The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) hosted its 24th conference on Aging in Indian Country this September (9/25-9/29) at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina. The theme was “A Trail of Determination: Our Culture, Our History, and Our Future”.
IA² had three of our team members attend and present on behalf of our organization: Mary Ann OMeara, MPH (Senior Public Health Programs and Communications Associate), Peggy Jo Archer (Director of the Native American Elder Justice Initiative, NAEJI), and Breana Dorame (Tribal Public Health and Aging Associate). We presented in five workshop sessions that included:
- “Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse in Indian Country” – Peggy Jo Archer
- “The International Association for Indigenous Aging Initiatives and Resources” – Mary Ann OMeara & Breana Dorame
- “Share Your Story Today: Indigenous Perspectives and Taboos on Memory Loss” – Mary Ann OMeara & Breana Dorame
- “Dementia Friends for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities” – Mary Ann OMeara & Breana Dorame
- “Provide Feedback on Brain Health Resources for Tribal Communities” – Mary Ann OMeara & Breana Dorame
It was an honor for NICOA to include us in their conference and be invited to the land of the Cherokee people. IA2 connected with people from across the country including tribal elders, caregivers, colleagues, health professionals, and elder advocates. Native elders are pillars of their communities and provide wisdom and leadership over generations.
