able to describe the impact of colonization, forced relocation, sterilization practices, and loss of sovereignty on Native American health disparities and analyze the role of federal, state, and tribal policies, including Indian Health Services (IHS) funding, in shaping health outcomes.
  2. Upon completion, the participant will be able to identify the effects of food insecurity, environmental contamination, and cultural incompetence in healthcare and examine how these barriers contribute to limited healthcare access and poor health outcomes for Native American communities.
  3. Upon completion, the participant will be able to propose Indigenous-led initiatives, culturally relevant healthcare approaches, and community-driven strategies and demonstrate how historical trauma-informed care and food sovereignty principles can be applied to advance sustainable health equity for Native communities.