Our Regions
Our Regions
IHEART works nationwide and in five different regions. The IHEART mission of furthering systems-level solutions requires nationwide presence. But each tribe, government, organization, and group of Native people is diverse in their culture, experience, opinions, and goals. IHEART strives to provide appropriate and responsive support for the immense diversity of Native communities by organizing our work regionally and honoring the input and experience of leaders and contributors at all levels of our work.
Each region meets monthly to discuss projects, share about regional events, and connect as professionals. Regional teams also work on seed funding projects, which are tailored to the needs of the region.
Download informational fliers about each region here; read about completed and ongoing projects below.
IHEART Regions
Alaska + Northwest
The Alaska + Northwest region of IHEART consists of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. There are 272 federally recognized tribes in this region-229 of which are in Alaska-and more that are state or self recognized.
The region is led by Dr. Jason Deen and Dr. Shanda Lohse. To join the monthly meetings, contact skjorlien@aaip.org.
In 2025, the Alaska + Northwest region conducted a study with Nokomis Strategies to assess AI/AN healthcare pathways in Alaska. Key recommendations from this study included expanding early pathway opportunities, creating a centralized hub for informational resources, and strengthening mentorship networks. These findings will inform future IHEART projects in the region. Click here to read the study.
California + Hawai‘i
Although this region only includes two states, it has a unique set of cultural and political considerations. The State of California Native American Heritage Commission recognizes 175 tribes in state borders, 109 of which are also federally recognized. California also has the largest population of Indigenous people of any state, many of whom are Indigenous to Mexico, Central America, or other states in the US. The colonization and annexation of Hawai‘i differs from the histories of other states and regions. Today, about 30% of Hawai‘i residents identify as Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or American Indian.
The California + Hawai‘i region of IHEART is led by Dr. Antoinette Martinez and Julie Gattenio. To join the monthly meetings, contact skjorlien@aaip.org.
In 2025-2026, the IHEART California + Hawai‘i region partnered with the Haku Healthcare American Indian Student Summit and the Huwighurruk Tribal Health Postbaccalaureate Program to provide support for student travel fees. Currently the team is conducting a study with Nokomis Strategies which will conclude in September of 2026; stay tuned for a full report.
East + Southern Plains
The East + Southern Plains region of IHEART covers 28 states, including over 90 federally-recognized tribes and more that are state or self recognized.
This region is led by Breanna De Leon, Dr. Christopher Derby, and Kristen Rowan. To join the monthly meetings, email skjorlien@aaip.org.
In 2026, the East + Southern Plains team conducted a needs assessment of their region with Nokomis Strategies, which includes a directory of American Indian and Alaska Native-focused heathcare pathways. Click here to read the full report. The recommendations from this study will inform future IHEART projects in the region.
The team is currently hosting an IHEART Indigenous Health Career Scholars Program, which will conclude September 2026; watch for the final report.
Northern Plains
The Northern Plains region of IHEART includes 11 states with over 60 federally recognized tribes and more that are self or state recognized.
This region is led by Drew Babcock. To join the monthly meetings, email skjorlien@aaip.org.
In 2025 and 2026, the IHEART Northern Plains region conducted a two-phase social media project to increase public engagement with IHEART resources and information, especially among younger audiences.
Follow IHEART Northern Plains on Instagram to see the ongoing work being done in this project.
The project will conclude in September of 2026; stay tuned for a full report and toolkit.
Southwest
The Southwest region of IHEART consists of five states and over 65 federally recognized tribes and more that are self or state recognized.
This region is led by Roberta Zayas. To join the monthly meetings, email skjorlien@aaip.org.
In 2026, the Southwest region held a series of youth outreach events called Rising Healers: A Native American Youth Healthcare Expo. The hosts for these three events were the University of New Mexico Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Communities to Careers pathway program in Albuquerque; the national Center for American Indian Health Professionals at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona; and the Community Engagements and Partnerships office at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. To see the full report and toolkit, click the image on the left.
Upcoming and Recent Events
August 2026 AI/AN Healthcare Workforce Development Summit
Register today! Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCUs) Indigenize higher education. To improve American Indian/Alaska Native health outcomes, support future healers, and increase healthcare workforce diversity, we can learn from the TCU model of decolonizing...