How Should Epidemiologists Respond to Data Genocide?

Data quality for and about American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people is undermined by deeply entrenched, colonial practices that have become standard in US federal data systems.This article draws on cases of maternal mortality and COVID-19 to demonstrate the ethical and clinical need for inclusive, diverse, and accurate data when researching AI/AN health trends.This article further argues that epidemiologists specifically must challenge implicit bias, question methods and practices, and recognize colonial, racist reporting practices about AI/AN people that have long undermined data collection, analytical, and dissemination practices that are fundamental to epidemiological research.The American Medical Association designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ available through the AMA Ed Hub TM .Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.