Living at the Elders complex brings special services for tribal member elders living in the community. Since 2024, the tribal elders have been receiving one meal a day from the tribal administration budget(s). These meals are provided through an outside agency, not linked with tribal employment or law.

The position responsible for ensuring tribal elders get their daily meals was held by a tribal member coordinator. In the past 3 years, the elders program has lost 3 productive, providing, and protective Elder Workers. All three were tribal members of the community.

The original posting was for a Directorship position. But the tribe’s Health Board downgraded it to coordinator status. They represent the Indian Health Services or IHS, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Indian People.

The last two coordinators addressed the shortfall in meals because of government shutdowns. They established a soup and salad bar for Fridays when no meals would be provided. Due to government closures.

The meals are nothing unique, but a consistent source for many elders who are struggling financially. It also provides a means to unite elders in a common area. This promotes community involvement where issues of the tribe can be discussed among elders.

The coordinators also provided daily activities, like arts and crafts, for interested elders. This was highly successful, and many tribal elders participated. Hand-made moccasin training was a highlight last summer. This was done together with a tribal council member who conducts ceremonies for his members.

Now the services have stopped, and there is no fresh morning coffee, especially on Fridays.

It sure was nice seeing so much attention being provided to the Elder community.

Today, the soup and salad bar is closed, no coffee,

Tribal Elders were really showing up on Fridays; it seems sad that it was stopped.

Elders want to know why?

In today’s world, it is harassing to question government inefficiency.

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