New York Indian Council, Inc.

Serving the healthcare needs of New York City’s American Indian and Alaska Native communities

Welcome to New York Indian Council

We are an Urban Indian Organization dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of American Indian and Alaska Native communities in New York City. Our culturally centered care and community-rooted services help Native people thrive in urban life while staying connected to their traditions. Learn more about who we serve and how to access support.

Our Mission

To improve the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native people living in New York City through culturally grounded, accessible, and equitable healthcare services.

Our Vision

A thriving urban Native community in New York City empowered by wellness, cultural pride, and access to holistic care.

We help Natives access:

    • Primary & Preventive Care – Find Native-friendly doctors, clinics, and screenings.

    • Health Insurance Enrollment – Get help applying for Medicaid, ACA plans, and other coverage.

    • Mental Health Support – Connect with therapists and culturally competent care.

    • Chronic Disease Management – Support for diabetes, heart health, and long-term care needs.

    • Substance Use & Addiction Support – Culturally sensitive programs for recovery.

    • One-on-One Counseling Referrals – Get connected with Indigenous mental health professionals.

    • Community Healing Circles – A safe space to share, connect, and heal.

    • Health & Wellness Education – Learn about stress management, nutrition, and self-care.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Stay tuned for upcoming events with NYIC!

Become an NYIC Member

Join hundreds of Natives in accessing health insurance, coverage, community access, and so much more.

Trace Your Native Ancestry

There are 574 federally recognized and 66 state-recognized tribes in the United States. You can find a list of these tribes here.

To determine your eligibility for membership in a federally recognized tribe, you must contact the specific tribe(s) from which you claim ancestry. Each tribe sets its own enrollment requirements.

Below are key resources to help you trace your Native ancestry and understand the enrollment process:

  • Tribal Enrollment & CDIB - Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal enrollment information and CDIB application.

  • Ancestry Research – General guidelines for tracing your Native American or Alaska Native heritage for tribal enrollment.

  • Genealogical Research – Information on where to look for historical records to support your ancestry claims.

  • Enrollment Process – A general overview of the steps involved in enrolling in a federally recognized tribe.

  • Benefits & Services – Details on benefits and services available to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

  • Cherokee Ancestry – Information on the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes and their specific enrollment requirements.

  • Dawes Rolls – The Dawes Commission (1893–1907) documented applications for tribal enrollment from members of the Five Civilized Tribes in Indian Territory (now part of Oklahoma).

  • Contacting a Tribal Entity – Access the BIA Tribal Leaders Directory for official tribal contacts.

For additional guidance, consider reaching out to a tribal enrollment office or a genealogical research center specializing in Native American ancestry.