Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council has served the tribes, Indian Health Service Units and urban programs in the Bemidji area (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Chicago) since 1996. Networked nationally through the Indian Health Service Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, which oversees 12 Tribal Epidemiology Centers throughout Indian Country, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council assists Indian communities with data collection, analysis, community assessments, special projects, health research, evaluation and epidemiology education.

Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council consists of a director, four epidemiologists and two administrative staff. Its headquarters is located in north-central Wisconsin on the Lac du Flambeau Chippewa Indian Reservation. Three epidemiologists work in a remote office at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Epidemiology and Community Health. Though situated in northern Wisconsin/Minneapolis, staff often work on site at tribal locations and attend meetings throughout the three-state area.

This is a unique opportunity to engage in public health practice in rural, underserved and culturally-varied communities who experience disparate health, education and economic conditions. Due to the consequences resulting from treatment of North America’s indigenous populations, potential interns need to be aware of the importance of building and maintaining trust with the American Indian/Alaska Native community for a successful experience.

Interns may work at either the Minneapolis or the Lac du Flambeau office. Inexpensive housing is available near the Lac du Flambeau office with a Northwoods ambiance many have come to enjoy. Interns based in Minneapolis may be required to visit the Lac du Flambeau office for an orientation. Regardless of site location, interns will be considered part of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council team and be included in meetings and ongoing communication.