IHS Director Roselyn Tso Honors Former Poarch Band of Creek Indians Chairman Buford Rolin for Lifetime Contributions to Indian Country

November 7, 2024

During a visit with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama on Thursday, Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso honored former Chairman Buford Rolin for his lifetime contributions to improve and advance the health and well-being of American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout Indian Country.

To extend his well-deserved recognition past this visit, IHS is honored to announce a new Buford Rolin National Achievement Award to be given out each year at the IHS Director's Awards Ceremony. This yearly ceremony recognizes individuals and groups of employees whose special efforts and contributions, beyond regular duty requirements, have resulted in significant benefits to the IHS strategic goals, objectives and programs, customers, and fulfillment of the IHS mission. Details on the new award will be forthcoming.

A devoted member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians community, Rolin served as the tribe's chairman from 2006 to 2014 and was also the tribal co-chair of the Tribal Leaders Diabetes Committee. His impact extended far beyond the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He served on numerous local, state, and national boards and committees, including the National Congress of American Indians, United South & Eastern Tribes, and the State of Alabama Public Health Advisory Board. Rolin also previously served as the vice-chairman for the National Indian Health Board.

His work to promote Native health care issues has been widely recognized over the years and he has received many awards for his commitment of service to the tribe and Indian Country. These include the IHS Director's Award for Excellence, the IHS Area Director's Special Commendation Award, and the Jake Whitecrow Award from the National Indian Health Board.

"It is an absolute privilege to acknowledge the decades-long leadership and selfless contribution of Buford Rolin today," said Director Tso. "Our people are immeasurably better because of the work Chairman Rolin spearheaded throughout his storied career. I know I speak on behalf of IHS and Indian Country when I say simply 'thank you.'"