The National Society for American Indian Elderly (NSAIE) was established in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) organization. The NSAIE works to increase access to services and resources that will allow Native Elders to stay in their homes, as respected members of their communities and keepers of their traditions.

 

“Nothing but good shall come from it."

 

~ from the oral narrative of the origin of the peace pipe as transcribed from Black Elk, Oglala Sioux Holy Man, Black Elk Speaks.

 

The National Society for American Indian Elderly feels an obligation to do what we can to foster improved conditions for American Indian Elderly in full partnership with our member tribes. Good will come of it, when we extend the support that people need in a way that supports their cultural identity.

 

SOME National Society for American Indian Elderly PROJECTS INCLUDE:

 

100 Communities Grant: Our Voices, 1,000 Ways to Fight Abuse in Indian Communities Campaign.

 

This funding is being provided through a partnership with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) through a joint agreement. The purpose of this funding is to combat many abuses, including: drug, alcohol, domestic, elder, physical, mental, and, also, suicide amongst Native Americans through the development of volunteer programs in Native American communities.

 

Using established VISTA and Corporation for National and Community Service networks serving Native American communities, grants of $1,000 are awarded to interested communities on an ongoing basis. For more information, or to apply, please visit: www.scribd.com/doc/2890199/Overview100Communities

 

-The Knowledge Preservation Project:

 

A three-year grant funded by the Administration for Native Americans (www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/). This comprehensive program seeks to increase funding for projects and services for American Indian Elderly while supporting the preservation of traditional knowledge.

 

-Identifying Our Needs: A Survey of Elders II:

 

Funding for this project is provided through Administration for Native Americans (Grant) No. 90-NA-7829) and the Administration on Aging (www.aoa.gov/), (Grant No. 90-AM-0756 [NRCNAA]), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

AmeriCorps VISTA Program:

 

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) provides full-time members to assist with capacity building, grant writing, service enhancement, service coordination and other locally directed activities that help build better communities. The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service is to end poverty in all its forms. AmeriCorps VISTA, has members serving in more than 1,200 projects across the country.

 

The NSAIE currently has 15 AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers placed with tribes / at tribal organization locations throughout the country; that number is increasing as more members are being recruited year-round. The VISTA placements are made with our Member Tribes, who are spread across 25 states and comprise 63 tribal organizations (some tribal organizations are multi-tribal).

 

AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers serve in predominantly rural areas where the conditions for American Indian seniors are challenging, but where the project can have the most impact. The AmeriCorps NSAIE VISTAs work to supplement and increase services for American Indian Elders. Their work is based on the current identified needs for services, including: increased funding for nutrition services, creating and maintaining services to augment socialization opportunities, as well as transportation and in-home services.

 

The work VISTAs do makes a tremendous difference in the communities they serve. If you're interested in finding out more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, please visit: www.americorps.gov/about/programs/vista.asp. If you'd like to serve at one of the NSAIE sites, an online application can be found here: recruit.cns.gov/

 

- The NSAIE Tribal Summer Associates Program:

 

The Tribal Summer Associates Program allows volunteers an opportunity to accomplish community service goals while simultaneously receiving an educational award. The NSAIE members join teams of volunteers working on projects throughout Tribal lands and in Native communities throughout the United States. Summer Associates serve ten weeks in rural areas on reservations and, unlike year-long VISTA work assignments, are able to participate in direct service projects.

 

The NSAIE congratulates all 2009 Summer Associates upon receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award. There were 57 recipients, in total.

 

Feel free to send us an e-mail here: info@nsaie.org and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have. A year of service will change your life and the lives of people around you.