Key points
- NIOSH convened workshops with the Colorado School of Public Health's Center for Health, Work, and Environment and the National Indian Health Board to advance tribal worker safety and health.
- Participants at these workshops helped guide the development of the American Indian and Alaska Native Worker Safety and Health Strategic Plan.
Purpose
The American Indian and Alaska Native Worker Initiative aims to build and strengthen tribal occupational safety and health capacity among tribes and tribal communities.
Tribal partnership workshops
NIOSH organized two workshops, one each in 2015 and 2019, to enhance worker safety and health in tribal communities. These workshops were organized in partnership with the Colorado School of Public Health's Center for Health, Work and Environment and the National Indian Health Board. Participants included representatives from tribes, tribal-serving organizations, academia, and state and federal government agencies.
The workshops established new and fostered existing relationships among many tribes and organizations. Additionally, an American Indian and Alaska Native Worker occupational safety and health network and newsletter was created to share resources and build capacity.
Participants also helped guide the development of the American Indian and Alaska Native Worker Safety and Health Strategic Plan. Participants provided specific input on areas of focus, helped to identify needs and audiences, and obtained support and buy-in for a national strategic plan. Workshop presentations are available here.