American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage

November Is American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

For millennia before Europeans settled in North America, the indigenous peoples of this continent flourished with vibrant cultures and were the original stewards of the land. From generation to generation, they handed down invaluable cultural knowledge and rich traditions, which continue to thrive in Native American communities across our country today. During National Native American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate their importance to our great Nation and our world.

Definition

Both the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the 2010 Census define “American Indian/Alaska Native” as People having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.

This category includes people who indicated their race(s) as "American Indian or Alaska Native" or reported their enrolled or principal tribe, such as Navajo, Blackfeet, Inupiat, Yup'ik, or Central American Indian groups or South American Indian groups.

For more information see 2010 Census Brief

[PDF - 1.68MB]

Demographics

According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates as of July 1, 2009, there are roughly 5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) living in the United States, representing approximately 1.6% of the U.S. total population.

The projected U.S. AI/AN population for July 1, 2050, is estimated to reach 8.6 million, constituting approximately 2% of the U.S. population by that date.

The proportion of Alaska's population identified as AI/AN as of July 1, 2009 was 18%, the highest rate for this race group of any state. Alaska was followed by Oklahoma (11%), and New Mexico (11%).
In 2009, the median age of the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population was 29.7, younger than the median age of 36.8 for the populations as a whole. About 30% of AIANs were younger than 18, and 8% were 65 and older.

States with the largest AI/AN populations as of July 1, 2009 are California (739,964), Oklahoma (415,371), and Arizona (366,954).

Examples of Important Health Disparities Experienced by American Indians/Alaska Natives

A variety of health disparities affect AI/AN communities:

In 2005, AI/ANs had the 2nd highest rate of Infant Deaths of all racial/ethnic groups (8.1 per 1,000), 1.18 times higher than the rate for all populations (6.9 per 1,000), and 1.65 times higher than the rate for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (4.9), the group with the lowest Infant death rate.
After African Americans, AI/ANs had the highest Diabetes Death Rate in 2006 (39.6 per 100,000 population), 1.7 times higher than the rate for all populations (23.3 per 100,000), and 2.5 times higher than the rate for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (15.8).
In 2006, AI/ANs had the highest death rate from Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis (22.1 per 100,000), more than 2.5 times higher than the rate for all populations (8.8 per 100,000) more than 6.3 times higher than the rate for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (3.5).
In 2006, AI/ANs were over 1.4 times more likely to die from unintentional injuries (56.7 per 100,000) compared to all races combined (39.8 per 100,000). AI/ANs were almost 1.8 times more likely to die from a Motor Vehicle Injury (26.7 per 100,000) compared to all populations combined (15.0 per 100,000).
In 2008, the rate of Gonorrhea among AI/ANs was 110.2 per 100,000 population, more than 5.5 times higher than the rate among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the group with the lowest rate (20.0).
The rate of Chlamydia in 2008 among AI/ANs was 808.8 per 100,000, more than 5.3 times higher than the rate among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the group with the lowest rate (151.9).
In 2005, the estimated rate of AIDS Diagnoses for American Indian and Alaska Native adults and adolescents was 10.4 per 100,000 persons, the 3rd highest rate after those for African American adults and adolescents (71.3 per 100,000) and Hispanic adults and adolescents (27.8 per 100,000). The estimated AIDS diagnosis rate was 8.8 per 100,000 for white adults and adolescents and 7.4 per 100,000 for Asian and Pacific Islander adults and adolescents.

Programs and Accomplishments

Heart Disease and Cancer are the Leading Causes of Death for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).

In addition, a variety of health disparities affect AI/AN communities, including, disproportionately high prevalence for: Diabetes, Suicide, Teenage Pregnancy, Infant Death, Unintentional and Motor Vehicle Injuries, Chronic Liver Disease, and Cirrhosis.

CDC and ATSDR work with Tribal Governments, Tribal Organizations, Urban Indian Health Centers, IHS, and others to establish and increase collaborations to strengthen infrastructure and capacity. The CDC/ATSDR Tribal Consultation Policy provides agency guidance for working effectively with AI/AN Communities and Organizations, as well as enhancing AI/AN access to programs. The Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) to the Director, meets to exchange information about public health issues in Indian Country, identify urgent public health needs in AI/AN communities and to discuss collaborative approaches to addressing these issues and needs.

CDC's Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support (OSTLTS), Program for Tribal Support, serves as the primary link between CDC, ATSDR, and Tribal governments.