Stay Informed

The Indigenous Peoples of America have shown strength and resilience in the face of adversity and injustice. They are made up of many different tribes with rich cultures and histories who have experienced thefts of their lands, languages, property, and lives since the arrival of settlers from Europe. This struggle for justice continues today, and Native People are often at the forefront of movements against inequities and for their own survival and well-being. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Native People and lend our voice in support of all those seeking freedom, sovereignty, and justice.

In the U.S., there are over 8.6 million people who identify as American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) alone or in combination with another race/ethnicity and close to 700,000 people who identify as Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander (NHOPI) alone or in combination with another group. Within these groups 1.7 million people identify solely as AIAN and 550,000 people identify as NHOPI alone. The combined population of AIAN and NHOPI people has grown 45% over the last decade, from 6.4 million in 2010 to almost 9.3 million in 2021.

Addressing the health and social challenges faced by Indigenous people is important to improving the health and well-being of this diverse and growing population, and supporting overall improved health and prosperity in Illinois and across the U.S.

The Illinois Public Health Association seeks to advance health equity and its principles which guide our work.  Our members, staff and partners working to advance equity value all individuals and populations equally and work to recognize and rectify historical injustices.