Albuquerque, NM —National Indian Council on Aging’s (NICOA) Protecting Native Elders Project has received funding from Next50, a national foundation based in Colorado that supports efforts to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. This funding will allow NICOA in partnership with local tribes and pueblos to advance elder protection efforts for American Indians in Albuquerque and nearby Pueblos.  

“We’re committed to meeting the unique and varied needs of older adults in our area, so we are excited to work with our urban Indian organizations and nearby Pueblos to develop ways to protect elders from abuse,” said Billie Tohee, Acting Executive Director of NICOA. “This investment from Next50 will allow for raised awareness of the need for all of us to come together to allow elders to age safely in their community.”

“We believe in powering innovation in aging,” said Peter Kaldes, President & CEO of Next50. “That’s why we are grateful for the work that NICOA is doing to improve the quality of life for older adults. We are proud to support their impactful efforts.”

About Next50 Initiative

Next50 is a national, private foundation based in Colorado that supports efforts to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. The foundation works with community leaders, experts in the field of aging, and front-line professionals to support innovative programs and projects that positively impact aging and longevity.

To learn more about Next50, click here.

Do you want to improve aging services for American Indian and Alaska Native elders?

If so, become an advocate and learn more about supporting Native elders! NICOA is the premier organization on Native aging, and we invite you to become a member. Anyone can become a member, regardless of their age or tribal affiliation.

All elders are encouraged to join and have their voices heard. Be an important part of a national membership network and become a NICOA member by applying today. Memberships are for two calendar years.

Code WACK, powered by HEAL California, is a weekly podcast that uplifts powerful, relatable stories about our healthcare system and what we can do about it. It reveals the healthcare hassles that threaten peace of mind and our financial security. For this episode, Code Wack spoke to Billie Tohee (Otoe-Missouria Tribe) about healthcare inequities in Native communities and problems they encounter when using Indian Health Service (IHS).

 “A person in Central Navajo Nation may have to drive a hundred miles one way just to get to an Indian Health facility, and then you’ve got the drive back. So it’s not an easy feat and that’s only one reservation. We have reservations all over the United States and Canada that are facing this dilemma of healthcare. It’s not always easily accessible” -Billie Tohee 

Listen as Acting Executive Director Billie Tohee discusses what’s being done to help Native American Elders receive culturally competent long term care. 

On January 24, NICOA Staff Agnes Maldonado and Leslie Maly traveled to Santa Fe to take part in a Blue Zones Bound event. The event was sponsored by the Aging and Long-Term Services Department, Office of Indian Elder Affairs. The motivation behind the event is to foster discussions and collaborations with policymakers, healthcare leaders, tribal representatives, and older adults in New Mexico. These conversations can begin the process towards New Mexico becoming a Blue Zone state.

The keynote speaker was Dan Buettner, the originator of the concept of Blue Zones. Blue Zones are places across the globe where people live the longest, healthiest lives. They include Ikaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Ogliastra region, Sardinia, Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Mr. Buettner and a team of researchers identified nine lifestyle practices that stood out as the reason these people were so healthy.

It is no surprise that what you eat is a big part of living a healthy life. Eating home cooked meals with friends and family is good for you. There is also room for special occasions and splurges, it is about finding a good balance. Regular movement is encouraged. Finding a sense of community with family and friends and letting go of stress makes a big difference.

It you want to learn more about Blue Zones, click below.

These days it makes sense to gather your paperwork and get your taxes filed early. With electronic filing you can receive your refund quickly. If filing your taxes feels overwhelming, there are IRS certified volunteers who can assist you. Check out the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Site Locator to see if there is a location near you. 

There are also locations based in Indian Country and the IRS has compiled a list that is a work in progress. Click here for more information. Please call to verify before making a visit. 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available to people who meet one of the following criteria:

• People who make $64,000 or less
• Persons living with disabilities
• People who are Limited English speaking
• An Older Adult, 60 years of age or older

Check out this list of what to bring, it includes proof of identification, wage and earning statements and other financial details.

• Sac & Fox Tribe January 2024
• Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe January 2024
• Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians January 2024
• Tlingit & Haida Tribal News 4th Quarter 2023

2023 was the year for Native stories in Western media. From TV shows to movies, Indian Country was excited about the Indigenous voices and perspectives in entertainment with most projects including Native creatives in front of and behind the camera. Below is a list of Native stories to check out!  

• Killers of the Flower Moon (Movie) 

An American Western movie set in 1920s Oklahoma. It focuses on the “Osage Reign of Terror”, in which members of the Osage tribe were being targeted due to oil money. It is based on the Killers of the Flower Moon book by David Grann.

Check out the movie trailer here.

• Reservation Dogs (Hulu TV Show)

Following the lives of four native teenagers in rural Oklahoma, this comedy-drama TV show is the first American series to feature an all-Indigenous team of writers, directors and actors, and debuted its final season this year.

Check out the trailer for the final season here.

• Frybread Face & Me (Netflix Movie)

It is a comedy-drama movie that follows two adolescent native cousins- one raised in San Diego and the other raised on the reservation-as they spend the summer on the reservation.

Check out the movie trailer here. 

• Dark Winds (AMC TV Show)

It is a thriller TV show that is based on the Leaphorn & Chee series by Tony Hillerman. Set in the 1970s Southwest, it follows two native police officers in their investigations of crimes. Check out the trailer here.  

The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2) is gathering stories on memory loss, caregiving or the numerous taboos and misconceptions about memory loss and dementia in Native communities.

They are giving gift cards to those who participate by sharing their story and a photo. The story must be about your lived experience in the American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian community. Participants also have the option to remain anonymous within your story or just want to share a nickname.