Honoring Our Elders

 BC Association of Aboriginal

Friendship Centres Presentation

Introducing…

Elder Marge WhiteNAFC Senator, founding member BCAAFC Elders Council

Lisa MercureBCAAFC Elder Coordinator

Elders Introductions

Embracing Our Elders Presentation Outline

Brief history of the BCAAFC Elders Council

Role of Aboriginal Elders

Ways Elders can be supported

Types of Elders abuse

Preventing abuse of Elders

Recounting Elders stories of abuse

Ways Elders are involved in Friendship Centres

Brief history of the BCAAFC Elders Council

In 2005, the BCAAFC Elders Council was founded by Elders:

Marge White-NAFC Senator, Vancouver George Cook-BCAAFC Elder Representative, Victoria Buzz Morrisette, Kamloops

In June 2005, the BCAAFC Elders Council Terms of Reference were accepted by the BCAAFC Provincial Board of Directors.

The BCAAFC is committed to bringing together all Elders and Youth attending BCAAFC meetings.

Aboriginal communities appoint Elders

Not defined by age or the ‘Gold Care Card’

Every Elder has a gift to share-wisdom…either cultural knowledge and/or a wealth of life experience

Elders include: teachers, advisors, mediators and medicine people

Elders are role models

Definition of an “Elder”

By talking about Elder Abuse…

Communities will become aware and watch for signs of abuse and neglect

We will understand how Elder abuse occurs

We can empower vulnerable Elders

Strategy #1: Education

Education

Bring Elders together to support each other

Ask the Elders what they need/want

Engage Elders to participate in a meaningful way

Help Elders reclaim their power

Support Elders to change negative situations

Teach self-protection and assertiveness

Help Elders understand their rights

Elders supporting Elders

Strategy #2: Empowering Elders

Empowering Elders

Elder Ruth Cook talking to youth Annual BCAAFC Aboriginal Youth

Conference

-Communities provide a range of services that can be adapted to assist vulnerable Elders

-all can be trained on how to respond to Elder abuse

Strategy #3: Community Services

EMPOWERING ELDERS: -Friendship Centres-First Nation Bands-Aboriginal Housing-Métis locals-Elder support workers -Banks-RCMP -Community health reps-Family support workers-social workers -Community Centre -Libraries-Meals on Wheels -Public transit

Create an Age-Friendly leadership group that meets regularly

Who in YOUR community can support Elders?

Community Support s

Vancouver Island Elders Lunches

Abuse is the mistreatment of Elders by those in a position of trust, power or responsibility for their care

Physical Spiritual Emotional Mental Financial Sexual Neglect

Types of Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse

Physical-signs of bruises Mental-shaming Elders into feeling unworthy

Emotional-guilting Elders into caring for grandkids

Spiritual-denying Elders access to their religion of choice

Sexual-generational effects of Residential School Financial-controlling bank accounts and cashing cheques

Neglect-limited access to community and family

Types of Elder Abuse

Building a community action plan for Elders

Monthly Luncheons to address different topics

Coordinating Elder services

Encouraging Elders to get involved and use their skills

How will your community support Elders

How Elders are involved in Friendship Centres

Elder Groups or Councils

Monthly Luncheons

Elder advisors in programs

Elders providing guidance to employees

Elder representative on Board of Directors

Elders in Friendship Centres

Elder Groups or Councils

Monthly Luncheons

Elder advisors in programs

Elders providing guidance to employees

Elder representative on Board of Directors

Elders involved in BCs Friendship Centres

Nature walk-identifying Medicines with a Penticton Elder

We appreciate your guidance in sharing how we can embrace our

Elders

Thank you…