Dr. Joseph Giovannetti has served UIHS in many capacities, beginning in 1985 as a summer volunteer counselor in the fledgling counseling department. He later served nearly 10 years on the United Indian Health Services Board of Directors, first as alternate representative and later as Tribal Representative for the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Tribe.
Dr. Giovannetti has served on the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Tribal Council since 2007 and is currently in his seventh term. His commitment to both the Tribal Council and UIHS Board is driven by a passion for serving his community and improving the lives of his people. He is also a published Native mythologist.
Raised in Eureka by his Tolowa grandparents, Dr. Giovannetti earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Humboldt State University before receiving his Ph.D. in psychology from Sierra University in 1987. He spent 14 years working in Native American education and later taught Native American Studies at Humboldt State University for 24 years, including serving as department chair.
Advocacy remains central to his work. “Advocacy for my people is one of my favorite things,” he shared. His goals for UIHS include expanding healthcare and Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) services while advocating for equity in healthcare funding and resources for Native American communities.
Joe and his wife, Carla, will celebrate 52 years of marriage this September. They have two children and 12 grandchildren, whom he proudly admits he loves to spoil. An avid genealogist, he enjoys preserving family histories and lineages.
His passion for Native American culture, history, and storytelling includes exploring native resiliency within the historical context of racism and genocide. His academic work continues this commitment. A chapter he authored, tentatively titled Integrated Trauma, is scheduled for publication in 2027 as part of an overview of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Truth and Healing Commission, on which he has served as a representative since 2019.
Through decades of service, education, and advocacy, Joe continues making meaningful contributions to UIHS and his community.
