Advancing Tribal Health and Policy Advocacy

SWACH is continuing to support Tribal communities through state-level policy advocacy focused on stronger representation and culturally grounded healthcare. In recent weeks, this work has included active participation in policy conversations led by Mercedes White Calf, SWACH’s Tribal Liaison, alongside Tribal leaders and partners across Washington.

As part of her role, Mercedes participates in meetings with the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA), where Tribal leaders and advocates engage directly with state leaders on issues impacting Native communities. One current priority is supporting efforts to make GOIA a permanent part of the Governor’s cabinet.

Right now, GOIA is structured as a program. Advocates are working toward a cabinet-level office to help ensure stable funding, clear responsibilities, and consistent follow-through over time.

“This work is about creating lasting structures,” Mercedes shared. “Having GOIA permanently at the cabinet level means Tribal nations are consistently part of the conversation, not just consulted on an as-needed basis.”

Another active area of work is advancing policy that would expand recognition and reimbursement for Tribal healing practices. SWACH has partnered with the Native Action Network (NAN), a statewide Native-led advocacy organization founded by Washington State Senator Claudia Kaufman, to support legislation connected to a Medicaid waiver for Tribal healing services. While similar legislation has passed before, advocates are now working to strengthen the policy so it can be fully implemented.

For many community members, traditional healing is an important part of health and well-being. But these services often are not covered in the same way as other healthcare, which can limit access and place an ongoing burden on healers and communities.

“This is about recognizing that Tribal nations have their own ways of healing,” Mercedes explained. “Traditional healers already support their communities whether they’re paid or not. This would make that care more sustainable and accessible, while honoring Tribal sovereignty.”

Through her work, Mercedes remains engaged in partnership with NAN and other advocates, helping elevate Tribal priorities in the policy spaces that shape healthcare access, funding, and long-term systems change.