President Joe Biden has announced the nomination of Navajo tribal member Roselyn Tso as director of the Indian Health Service. She’s worked in tribal health for decades and is the current director of the Navajo Area IHS.
Tso’s career with IHS stretches back nearly four decades and she’s led the Navajo Nation branch of the agency since 2019. Tso previously served in various roles in the Portland area working with urban health programs and the implementation of the Indian Education and Self-Determination Act.
If Tso is confirmed by the U.S. Senate she’ll oversee health care for 2.5 million tribal members and Alaska Natives in 37 states with more than 600 hospitals, clinics and health stations. The IHS has an annual budget of nearly $7.5 billion.
Navajo Nation officials applauded Tso’s nomination. President Jonathan Nez says her leadership and expertise have helped save lives on the reservation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Congress of American Indians says it’s pleased the administration has made a nomination for the IHS director position, which has been vacant for more than a year. Zuni tribal member and Donald Trump appointee Rear Adm. Michael Weahkee was asked to resign last January by the incoming Biden administration.
