Essentia Health names Samuel Moose Director of Tribal Government Relations

Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is announcing a key new hire this week — Samuel Moose has been named Director of Tribal Government Relations.

In this new role, Moose will act as the primary liaison between Essentia and tribal governments across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. His mission: to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, support culturally responsive care, and ensure tribal health priorities are reflected in strategic decisions.

Moose brings more than 25 years of experience in tribal health and human services. He’s held leadership roles with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Essentia leaders say Moose’s experience advancing tribal self-governance and shaping policy at the state and federal levels will help guide the organization’s work with Tribal Nations across the Upper Midwest.

Moose says he’s honored to take on the new role and looks forward to supporting Essentia’s mission of improving the lives of Indigenous patients and families.

He’ll also represent Essentia on national health policy forums, including work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Indian Health Board.