Resolution# 20-02-04
Adopted on January 16, 2020
SUPPORT FOR QUALITY CARE AND IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR TWO SPIRIT AND LGBTQ+ PEOPLE
WHEREAS, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (hereinafter “NPAIHB” or the “Board”), was established in 1972 to assist Tribal governments to improve the health status and quality of life of Indian people; AND
WHEREAS, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board is a “tribal organization” as defined by the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638 seq. et al) that represents forty-three federally-recognized tribes in Oregon, Washington and Idaho; AND
WHEREAS, in accordance with the definitions of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act at 25 USCS § 450b, a tribal organization is recognized as a governing body of any Indian tribe and includes any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities; AND
WHEREAS, the NPAIHB is dedicated to assisting and promoting the health needs and concerns of Indian people; AND
WHEREAS, the primary goal of the NPAIHB is to improve the health and quality of life of its member tribes; AND
WHEREAS, NPAIHB supports the health and wellbeing of all Native people, including those who are Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another identity (LGBTQ+), AND
WHEREAS, prior to contact with settlers, many tribal nations across the country and continent had long histories of respect and inclusion of those in their communities who might today identify as Two Spirit or LGBTQ+; AND
WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience refusal of care, discrimination, and insufficient provider knowledge in healthcare settings; AND
WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals who fear discrimination or harassment in healthcare settings are more likely to postpone necessary treatment and report lack of access to care; AND
WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience discrimination and harassment in many communities, including healthcare settings; AND
WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals are important members of their communities who desire to participate in community gatherings and ceremonies without fear of discrimination or harassment; AND
WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals experience health disparities including increased risk of anxiety, depression, HIV, exposure to violence, and; AND
WHEREAS, access to gender-affirming healthcare is critical and lifesaving for transgender individuals; AND
WHEREAS, healthcare settings are uniquely positioned to affirm Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities; AND
WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals thrive in settings which demonstrate respect and inclusion of their identities.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NPAIHB supports initiatives that promote quality care and improved health outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ people, including but not limited to:
- Creating gender-affirming clinical and community spaces,
- Working to destigmatize minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and
- Ensuring healthcare providers and community members respect all individuals and their identities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NPAIHB supports advocacy for the continued dissemination and implementation of this work within the Northwest and throughout Indian Country to ensure that our healthcare facilities and communities affirm all sexual orientations and gender identities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NPAIHB calls on Congress and the Administration to fund initiatives that support and protect Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ people.