Description:
The National Indian Council on Aging, Inc. (NICOA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association who called for a national organization focused on the needs of aging American Indian and Alaska Native elders. The mission of NICOA is to advocate for improved comprehensive health, social services and economic wellbeing for American Indian and Alaska Native elders. In addition to providing service through the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NICOA operates as a national sponsor for the Senior Community Service Employment Program authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act. As of 2006, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, NICOA has operated this program in eight states, serving more than 800 participants who receive employment training and experience. NICOA is governed by a 13-member board of directors composed of American Indian and Alaska Native elders representing each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions, as well as a representative of the National Association of Title VI Grantees. The regions are: Alaska, Eastern, Great Plains, Midwest, Navajo, Northwest, Eastern Oklahoma, Pacific, Rocky Mountain, Southern Plains, Southwest and Western. NICOA’s voting members consist of American Indian or Alaska Native elders age 55 or older from federally recognized tribes. NICOA also has non-voting memberships for individuals who do not meet these requirements. Non-voting associate members include American Indians or Alaska Natives under the age of 55 and non-Indians of all ages. Elders are encouraged to join to have their voices heard.