Building the Future of Tribal Public Health with Geoff Strommer

In this episode of Impact Unfiltered, host Stewart sits down at the Self-Governance Conference with Geoff Strommer, an Indian law attorney with 35 years representing tribes, tribal governments, and tribal organizations. His work spans legislation, litigation, and negotiation, with fingerprints on nearly every major stage of the self-governance arc.Geoff explains what it takes — agency by agency, statute by statute, dollar by dollar — to move authority from the federal government to tribal governments. He details how Alaska’s 27 co-signers built the strongest model of tribal cohesion in the country, why 105(l) leases are a once-in-a-generation game changer for tribal infrastructure, and how a recent New York district court win could expand self-governance into water and sewer treatment facilities. With stories of tribes like Jamestown S’Klallam filling rural healthcare voids the private market can’t sustain, this episode is a working tour of how policy becomes lived reality.1. Background and Role Geoff has spent 35 years representing tribes on self-governance, shaping legislation, litigation, and negotiation.2. Why It’s a Fight Inch by Inch The original Indian Self-Determination Act faced resistance from IHS and BIA. Every step required litigation and amendments to force compliance.3. The Eight-Generation View Tribal leaders plan far ahead. Long shots from decades ago have become today’s reality, proving persistence pays off.4. Alignment Among Tribes Early friction gave way to cohesion. Since the late 1980s, tribes have worked together despite differences.“It’s working together that has made it work.”5. The Alaska Model In 1992, Alaska tribes asked for one demonstration slot instead of competing. Today, 27 co-signers negotiate together, covering the entire state’s IHS system.6. The National Picture Cohesion has strengthened. Tension between self-governance and Title I contracting tribes has narrowed. About 65–70% of tribes participate in some form.7. The Two Biggest Wins 105(l) leases grew from $400K in 2016 to nearly $900M today. Contract support costs, after decades of litigation, are now fully funded. Together, they transformed tribal finances and facilities.8. The Untapped 105(l) Opportunity Only 25–30% of tribes use 105(l). A recent court win could expand leases to water and sewer treatment — a breakthrough for infrastructure.9. The Reality of Rural Infrastructure Some communities still lack water and sewage systems. Residents carry waste in buckets and melt snow for drinking water — in the U.S., in 2026.10. Cutting Red Tape Self-governance aimed to eliminate meaningless reporting. Simplification remains a priority.11. What’s Next Move contract support costs and 105(l) funds to mandatory appropriations. Expand self-governance into Fish and Wildlife, National Parks, and other agencies. Jamestown S’Klallam already manages the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.“They are more culturally connected to those lands than anybody else in this country, and they’re better stewards of them.”12. What He Wants Everyone to Know Self-governance works. The more authority transferred, the better tribes perform.“Tribes are operating some of the largest, most sophisticated public health systems. Because they are truly the last public health system in this country.”13. Tribes as Rural Healthcare Anchors Rural healthcare is collapsing. Tribes step in as anchors. Jamestown S’Klallam built a clinic serving four counties, cutting travel from two hours to 15 minutes.14. Closing Remarks and Gratitude The episode closes with recognition of Geoff Strommer’s 35 years of work, appreciation for the legal infrastructure he helped build, and encouragement for tribes to keep fighting for every square inch.