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 have ongoing 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.
We also work with partner organizations to help further engage Tribal Nations, AI/AN populations, and Indigenous communities and to advance responsible and community-led participation in All of Us. View our funding opportunity.
On this page:
Tribal Consultations
Key Milestones
Our Partners
For More Information
Tribal Commitments
Some Tribes have concerns about taking part in research studies. All of Us meets with Tribal leaders at formal meetings called "consultations" to learn more about their views. Following our initial consultation in 2019, we prepared a final report that summarizes the feedback we received and our plans developed in response—including efforts to collaborate with Tribal Nations, protect data, engage AI/AN researchers, and more.
This report highlights our foundational commitments to Tribal Nations, including the following:
- 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.
Tribal Consultations
1. 2019 Tribal consultation: All of Us held its first Tribal consultation to hear input from Tribal leaders about engaging with Tribal Nations and the inclusion of AI/AN individuals.
2. 2020 COVID-19 serology study consultation: All of Us consulted with Tribal leaders about whether to include existing AI/AN participant samples in the COVID-19 Serology Study.
3. 2023 Tribal consultation: All of Us held consultation on the program’s approach to Tribal engagement, the integration and management of data collected from individuals who identify as AI/AN, and program planning.
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.
June 2023
All of Us held a series of virtual information sessions for Tribal communities. Session topics included an overview of the program, researcher access and use of data, AI/AN self-identification, and partnership opportunities in the program.
September 2023
All of Us hosted a Tribal consultation to seek further input on Tribal engagement efforts and to discuss integrating information from self-identified AI/AN participants in the program’s data platform.
2024
All of Us is preparing data and samples from self-identified AI/AN participants for inclusion in the All of Us Research Hub.
Our Partners
We are working closely with the following groups:
- All of Us Advisory Panel
- All of Us Tribal Collaboration Working Group
- Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the All of Us Research Program
- NIH Tribal Health Research Office (THRO)
- NIH Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC)
- NIH Tribal Health Research Coordinating Committee (THRCC)
All of Us awardees supporting Tribal engagement:
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.