Establishing a Working Group
The working group is tasked with gathering community information to identify the areas of concern to be addressed, including “who, what, where, when and how”. Always involve both male and female tribal Elders when establishing the working group. The working group may choose to assign its members specific responsibilities such as; facilitator, organizer, cultural interpreters (Elders), and task groups. Additional working group members should include:
- Tribal leaders who have experience with tribal governance or the authority within tribal government
- Law enforcement, especially tribal officers if available
- Title VI Director, Elderly Services Coordinator, or aging services staff
- Indian Health Service representative, behavioral health provider, or another medical professional
- Financial service representative
- Spiritual leader or healers
Resources
- National Indian Council On Aging, The Elder Abuse Task Force (2008). Using your tribal values to develop Elder protection code: A step-by-step guide for communities.
- Native American Elder Justice Initiative. Civil and criminal Elder protection code examples.
- Native American Elder Justice Initiative. Online Interactive Educational Sections.
