U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
All of Us welcomes people from all communities, especially those that have been left out of research in the past, including American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. When more communities take part in studies, researchers can close information gaps and find ways to improve health for all.
Recognizing that tribes in the United States are sovereign nations, we held a series of conversations with tribal leaders and members across the country to better understand the views and concerns of tribal communities and find ways to build a strong program together.
- Read the full report
- Featured News Release: "NIH to enhance tribal engagement efforts for precision medicine research (March 29, 2021)"
- Funding Opportunity Available: Engagement with Tribal Nations, AI/AN populations, and Indigenous communities is an area of interest in an ongoing Research Opportunity sponsored by All of Us. The program is soliciting proposals that will build on its Tribal Consultation to further engage these groups to advance responsible and community-led participation in All of Us. View Funding Opportunity.
On this page:
Tribal Consultation
Key Milestones
Our Partners
For More Information
Tribal Consultation
Some tribes have concerns about taking part in research studies. All of Us met with tribal leaders at a set of formal meetings called "consultations" to learn more about their views. We prepared a final report that summarizes the feedback we received throughout this process, along with our plans developed in response—including efforts to collaborate with Tribal Nations, protect data, engage AI/AN researchers, and more.
- We will respect tribal sovereignty by engaging Tribal Nations to ensure that research using the program’s biospecimens and data from tribal members is done in a way that is respectful of applicable tribal customs, culture, and laws.
- We will work to include as much diversity of AI/AN populations as possible in the program by partnering with tribes and with organizations with urban Indian expertise that want to collaborate.
- We will not recruit on tribal lands without first obtaining approval from the tribe.
- We will not share information about participants’ tribal affiliation without first getting approval from the tribe.
- We will support the development of educational materials for researchers and participants, work with AI/AN researchers in partnership with AI/AN communities, and promote community-based participatory research.
- We will work to ensure representation of AI/AN populations throughout all aspects of program governance.
- We will give all self-identified AI/AN participants a chance to learn more about our tribal consultation and speak with their tribal leaders so they can decide whether they want to stay involved before we share any AI/AN data or samples for research.
If you're a participant or considering signing up, please also visit our webpage at JoinAllofUs.org with information for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Key Milestones
December 2017
The All of Us Research Program Advisory Panel established the Tribal Collaboration Working Group to provide guidance on the inclusion of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the program.
Learn more about the purpose and goals of the Tribal Collaboration Working Group.
August 2018
The Tribal Collaboration Working Group released a report on collaborating with Tribal Nations and AI/AN populations.
Read the report for principles of engagement with tribal communities.
May–November 2019
All of Us hosted a series of Tribal Consultations across the country, including listening sessions and a formal request for information.
May 2020
All of Us held a rapid-response Tribal Consultation to discuss the All of Us COVID-19 serology study.
Learn more about the study and the outcome of the consultation.
August 2020
All of Us released a draft of the Tribal Consultation Report for input from tribal leaders.
March 2021
All of Us released its Tribal Consultation Final Report and a report summary.
Read the final report, report summary, and news release to learn how All of Us is working with U.S. tribes.
2022–2023
All of Us will prepare data and samples from self-identified AI/AN participants for future inclusion in the All of Us Research Hub.
Our Partners
We are working closely with the following groups
For More Information
All of Us Research Program Protocol
Frequently Asked Questions About All of Us
Questions or feedback? We’re listening. Contact us anytime at AoUTribal@nih.gov.
