Report on Indigenous Health, Public Policy, and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning with the 2030 Agenda

A high-level panel discussion was convened on August 8, 2025, to address critical public health challenges within Indigenous communities. The dialogue focused on the intersection of healthcare infrastructure, policy, and health equity, directly contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The core themes of the discussion are intrinsically linked to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Expert Panel Composition

The panel comprised leading experts dedicated to advancing Indigenous health, whose work directly supports the implementation of the SDGs. Their collective expertise represents a vital partnership for achieving these goals, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• A.C. Locklear II (Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina): As CEO of the National Indian Health Board, Mr. Locklear’s advocacy for tribal health rights is fundamental to achieving Target 10.3, which aims to ensure equal opportunity and end discrimination.
• Abigail Echo-Hawk (Pawnee): In her dual role at the Seattle Indian Health Board and the Urban Indian Health Institute, Ms. Echo-Hawk’s work to decolonize public health data is crucial for building the effective and inclusive institutions required under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Dean Seneca, MPH, MCURP: As CEO & Founder of Seneca Scientific Solutions+, Mr. Seneca’s focus on health disparities and community development directly addresses the systemic inequities targeted by SDG 10.

Key Discussion Points and SDG Framework

The discussion centered on three primary areas, each with significant implications for the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Immediate Health Crises and Infrastructure Deficiencies

   The panel addressed urgent challenges such as measles outbreaks. This focus aligns with SDG Target 3.3 (end the epidemics of communicable diseases) and SDG Target 3.d (strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks). The state of public health infrastructure in Native American communities was identified as a critical barrier to achieving these targets.

2. Impact of Healthcare Policies on Indigenous Equity

   An analysis of current administration healthcare policies highlighted their impact on Indigenous populations. This examination is essential for monitoring progress toward SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), which calls for the empowerment and promotion of the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of origin or other status. The discussion underscored the need for policies that actively reduce, rather than exacerbate, health disparities.

3. Strengthening Institutions Through Data Sovereignty

   The panel emphasized the importance of decolonizing data as a pathway to health equity. This initiative supports SDG 16 by promoting more accountable and transparent institutions that rely on accurate, community-led data. It also reinforces SDG 3 by ensuring that public health strategies are based on valid evidence that reflects the true needs of Indigenous peoples.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This is the most prominent SDG, as the article’s central theme is the “pressing health issues affecting Indigenous people.” It explicitly mentions “measles outbreaks,” “public health infrastructure,” “healthcare policies,” and “Indigenous health disparities,” all of which are core components of SDG 3.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The article focuses specifically on the health challenges of a particular demographic, “Indigenous people,” and highlights the work of advocates for “tribal health rights and equity.” This directly addresses the goal of reducing inequalities faced by marginalized communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The discussion on the “state of public health infrastructure,” the “impact of the current administration’s healthcare policies,” and the role of organizations like the “National Indian Health Board” points to the need for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions to serve Indigenous communities.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article describes a panel of experts from different organizations (National Indian Health Board, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seneca Scientific Solutions+) convened to address these complex issues. This represents a multi-stakeholder partnership essential for achieving the SDGs.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases. The mention of “measles outbreaks” directly relates to combating communicable diseases within Indigenous communities.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services… The discussion of “public health infrastructure,” “healthcare policies,” and “tribal health rights” all point toward the goal of achieving universal and equitable health coverage for Indigenous populations.
   • Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries…for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks. Addressing “urgent daily challenges like measles outbreaks” requires strengthened capacity for risk management within the public health systems serving Native American communities.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of…race, ethnicity… The entire discussion is centered on the health and rights of Indigenous people, aiming for their inclusion and equity in public health outcomes.
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome… The focus on “Indigenous health disparities” and advocating for “tribal health rights and equity” directly addresses the need to reduce inequalities of health outcomes.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The article’s concern with the “state of public health infrastructure” and the role of organizations like the National Indian Health Board reflects the need for strong and effective institutions to deliver healthcare.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels. The panel itself, composed of Indigenous leaders and experts, exemplifies an inclusive approach to addressing public health policy and challenges.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

While the article does not state specific quantitative indicators, it implies several areas where measurement is crucial:

• Incidence of communicable diseases: The mention of “measles outbreaks” implies that a key indicator for progress under Target 3.3 would be the rate of measles (and other communicable diseases) within Indigenous communities.
• Data on health disparities: The work of Abigail Echo-Hawk in “leading national efforts to decolonize public health data” directly implies the need for accurate, disaggregated data to measure “Indigenous health disparities” (Target 10.3). This data would serve as the primary indicator of whether inequalities are being reduced.
• State of public health infrastructure: Progress towards Target 3.8 and 16.6 could be measured by assessing the quality, funding, staffing, and accessibility of “public health infrastructure in Native American communities.”
• Impact of healthcare policies: An implied indicator is the assessment of the “impact of the current administration’s healthcare policies” on the health outcomes and access to care for Indigenous people.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ictnews.org