American Indian and Alaska Native Background
In the United States there are 2.1 million indigenous people, who represent almost 1% of the national population. Approximately 50% live in urban areas and most of the remaining 50% live on reservations. Among them are 557 different groups of tribes or corporations, each is a sovereign community with its own traditional culture and language. The American Indian and Alaska Native population is younger, less educated and poorer than the general U.S. population.
Poverty affects American Indian and Alaska Natives 2.5 times more than the rest of the population. Mortality from diabetes, liver diseases, accidents, violence, and tuberculosis is also 2 to 3 times greater than in the non-native population. American Indians and Alaska Natives die at higher rates than other Americans from alcoholism, tuberculosis, diabetes, unintentional injuries, suicide, pneumonia and influenza, and homicide. American Indian and Native American familes are also 7.5 times more likely than other American families to live in homes that have sanitation facilities that do not meet modern standards. Recently improved access to safe water has greatly helped indigenous communities in the United States.
To see a chart on Mortality Rate Disparities within the American Indian/Alaska Native population, click here.
Despite these disparities, American Indians and Alaska Natives are still faring much better than indigenous peoples in other countries. The purpose of the CCIPH will be to help transfer some knowledge of community-based health services from the US experience to other indigenous populations.
