Native and Indigenous communities in the United States have suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has exacerbated and also revealed long-standing health disparities and social inequalities facing Native people living on tribal land. The virus threatens not only to sicken and kill people but also to decimate their languages and customs (which are passed down by elders who run higher risks of infection). The Navajo Nation, which spans Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, has been particularly hard hit, with more cases per capita than New York City. The virus has been difficult to combat on the reservation due to the low number of grocery stores, multigenerational households, lack of health infrastructure and running water, and low government health funding.

Among many activists and organizations taking a stand to help Native communities, the United States Episcopal Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism and their subcommittee on Native American Affairs have both released statements in solidarity with Native communities. The Episcopal Church is asking Congress for immediate actions to protect Native peoples, including increased funding for the Indian Health Service's Tribal Epidemiology Centers, funding for water and electricity infrastructure development on tribal lands, and increased food assistance benefits. On May 13 three Catholic bishops issued a joint statement, saying they were "heartbroken" that indigenous people in the United States "continue to greatly suffer from the COVID-19 epidemic" and at "disproportionately high rates" compared to other U.S. communities.

Both organizations have implored lawmakers and government officials to protect the dignity and lives of Native peoples by working with tribal leaders to ensure ample resources and funding are redirected to Native populations, particularly to the Indian Health Service. The Indian Health Service, a federal agency charged with providing health care services to Native people, is funded at far lower rates per person than Medicaid and Medicare. 

Both organizations have the reach and power to implore for increased activism and funding to lessen the blow of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups like Native communities that should be protected at all costs.

(Based on: April 28, 2020 ENS article; May 13, 2020, USCCB article; May 21, 2020, silive.com article; May 22, 2020, CNS News article; and an Episcopal Church campaign)