NICOA receives membership from the Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 19, 2024

Contact: Xavier Dominguez
Community Engagement Specialist
505-292-2001
[email protected]

NICOA receives membership from the NLC of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico – The National Indian Council of Aging, Inc. (NICOA) is proud to announce its new membership in the Native Leadership Collective (NLC) of Albuquerque as of Oct. 23.

NLC of Albuquerque is a Native-led collective composing of now 34 nonprofit organizations advocating and addressing the great needs of the Native community in Albuquerque.

Darius Lee Smith, chairperson of NLC, expressed his enthusiasm for the collective’s expansion and its commitment to community support.

“The collective is excited to have a national elder-focused nonprofit as our 34th member. We look forward to having NICOA as one of our many advisors as we mobilize our efforts to bring an urban Indigenous resource center to our beautiful city of Albuquerque,” Smith said.

The Native Leadership Collective plays a vital role in holding institutions and governments accountable to the Native American community in Albuquerque, which represents over 8.2% of the city’s population. NLC serves as a voice for all generations of Native Americans, striving to enhance cultural, social, and economic well-being in the region.

Billie Tohee, Executive Director of NICOA, expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to join the NLC, and highlighted the importance of collaborations like these.

“The National Indian Council on Aging is a National Native organization advocating for Native Elders across the nation. NICOA recognizes our local community as an important part of its mission and values. It is NICOA’s privilege and honor to be invited to partner and collaborate with the Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque,” Tohee said.

Cutline: Members of the Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque welcome the National Indian Council Aging, Inc. as a new member.

Contact: Xavier Dominguez ([email protected]) for photo.

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About the Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque

The Native Leadership Collective of Albuquerque (NLC) is a vital entity, comprising Executive Directors and Owners of 34 Native-led nonprofit organizations and Indian-owned businesses. It plays a crucial role in representing our collective constituencies to inform and hold accountable institutions and governments regarding the local urban Native American community.

About the National Indian Council on Aging

Founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association who called for a national organization focused on aging American Indian and Alaska Native elders, the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA)’s mission is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services, and economic well-being for American Indian and Alaska Native elders. For more information, go to www.nicoa.org