The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) announced its 24th elder conference on aging will take place on September 25-29, 2023, at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee, North Carolina.
Elder Conference Opportunities
This year’s theme is “A Trail of Determination: Our Culture, Our History and Our Future.” This theme speaks to American Indian and Alaska Native elders having esteemed positions in their communities. And, they are a testament to the history and continued existence of Native peoples. This conference is the elders’ opportunity to share their wisdom, experience and knowledge with the world.
Further, the biennial conference is the place where elders can educate and recommend solutions to policymakers to help improve aging services across Indian Country. Equally important, NICOA’s American Indian Elders Conference offers the opportunity to elevate issues in American Indian politics and legislation, as well as focus on issues such as health, safety, financial management, elder abuse, caregiving, employment, retirement and the Older Americans Act.
Additionally, this conference will be an opportunity for tribal leaders, policymakers and tribal elders to express their needs and make policy recommendations for the vital events occurring in years to come. Therefore, tribal leaders, youths, service providers and policymakers are encouraged and welcomed to learn, share and shape those policies.
The 2023 conference will be held prior to significant events that will have an impact on American Indian and Alaska Native elders. These events will have a bearing on the format and content of the conference.
Elder Conference Agenda
The conference agenda includes keynote speakers from federal, state and tribal programs and agencies. They will provide program updates and listen to the aging needs of American Indian and Alaska Native elders.
Further, the conference offers voting members the chance to actively participate in regional caucus sessions representing each of the 12 NICOA regions and participate in the election of board members. Attendees will also submit aging-specific resolutions, revise bylaws and develop collective aging policy agendas for NICOA to advocate in Washington, D.C. Members can also submit resolutions, which are presented and voted on by all members attending the conference.
Approved resolutions are then passed on to the National Congress of American Indians for presentation to the appropriate federal government agencies.
Conference Registration
Elder Conference registration is available both online and by mail. Conference pricing is based on membership type, which is also available for purchase online and by mail. Attendees must apply for or renew memberships before registering for the conference. Discounted pricing is available to members.
