In discussions about health equity, the unique challenges faced by Native communities often remain in the shadows, even though they consistently bear the brunt of systemic inequities that result in some of the most severe health outcomes. Our review, “Centering Native Perspectives and Wisdom,” seeks to illuminate the crucial need to understand the historical and cultural contexts that shape the health outcomes of Native peoples today.

The legacies of colonization, forced displacement, and systemic discrimination have forged a pattern of marginalization that deeply affects Native health and overall well-being. By acknowledging the deep-rooted origins of these structural determinants, the true causes of these disparities in health and survival become apparent. This understanding demands a transformative shift in how non-Native researchers and policymakers’ approach Native health and well-being. It’s not just about awareness: it’s about fundamentally reshaping our strategies and actions to foster genuine equity and justice.

Several foundational truths are essential to understand. 

Native tribes are independent sovereign nations, backed by over 374 ratified treaties from the U.S. government in often forced exchanges for land and entire community relocations. Because of these treaties, the U.S. government has a responsibility to support self-governance, housing, education, health, and economic development needs of Native communities. These promises have been unmet and severely underdefended despite tribes loosing over 99% of their lands.

Native history is rarely taught, and when it is, it’s often misleading, white-washed, and incomplete. This damning lack of education lays ground to hidden traumas and injustices, stereotypes, and cultural misrepresentations. If we don’t understand this history, we will continue to repeat the same harms. These blind spots not only affect public misperception but also significantly impact policymaking and research methodologies, hindering efforts toward comprehensive understanding and equity.

Native communities have been harmed by researchers and policymakers, even by those with the best intentions. In response, tribal institutional review boards and tribal governments are increasingly asserting data sovereignty to protect their communities and prevent further harm. Data sovereignty refers to the right of Indigenous communities to control their own data and how it is collected, used, and shared, ensuring that it reflects their cultural values and priorities. This proactive approach aims to ensure that research and policies respect Native voices, values, and rights, fostering a more equitable and just relationship between Native communities and outside entities.

Native culture isn’t unhealthy, rather it is the structures we’ve built throughout history that perpetuate harm and inequity. In fact, many contemporary models of public health such as our relationship to our environments and communities mirror Native models of health that have been in practice for time immemorial. By recognizing the resilience and richness of Native culture, we can better understand that the issues affecting health and well-being stem not from the culture itself, but from external forces that have sought to undermine it.

Native people are doing this work. It is crucial to acknowledge that while additional research is necessary to address Native issues, this field is not without established voices. Many Native scholars and activists have laid the groundwork that should inform and guide future efforts. In our review, we list ten key resources and readings by Native scholars that inform our review, and we encourage everyone to read them carefully. 

These are just a few of the topics addressed in our review. By centering Native wisdom and experiences, we can pave the way for more effective and culturally respectful public health strategies. By incorporating these insights, we hope to foster a more inclusive dialogue on health equity that truly reflects the insights, experiences, and needs of Native communities.

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