GENERAL INFORMATION

What is the New York Indian Council?
NYIC is an Urban Indian Organization (UIO) funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS) to provide culturally appropriate health care and referral services to eligible Urban Indians living in New York City. We aim to elevate the health status of Native individuals to the highest possible level.

Are you a clinic?
No, NYIC is not a clinic. We provide community-based services, support, referrals, and host on-site events. Some services are delivered via trusted healthcare partners and mobile providers under formal agreements.

What does being an Urban Indian Organization mean?
We are a nonprofit governed by an Urban Indian-majority board and operate under a federal contract with IHS to provide healthcare-related services and referrals to Native individuals residing in urban centers.

ELIGIBILITY

Who qualifies for services at NYIC?
Per federal law (25 U.S.C. § 1603), NYIC primarily serves Urban Indians—defined as individuals who:

• Reside in an urban center; and

• Are enrolled members or first/second-degree descendants of a federally or state-recognized tribe, including terminated tribes; or

• Are recognized by the Secretary of the Interior or HHS as Indian, or are Alaska Natives, California Indians, or Eskimos/Aleuts.

Do I need to be enrolled in a tribe?
Not necessarily. Eligibility can be demonstrated through tribal enrollment, a CDIB, family lineage, tribal correspondence, or even self-identification depending on the service. Documentation is helpful but not always required.

SERVICES

What services do you offer?
NYIC delivers and coordinates:

• Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

• Mental Health & Substance Use Services

• Immunization Support

• Mobile Dental Clinics (in partnership with Jet Dental)

• Case Management & Community Referrals

• Outreach Events, Cultural Activities, and Health Education

Do you offer dental care?
Yes. We partner with Jet Dental to provide twice-monthly mobile dental clinics on-site and at select events. Services include cleanings, exams, cavity fillings, and more. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

Do you provide mental health or substance abuse support?
Yes. NYIC offers outpatient behavioral health referrals, screenings, case management, culturally grounded support groups, and prevention programming.

Are your services culturally appropriate?
Yes. We prioritize culturally relevant, community-based, and trauma-informed care. Our providers and partners understand the unique needs of Native communities.

GETTING STARTED

How do I enroll with NYIC?
You can sign up online or at any of our outreach events. We’ll collect a short intake form and ask for proof of NYC residency and Native identity (if available).

Do I need insurance?
No. We can assist uninsured members and help identify third-party payers like Medicaid, but services do not require active coverage.

Do you charge for services?
No. NYIC does not charge for any services we provide. All services under our Indian Health Service (IHS) contract are free for eligible Urban Indian community members. If we refer you to a partner provider — such as for medical, dental, or mental health care — that provider may bill your insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. However, you will never be charged by NYIC, and your ability to receive services through us is never based on insurance status.

ADMINISTRATIVE

How is NYIC funded?
We are funded through a multi-year IHS contract, supplemented by grants.

Is NYIC a nonprofit?
Yes. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a Native-majority board in accordance with federal Urban Indian Health Program requirements.

CONTACT

How do I get in touch?
Phone: 718.215.8417

Email: info@NewYorkIndianCouncil.org

Visit: 21-25, 44th Avenue, Suite 102Long Island City, NY 11101

Hours: M-F, 9am - 5pm