A message from Office of Tribal Affairs, celebrating Native American Heritage month

This November, Office of Tribal Affairs (OTA) proudly celebrates Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to honor the history, cultures, and contributions of the 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington state and Native people across the country.

This observance is more than reflection - it is a reminder of why our work in health care must be grounded in respect, partnership, and cultural understanding. By recognizing the resilience and wisdom of Native communities, we strengthen our commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring that Tribal voices remain at the center of the policies and services that affect their well-being.

Resources:

• The OTA resource page includes the latest Dear Tribal Leader Letters, billing resources, toolkits, and minutes from previous meetings.
• Washington’s Native & Strong Lifeline is the only crisis line in the U.S. fully staffed by Native counselors, now offering 24/7 text and chat services. The lifeline provides culturally affirming mental health support for all Indigenous people in the state.
• For Our Lives has a new page featuring videos created by and for Native youth, highlighting their voices, experiences, and perspectives on mental health, identity, and community healing. These stories aim to empower young people and foster meaningful conversations within Indigenous communities.