Native American/American Indian Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to consider the contributions of Native Americans and the contemporary Tribes and Native peoples to our society, along with a complex history that has shaped all of our communities, and continues to make up part of the rich tapestry of our state. Learn about these contributions and continue honoring them long after November. Unfortunately, we know that Indigenous people in Colorado face a number of health inequities. Reports produced by CDPHE have revealed meaningful disparities in maternal mortality, suicidality, and youth risk factors including tobacco and other substance use. At STEPP we are taking a critical look at NA/AI data gaps, and working to develop creative strategies to address them. We have created the NA/AI Quitline Commercial Tobacco program, which features Native coaches and provides a dedicated protocol that honors ceremonial use of traditional tobacco. Find out more about the two federally recognized Tribes in Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Learn more about Tribes and Native communities in Colorado at Historic Tribes of Colorado, Urban Indian Population, and Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs on social media. The Indian Health Service is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. Portions of this article were adapted from CDPHE Executive Director’s statement on Native American Month.

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