Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB), at the direction of our 43 member tribes, has declared a public health emergency related to COVID-19. NPAIHB strongly recommends that our member tribes, and tribes nationwide, mitigate the pandemic by taking steps to stop the spread of COVID-19, by closing non-essential services within their tribal communities.

• NPAIHB supports each tribe defining essential services and that essential services be limited to those necessary for public health and safety.
• NPAIHB recommends tribes immediately enact shelter in place for their communities and people and cancel all social gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19 and that all AI/AN people “stay home.”
• NPAIHB recommends that all tribes, AI/AN people, and all people practice social distancing when out of the home (accessing or providing essential services).
• Read the complete declaration here.

• Join weekly update calls (Tuesdays 10-11am Pacific Daylight Time)
• Access State and Federal resources and guidance
• Get tips and tools for community messaging
• Ask Auntie COVID-19 Q&A
• Ask Auntie video
• Follow We R Native for youth-friendly messages
  Washing your hands seems so simple, but it’s one of the best methods for prevention.
  1. Wet your hands w/clean water and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands and rub them together like you’re cleaning freshly picked huckleberries. Be sure to scrub the back of your hands between your finger and your fingernails.
  3. Scrub for 20 seconds or more. It helps if you sing your favorite Northern Cree song.
  4. Rinse off soap and give a good shake then dry with a clean towel.