Nine Elders traveled to Mystic Lake Casino to participate in the 4th Annual Indigenous Elder Abuse Awareness Conference. This two-day conference was full of pertinent information about Elder abuse. We learned what it is, who does it, where to get help for both the perpetrator and the victim and how to stop it. The Elders who participated will be giving a presentation about what they learned to our EMS staff at one of their monthly training sessions.
Participating in this type of conference helps Elders become more knowledgeable, assertive and maintain their ability to stay independently living in their own homes and communities. A Chi Miigwech to the Tribal Council for sending us.
We returned home just in time for the annual Elder’s Powwow held the day before Mother’s Day. Although there was a smaller attendance this year we enjoyed ourselves. It was great to see family members and friends. We appreciate the lovely corsages given to all mothers over 50 years of age from the ENP, the drumming, dancing, visiting, reconnecting, the gift and the delicious meal provided. Truly this is a wonderful way to celebrate spring and our mothers. Miigwech to the Tribal Council and the Powwow committee for all you do.
Heading home from the Elders Abuse conference and ready to share what they have learned are (L-R) Jason Burnett, Joe Porter, Dido Swader.
The Elders held a 50/50 raffle at the Powwow. The winner this year was our own Eddie Hertzberg. This is fitting as she and her husband Bob usually sell the most tickets. Congratulations Eddie and thank you to Alexis Denny, our Tiny Tot princess for drawing the winning ticket.
We are looking forward to participating in the Ruby’s Pantry project this month. The ENP will be providing transportation to those community members interested.
The ENP will be hosting a day with Marjori Bottila to sign up for Medicare, learn about Medicare and learn about how to avoid scams and fraud. These events are always very informative and delicious as pizza will be provided for the evening session.
We will end our twice weekly “Reading w/Kids” program on May 26. All our volunteers are invited to have lunch with the students from Oshki Ogimaag School. The ENP will provide ice cream cones and reading certificates for all the children. This year we will partner with the local education department and offer reading once a week with interested students during their summer program. It has been wonderful to see the improved reading skills of these students and a privilege to make friends with these terrific young people. As the school year comes to an end the ENP would like to offer their congratulations to all the graduating students.
Above left: The day before Mother’s Day was the traditional “Honor our Elders” Powwow at the Grand Portage Community Center. Mary Ann Gagnon—with the lovely corsage given all moms—was selling Powwow merchandise. Above right: Young and old enjoy the Elders’ Powwow. Shirley Stevens gets a hug from her great niece Alexis Denny, the Grand Portage Tiny Tot Princess.
Job well done and we wish much success in your future!
Cook County has a vibrant and active community of elders. Each week we will offer Senior News to highlight our senior citizens. This week’s submission is about the Grand Portage Elder Nutrition Program courtesy of Patty Winchell- Dahl.
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