Tribal sovereignty refers to tribes’ rights to ongoing self-government on their own lands and within their jurisdictions and communities. Tribal nations are recognized as sovereign governments that possess nationhood status and retain inherent powers of self-governments. Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions regarding tribal members, communities, and properties are made with their participation and consent. New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils respects tribal governance and their involvement at every level. Tribal health councils who have partnered with the Alliance have been endorsed and are supported by their tribal leaders.

Tribal health councils are currently receiving assistance in training opportunities with capacity building, resource development, community health assessment and planning, funding opportunities, advocacy distribution and implementation, and recommended activities and strategies that support tribal health councils in coordination and consultation with tribal leaders and councils.

House Bill 137 - County and Tribal Health Councils Act

New Mexico is home to 23 tribes, nations, and pueblos, including northern and southern Pueblos, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the Mescalero Apache Nation, the Fort Sill Apache Tribe, and the Navajo Nation.

Access a list of New Mexico’s recognized tribes and their corresponding counties

View a map of tribal areas