Traditional Medicine and Indigenous Health Policy
Our Work
CTM has supported traditional medicine and Indigenous health initiatives since the early 1980s. We recognize the essential role of traditional healing practices in supporting individual, family, and community well-being.
Our work promotes Indigenous health sovereignty, food sovereignty, women’s health, and equitable access to healthcare while supporting the protection of traditional medicines, cultural knowledge, and natural food systems.
We encourage cultural exchange grounded in free, prior, and informed consent, mutual respect, and reciprocity, while supporting the protection of Indigenous knowledge, traditional medicines, food systems, and cultural practices from appropriation or misuse.
Our Position
We support traditional healing practices and cultural continuity while opposing practices that violate bodily autonomy, dignity, health, safety, or human rights, including female genital mutilation (FGM).
Our Policy Projects
Traditional Medicine
For more than four decades, the Center for Traditional Medicine has documented, supported, and promoted traditional healing systems in collaboration with Indigenous communities, traditional healers, midwives, and community health practitioners. Our work explores the role of traditional
medicine in maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, mental health, community resilience, and cultural continuity. We support the protection of traditional knowledge and recognize the right of Indigenous Peoples to maintain, strengthen, and transmit their healing practices to future generations.
Nutrition Trauma, Diabetes Type 2 & Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Nutrition, traditional foods, and cultural food practices are essential foundations of health. Since the 1980s, CTM has worked with Indigenous communities to address diabetes, chronic disease, food insecurity, and the health impacts of historical trauma. Our research and policy initiatives
support Indigenous food sovereignty, access to traditional foods, culturally relevant nutrition education, and community-led approaches to disease prevention and wellness. We recognize that food is both medicine and a cornerstone of cultural identity and self-determination.
American Indian Caregivers
Family and community caregivers provide essential support for elders, individuals living with chronic illness, and those experiencing disability or cognitive decline. CTM’s work highlights the unique strengths and challenges faced by Indigenous caregivers and advocates for culturally responsive services, equitable access to healthcare resources, and policies that recognize the value of caregiving. Our research emphasizes the importance of traditional values, intergenerational relationships, community support networks, and culturally grounded approaches to caregiving and wellness.
World Health Organization and States Government Resources
This resource section provides access to selected publications, policy statements, reports, and educational materials from the World Health Organization, government agencies, and other public health organizations. These resources support informed decision-making related to traditional medicine, public health, chronic disease prevention, caregiving, and community wellness.
