Support for Quality Care and Improved Health Outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ People

Res #:	Committee:	Submitted by:	Title:                                 Pass →	Yes	No	Amended/Tabled	To NCAI
2020-09	Health	Nick Lewis	Support for Quality Care and Improved Health Outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ People				X

 2020 Winter Convention 

Portland, Oregon 

RESOLUTION #2020 – 09 

“SUPPORT FOR QUALITY CARE AND IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR TWO SPIRIT AND LGBTQ+ PEOPLE” 

PREAMBLE 

We, the members of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants rights secured under Indian Treaties, Executive Orders and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and constitution of the United States and several states, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution: 

WHEREAS, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) are representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and specific tribal concerns; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI is a regional organization comprised of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and tribes in the states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Nevada, Northern California, and Alaska; and 

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of ATNI; and 

WHEREAS, ATNI supports the health and wellbeing of all Native people, including those who are Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another identity (LGBTQ+), and 

WHEREAS, prior to contact with settlers, many tribal nations across the country and continent had long histories of respect and inclusion of those in their communities who might today identify as Two Spirit or LGBTQ+; and

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience refusal of care, discrimination, and insufficient provider knowledge in healthcare settings; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals who fear discrimination or harassment in healthcare settings are more likely to postpone necessary treatment and report lack of access to care; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately experience discrimination and harassment in many communities, including healthcare settings; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals are important members of their communities who desire to participate in community gatherings and ceremonies without fear of discrimination or harassment; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals experience health disparities including increased risk of anxiety, depression, HIV, exposure to violence, and suicidality; and 

WHEREAS, access to gender-affirming healthcare is critical and lifesaving for transgender individuals; and 

WHEREAS, healthcare settings are uniquely positioned to affirm Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ identities; and 

WHEREAS, Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals thrive in settings which demonstrate respect and inclusion of their identities; now 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that ATNI supports initiatives that promote quality care and improved health outcomes for Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ people, including but not limited to: 

• • Creating gender-affirming clinical and community spaces, 
• • Working to destigmatize minority sexual orientations and gender identities, 
• • Ensuring healthcare providers and community members respect all individuals their identities; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that ATNI supports advocacy for the continued dissemination and implementation of this work within the Northwest and throughout Indian Country to ensure that our healthcare facilities and communities affirm all sexual orientations and gender identities and adopt non-discrimination policies; and 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that ATNI calls on Congress and the Administration to fund initiatives that support and protect Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ people.

CERTIFICATION 

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2020 Winter Convention of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Portland, Oregon, on January 27-30, 2020, with a quorum present. 

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