New York Indian Council, Inc.

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

About NYIC

New York Indian Council (NYIC) is a non-profit Urban Indian Organization (UIO) contracted with Indian Health Service (IHS) through the Title V Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). We serve tribally enrolled American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN), as well as first- and second-degree descendants of federally or state-recognized tribes.

NYIC proudly serves the Native community across all five boroughs of New York City.

Our Mission

The mission of the New York Indian Council (NYIC) is to enhance the well-being of AI/AN people by providing culturally attuned health services that honor our history, traditions, and philosophies. We are Natives serving Natives.

Our Vision

To be a model for high-quality health services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities in New York City and to establish a Healthy Indian Life Center—a space that integrates tradition, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle.

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

4/14 - FREE Dental Clinic for NYIC Members

Limited spots available, registration required

NYIC Members register here.

Not an NYIC Member? Enroll here.

4/14 - FREE Covid-19 & Flu Vaccines for NYIC Members

Registration required, please bring your ID on the day of the clinic

NYIC Members can register here.

Not an NYIC Member? Enroll here.

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.