It is both devastating and unsurprising that COVID-19 is impacting and killing indigenous communities at disproportionately high rates. Indigenous communities, which are inclusive of people who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native, have long faced systemic oppression in this country and this is reflected in poor health outcomes.  Indigenous communities experience disproportionate rates of disease such as heart disease and have a life expectancy that is 5.5 years shorter than the national average.