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The Navajo Nation says it’s vaccinated more than 20% of enrolled citizens. That’s compared to less than 14% of the United States population. Despite successful vaccine roll-outs by many tribes, some Native people living in urban areas are finding access to the vaccine elusive. Some travel thousands of miles to get the shot on their home reservations. Others have to wait it out. The National Indian Health Board is asking the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize vaccine distribution to the estimated 4,000 Native Americans in Washington, D.C. because the Indian Health Service cannot adequately tend to them. We’ll get an update on where vaccine distribution is working and where it’s not.
Guests:
Dr. Charles Grim (Cherokee Nation) – Secretary of Health for the Chickasaw Nation
Jourdan Bennett-Begaye (Diné) – managing editor for Indian Country Today
Jonathan Nez (Diné) – Navajo Nation president
Stacy Bohlen (Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa) – Chief Executive Officer of the National Indian Health Board
Information about getting the vaccine at the Chickasaw Nation
Break 1 music: Qaumajuapik (single) Riit (artist)
Break 2 music: Canoe Song (song) Chenoa (artist) Spirit of Salishan (album)
