Kennedy meets with tribal leader amidst HHS cut tensions

When Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was about to take the stage, the governor of the Gila River Indian community was still addressing the audience, expressing concerns about recent Trump administration actions.

Governor Stephen Law Lewis emphasized the importance of tribes having a political stance and urged for a more thoughtful approach to government efficiency cuts, rather than a drastic one.

Kennedy was on his Healthy Tour of America in the Southwest states, with his latest stop at the Gila River Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino in Arizona to participate in The Tribal Self Governance Conference.

The 1975 law allowed native communities to develop programs based on their cultural needs, marking a shift from federal administration. Kennedy’s dedication to improving tribal health stems from his family history and personal experiences.

However, recent decisions within Kennedy’s agency have raised concerns among tribal leaders regarding the support for Indigenous communities in the face of health challenges.

Kennedy assured tribal leaders that certain health services for Native Americans would be exempt from recent executive orders. He engaged in discussions on strategies to address health issues within tribal communities.

Kennedy emphasized the need to address the root causes of health crises in tribal communities, particularly focusing on the food system. He also shared plans to implement “robot nurses” in Indigenous groups, which was met with mixed reactions from the crowd.

His extensive work advocating for Indigenous communities dates back to the 1990s, highlighting a commitment to supporting native groups in various negotiations and initiatives.

Kennedy pledged to address the unique challenges faced by Indigenous leaders in accessing high-quality healthcare. The discussion also touched on the need to build confidence in vaccines among Native American communities.

Kennedy’s tour included visits to healthcare facilities serving Native Americans, as well as outreach to tribal groups to address their unique health concerns.

He defended his agency’s response to a measles outbreak during a press conference, highlighting the importance of effective public health initiatives.