National Resource Center on Native American Aging

10/26/2026

We are proud to celebrate artist Justin Johnson on the completion of his new mural at Northwestern University's Ryan Field football stadium. The piece honors the deep Native roots of the Evanston area and shares our culture with thousands of visitors.

Read more about this in the upcoming November issue of Pokégnêk Yathdanawa which should hit your mailbox in early November.

If you're more of a Michigan fan, you're in luck. You can also see Justin’s work, Nodagwzëwêk gi gdankobthëgnenanêk "Echoes of the Ancestors,” at the Michigan University Matthaei Botanical Garden, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. His exhibition is running through November 15.

10/26/2026

Earlier this week, IHS Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Kim Hartwig represented the agency at the White House as President Trump signed the executive order, “Advancing Women’s Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life.” Led by First Lady Melania Trump, the initiative directs the establishment of a Women’s Health Division within the National Institutes of Health. It also establishes a White House Women’s Health Task Force co-chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and includes Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The order calls for consultation with Tribal nations to help translate research into better prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care. This focus supports the work of the Indian Health Service to advance the physical and mental well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls at every stage of life.

Explore IHS women’s health resources: at: https://www.ihs.gov/womenshealth/

10/23/2026

NCUIH leadership met with Indian Health Service Director Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, to discuss priorities for the Indian health system.

Secretary Kennedy has pledged to make his tenure a defining one for Indian health. Fulfilling that commitment requires leaders like Director Cruz, who understand the importance of Native-led health care and the federal government’s responsibility to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

We appreciate Director Cruz’s commitment to strengthening the Indian health system and ensuring Native communities have a voice in decisions affecting their care.

10/20/2026

This week, Tribal leaders, Urban Indian health representatives, and federal partners came together at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Medicare, Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) meeting to discuss issues affecting health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people.

NCUIH’s TTAG representative, Walter Murillo, joined Tribal leaders in these discussions as part of the ongoing work to strengthen the Indian health system.

These conversations and partnerships are critical to advancing health care for Native people across Indian Country.

10/20/2026

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

Where could your leadership help make a difference? The IHS is seeking experienced leaders for six Area Director positions across the Indian health system. In this role, you’ll guide Area operations, address critical issues, and work closely with Tribes, urban Indian organizations, and other partners to advance the IHS mission.

Openings in six IHS Areas: Alaska, Billings, California, Nashville, Oklahoma City, and Phoenix.

Apply by October 30 to join the IHS team: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/887214100

10/12/2026

Have a great Indigenous Peoples' Day everyone!

10/06/2026

Fifty bison are coming home to 40,000 acres of Badlands prairie in a landmark Lakota-led restoration effort. See how the Oct. 6 release will heal the land and revive native plants at the link in the comments.