About the Tribal Advisory Committee
The Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) is the governing body that guides the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity (CIIHE). Formed in 2018, the TAC brings together tribal leaders, elders, health professionals, researchers, and youth representatives from across North America to ensure that the Centers research, programs, and policies are rooted in Indigenous knowledge and cultural humility.
The TAC meets quarterly, either in person on tribal lands or via secure video conference, and issues recommendations that shape every aspect of CIIHEs workfrom grant funding priorities to communitybased health interventions.
Mission & Vision
Mission: To empower Indigenous communities to lead innovative, culturally grounded solutions that close health disparities and foster sustainable wellbeing.
Vision: A future where Indigenous peoples knowledge systems are central to health research, policy, and practice, resulting in thriving, selfdetermined communities.
Our health is inseparable from our lands, languages, and traditions. When those are respected, our wellbeing flourishes. Grandmother Willow, Yakama Nation
Committee Structure
The TAC is composed of 15 members, reflecting geographic diversity and the distinct cultural traditions of participating nations:
- Chairperson elected by peer members, responsible for convening meetings and representing the TAC to CIIHE leadership.
- ViceChair assists the Chair and steps in when needed.
- Elders (4) provide traditional wisdom, cultural protocols, and oral histories.
- Health Professionals (3) physicians, nurses, and publichealth experts from tribal health services.
- Researchers (2) Indigenous scholars and allied nonIndigenous allies with a demonstrated track record of communitybased participatory research.
- Youth Representatives (2) emerging leaders aged 1830 who bring fresh perspectives on technology, education, and advocacy.
- Administrative Liaison staff member who manages meeting logistics and documentation.
All members serve a threeyear term, with staggered replacements to maintain continuity.
Key Work Areas
1. Guiding Research Priorities
The TAC reviews grant proposals and sets research agendas that:
- Center Indigenous epistemologies and data sovereignty.
- Target chronic diseases that disproportionately affect tribal populations, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions.
- Explore climaterelated health impacts on traditional food systems.
2. Policy Advocacy
Committee members draft policy briefs for federal and state agencies, advocating for:
- Increased funding for tribal health centers.
- Recognition of traditional healing practices in clinical settings.
- Strengthening tribal jurisdiction over health data.
3. Community Engagement & Capacity Building
Through workshops, webinars, and knowledgeexchange circles, the TAC helps community members develop skills in:
- Participatory data collection and analysis.
- Digital storytelling for health education.
- Grant writing and project management.
4. Knowledge Translation
Results from CIIHE projects are distilled into culturally appropriate toolsinfographics, radio spots, and languagespecific fact sheetsensuring that findings reach elders, families, and youth.
5. Ethical Oversight
The TAC enforces the TCPS2 Indigenous Research Guidelines and the National Aboriginal Health Councils principles, safeguarding community consent, benefit sharing, and respectful representation.
Impact & Stories
Since its inception, the TAC has helped launch over 30 communitydriven research projects and contributed to measurable improvements in health outcomes.
Case Study: Diabetes Prevention in the Navajo Nation
The TAC urged CIIHE to fund a pilot program that paired traditional agricultural practices with modern nutrition counseling. Over two years, participating households saw a 12% reduction in average HbA1c levels and a revived interest in cultivating heritage crops such as tepary beans.
Case Study: Youth MentalHealth Hotline
Guided by youth representatives, the TAC cocreated a 24/7 telephone and text line staffed by tribal mentalhealth counselors. In the first year, the service logged 1,800 contacts, with 68% of callers reporting reduced feelings of isolation.
When our voices are at the table, solutions feel like home. The TAC makes that possible. Dr. Maya Red Eagle, Oglala Lakota
Get Involved
Communities, individuals, and organizations interested in collaborating with the TAC can:
- Submit a proposal through the CIIHE portal.
- Request a tribal advisory session to discuss local health priorities.
- Volunteer as a youth ambassador or community liaison.
- Attend the public quarterly webinars (registration required).
For inquiries, please email tac@ciihe.org or call (555) 1234567.
