During the luncheon, WEWIN Board Member Jacqueline Johnson-Pata (Tlingit) presented the award to Bohlen, remarking, “We all know the work she has done across Indian Country when we see the success of our Indian health programs in our communities. We see the success of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and its appropriations, and the continual improvement of the health and well-being of our citizens across Indian Country…I could go on and talk about what a champion she is in Congress and how she pounds on their doors, how she is a champion with public health entities, the Administration, working with many White Houses and Secretaries for Health and Human Services and Indian Health Service directors…It takes a major warrior to spend time in Washington, DC, sacrificing to be away from her family and the cultural connection that her home community provides. Every moment she can, she touches in with her Tribal leader to find out what is happening at home, and she stays in touch her family – and we know that the other 24-hours in a day, she spends in our behalf, working for our People.”
Bohlen joined NIHB in 2004 as its Legislative Director and went on to become the Executive Director and will achieve 18 years at the organization this November. Prior to joining NIHB, she was the Director of Federal Relations for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, Deputy Director of the American Osteopathic Association’s Washington, DC Office, and served on the staff of former U.S. Congressman Bob Traxler. Ms. Bohlen received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI and was born and raised in Michigan.
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Established by the Tribes to advocate as the united voice of federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, NIHB seeks to reinforce Tribal sovereignty, strengthen Tribal health systems, secure resources, and build capacity to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for our People.
