SACNAS Supports Tribal Nations Coping with COVID-19

The organization urges Congress to include these communities in next coronavirus aid package

SANTA CRUZ, CA – Dr. Sonia I. Zárate, President of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) issued the following statement in solidarity with U.S. tribal communities coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and demands government resources and support to secure the public health of Native American communities and individuals:

As the leading multicultural STEM professional and student organization in the U.S., we stand by the tribal communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and support our members who are selflessly putting themselves on the front lines to protect their communities. In honor and support of their efforts, we have created a page on our website to highlight their work and provide information on how individuals can contribute to these causes.

More importantly, we urge Congress and local governments to do more and do right by the Native American tribes and communities by establishing policies and practices that equitably provide both resources and public health support.

Lastly, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) also has several initiatives to help Tribal Colleges and Universities. This, paired with the prompt to establish equitable policies for Native American communities is necessary.

ABOUT SACNAS
For over 46 years, SACNAS has served as an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicano/Hispanics & Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership within STEM.

Today, SACNAS serves a growing community of over 8,200+ active members, 115+ student and professional chapters, and nearly 20,000 supporters and allies throughout the United States and territories. SACNAS influences the STEM diversity movement through STEM outreach & advocacy, promotion of STEM leaders, and The SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference. Learn more about SACNAS at sacnas.org, Facebook, or Twitter.