Resolutions

The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board’s (NPAIHB) resolution process is an important mechanism for policy making and is used to assist decision makers on Indian health matters. The usefulness and need of the Board’s resolution process and decision making are clear:

* Resolutions are used in the Board’s projects, programs, and policies.

* Resolutions assist in the development of Indian health policies.

* Resolutions are used to unite policies and people.

* Resolutions involve input from Tribal constituents (Tribal Leaders, Health Directors, Indian health policy experts, and other Indian health interests).

* Resolutions provide information about Tribal positions for decision makers.

* Resolution development is a proactive process that works toward positive outcomes.

Resolutions are introduced at NPAIHB Quarterly Board Meetings and carried on for introduction at the annual Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) conference. A number of resolutions adopted by ATNI are later introduced at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and form the basis of becoming national Indian health policy issues. This process establishes an national Indian health policy agenda that becomes a focal point for Tribal leader and Congressional advocacy.