The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) will be closed on Thursday, September 21, 2017 in observance and celebration of NICOA American Indian and Alaska Native Elders’ Day. This day is important to Indian Country because September 21, 1976 is recognized as the day that NICOA was founded by Tribal Leaders, community advocates, and AI/AN Elders. We encourage our staff, community members, adult children, grandchildren, and tribal leaders to help us honor Native Elders for their contribution to our people and Nations. This is an opportune time to hug your Elder and to take time to listen to their personal stories and the stories of our people. Celebrate our AI/AN Elders – Aging is not done alone — It takes a village to age with dignity.
Some great resources on honoring our Elders:
- Success Stories: Honor Your Elders http://www.nativepartnership.org/site/PageServer?pagename=airc_ss_generational
- Being Native Means Honoring Our Elders https://indiancountrymedianetwork.com/news/opinions/being-native-means-honoring-our-elders/
- The Importance of Elders and Family in Native American Culture http://blog.nrcprograms.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/importance1.pdf
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