Welcome back to Impact Unfiltered! In this episode, we sit down with Lacey Wynn, Vice President of Tribal Health Programs at the National Indian Health Board (NIHB). Lacey shares her journey from working within her own tribal health department to leading national initiatives, shining a light on the crucial role NIHB plays in advocating for tribal voices at the federal level. We explore the challenges and solutions unique to tribal health, from the importance of culturally-driven programs and workforce development to Lacey’s call for true partnership and listening from allies and funders. Lacey also discusses vital upcoming NIHB projects focused on addressing maternal mortality and empowering Indigenous youth leaders. Tune in for honest insights and inspiration on creating healthier tribal communities—and, in turn, a healthier America.
1. Introduction to the Episode
- Introduction of guest: Lacey Wynn
2. Lacey Wynn’s Role and Background
- Current position: Vice President of Tribal Health Programs at NIHB
- Distinction between policy and programmatic sides at NIHB
- Overview of responsibilities: overseeing programs related to chronic disease, behavioral health, infrastructure, and workforce for tribal health departments
3. History and Purpose of NIHB
- Origins in the 1970s to ensure government-to-government consultations, as required by treaties
- Advocacy for tribal consultations with the federal government
- Expansion into capacity-building for tribal health departments (e.g., 638 compacting, working with IHS)
4. Lacey Wynn’s Personal Motivation and Experience
- Licensed clinical social worker with personal experience living on reservation and using tribal healthcare
- Observing firsthand the lack of services and resources in her community
- Link between tribal health and the overall health of America
- Focus on addressing health disparities in tribal communities
5. Meaningful Areas of Impact Within Tribal Communities
- Raising awareness of lack of resources and adversities faced by tribes
- Emphasizing the reciprocal nature of supporting tribal health and its impact on national health
- Historical context of cultural suppression (e.g., outlawing of Indigenous religion and culture until the 1970s)
- Indigenous contributions to health and wellness (e.g., mindfulness, traditional medicine, early rising)
- Current efforts to reclaim and share traditional health practices
6. NIHB Programmatic Approach and Community Alignment
- Building capacity rather than delivering direct services
- Advocacy at the national level based on community input
- Conducting capacity assessments to inform funding requests
- Commitment to community-driven, bottom-up approaches
7. Opportunities and Challenges for Tribal Support
- Importance of developing an Indigenous workforce (education pathways, healthcare careers)
- Need for culturally competent care within communities
- Highlighting pitfalls of external, top-down solutions vs. community-led partnerships
- Importance of listening and “walking alongside” tribal communities rather than leading or directing
8. Partnerships, Innovation, and Funding Strategies
- Traditional reliance on federal funding and issues with federal relationships
- The need for creative approaches to resource allocation and funding
- Role of allies, tribal leaders, and community members in thinking “outside the box”
- Encouragement for philanthropic involvement and strategic partnerships with organizations like NIHB
9. Advice and Reflections for Emerging Leaders
- Empowerment message: youth and community members have the power to create change
- Overcoming feelings of powerlessness in under-resourced or oppressed communities
- Confidence in the collective and individual voices within the community
10. Upcoming Initiatives and Focus Areas
- Focus on maternal health: addressing high maternal mortality rates among Indigenous women
- Ongoing and upcoming initiatives: mortality review in 2026, workforce development, youth advisory board, scholars program
- Recent scholars' accomplishments (e.g., educational booklets on vaccines)
- Continued emphasis on empowering the next generation
