History

Founding the Caucus​

In 1979, Margo Kerrigan noticed the lack of representation and scientific sessions focused on American Indian and Alaska Native health at the American Public Health Association (APHA) meeting. Inspired by existing caucuses for other ethnic minority groups, she set out to create a similar forum. With support from Dr. George Blue Spruce of the Indian Health Service, Kerrigan founded the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Caucus at the 1980 APHA meeting, gathering 40 health professionals and formally requesting APHA recognition later that year. By 1981, the AIAN Caucus hosted the first scientific and poster sessions on Indigenous health, began with 40 members, and focused on expanding membership and strengthening research. Kerrigan served as chair from 1980 to 1988.

Forming Our 501c3 Non-Profit Status

The AIAN caucus continued to grow and thrive under the leadership of Margo Kerrigan, Linda Burhansstipanov, Patricia Cochran, Michael Bird and others. In 1994 the AIAN Caucus registered as a non-profit in the state of Colorado, with Linda B and Patricia Cochran as officers. Patricia Cochran and Linda B developed the Articles of Incorporation and Operating Code in 1994 which were approved by the membership.  The AIANNH Caucus submitted and received approval from the IRS as a 501c3 non-profit public organization in 2017. 

Formally Adding Native Hawaiians to the Caucus

Over the years, Native Hawaiians participated in the AIAN Caucus, presenting on topics related to the health of Native Hawaiians.  In 1995, the American Indian and Alaska Native Caucus officially welcomed Native Hawaiians to the caucus, renaming it as the American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Caucus of APHA.

Student Scholarships

Over the years, our Caucus was able to invite Native students to attend the annual meeting with the help of the IHS and the Centers for Disease Control.  In 2015 the Caucus formally established the Margo Kerrigan Scholarship for students to attend APHA.  Each year our caucus has received generous donations from Papa Ola Lokahi, a Native Hawaiian non-profit that seeks to improve the health status and wellbeing of Native Hawaiians. AARP funds also support our Student Scholarships. The scholarships pay students’ registration fees for attending APHA annual meeting, flight to and from the meeting, lodging and food expenses for each student awardee.  There are generally 3-5 students chosen to receive the Margo Kerrigan Scholarship yearly.

 
Wisdom of the Elders

Each year at the annual APHA meeting, the caucus hosts a session known as the Wisdom of the Elders. This highly popular session has been generously supported by AARP since its inception in 2004.

 
Caucus Social Event

The Caucus also sponsors a Social Event annually, bringing together APHA members, sponsors, friends, supporters and guests to participate in an evening of celebration, cultural events, food and a silent auction. The silent auction, with items donated by Caucus members, raises funds to support the Caucus.
The American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian (AIANNH) Caucus promotes equal opportunity and access for indigenous peoples of North America and the Hawaiian Islands to health care, provides a supportive entry into APHA, and disseminates information about major native health issues and programs.  The Caucus welcomes anyone who wants to join us in this effort.