National Indian Health Board Tribal Wellness Series
When
1 – 2 p.m., Feb. 13, 2026
Where
Hosted by Jessica Dean, DrPH, MSPH, Tribal Public Health Programs Manager, this session will take participants deeper into the heart of Tribal public health by focusing on public health authority as an expression of sovereignty in action. Tribal Nations hold the inherent authority to protect the health and well-being of their people, and this webinar will walk through what that means in practice.
Spreakers will explore how public health authority is rooted in sovereignty, how it shows up in everyday Tribal governance, and why it matters for building strong, self-determined health systems. Participants will learn how Tribal Nations use this authority to respond to community needs, create their own public health laws and codes, manage data, and lead prevention and wellness efforts that reflect their values and knowledge. This session will support Tribal leaders, health staff, allies, and partners by offering a clear understanding of how public health authority works and how it strengthens Tribal health systems.
It will also guide allies and partners in how to respectfully support Tribal public health priorities and uphold the sovereignty that drives these decisions.