Intertribal Collaboration and Health: A Literature Review

In the United States, American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) are rebuilding their nations through assertion of sovereignty, standards of governance, cultural frameworks, strategic orientation, and effective leadership. The approach emphasizes tribal self-determination in managing nation affairs and reducing reliance on state and federal assistance. Through nation-building, tribal nations can improve their citizens' health and well-being while empowering local capacity and cultural pride. Intertribal collaboration can be an effective strategy to leverage resources and create a coalition for support and knowledge exchange; however, the research documenting practices, and outcomes of tribal health management that uses intertribal collaboration is limited. This systematic review investigates health-focused collaborations among the tribal nations in North America. Peer-reviewed articles that included at least two federally recognized tribes, described AIAN driven initiatives, implemented a health management plan, collaborated between Indigenous leaders, and goals of social, behavioural, mental, and physical health outcomes were examined. This search was limited to articles published between January 1, 1970 to November 30, 2019. The PRISMA systematic review process was used. Twenty-seven articles were screened, and three articles were eligible for thematic review. The articles highlighted the importance of utilizing an Indigenous framework to facilitate program management and collaboration, recognition of cultural differences, and sovereignty rights. Characteristics that contributed to the establishment and strengthening of intertribal collaboration were: (1) adapt new proposals, (2) respectful recognition of sovereignty, and (3) transparent and honest communication. The small sample size indicated most Indigenous health programs are not "AIAN-driven", limiting the foundation for building evidence-based frameworks.