Elders Council

The Pokagon Band Elders Council is an instrumentality of the Pokagon Band Government. The Elders Council shall be organized for the purpose of: A. Providing guidance for the membership, Tribal Council, Judiciary, Executive, and Legislative branches of the Pokagon Band Government on matters Relative to history, tradition, and culture. B. Recommending to the Tribal Council goals and procedures to make changes and objectives for the Band in developing Elder-related services. C. Evaluating Elder program performance. D. Administering certain Elder programs, with the prior approval of the Tribal Council. E. Providing opportunities for Elders to interact for the purpose of satisfying unmet cultural and social needs.

gékyathêk naganzéthêk

ELDERS COUNCIL

Elders Council Members and Terms

NAME TITLE TERM ENDS

JUDY WINCHESTER CHAIRWOMAN NOVEMBER 2022

VACANT VICE CHAIR NOVEMBER 2023

JUDY AUGUSTA SECRETARY NOVEMBER 2022

TOM WILSON TREASURER NOVEMBER 2023

CATHY FORD BARBARA ANN WARREN MEMBERAT-LARGE NOVEMBER 2022 ELDERS REPRESENTATIVE AUGUST 2024

Beaded Rose Bag, Artist Unknown

Changes to the Work Plan

The Elders population continues to grow each year. For 2022 there are a projected total of 782 Elders. As the pandemic has hit our families and country the Elders Council value and appreciate the programs and the Elders stipends. Within five years the projected number of Elders will be 1,052 in 2027. Within the various tiers, the increase of Elders, it is imperative to listen to their needs. Speaking and listening to the needs of our Elders is vital information to help advocate for new services and programs.

Goals for 2022

The Elders Council realize that it is necessary to record the history of the Elders Council. How the Elders Council was formed, who the Officers are that have served, recording each Officers name, information, provide pictures, provide what was available for the Elders at the beginning and how the various programs and services have grown and impacted the lives and stability of our Elders. We realize that it is our responsibility to research, and to document the history and make it available for the future seven generations and beyond. The Elder’s Council is putting together a “welcome to 55” brochure, along with providing information about the Elders Council, Elders staff, programs and the various services that are offered.

Activities

In 2021 with the pandemic continuing, the Elders Council provided their meetings all online via MicroSoft Teams. Elders were able to call in and participate from all over. This being a new challenge, allowing our Elders to speak their concerns is very important. There were no long trips. When allowed the Elders did hold the summer picnic that was greatly attended at the Pavilion at the Rogers Lake property with close to 100 Elders in attendance. The Elders provided a fun sunny afternoon allowing them to bring a couple of their grandchildren to enjoy the Potawatomi Zoo, eat box lunches together and enjoy the day. During the summer Tribal Council gave the Elders the suite at the South Bend Cubs to attend two different games. The Elders Council supported Tribal owned ESPIN VR, renting the entire building that provided the Elders access to all 14 Virtual Reality stations. The coaches assisted with getting the Elders in and out of the VR headsets, teaching them how to interact with the virtual worlds. Two different dates were held, allowing Elders to attend for a lunch and afternoon virtual experience, and a dinner followed by the evening virtual experience. The evening event offered Elders that are still working the opportunity to participate in the activity. Elders that attended appreciated Tom Johnson the opportunity for the evening and expressed the desire for more.

with his grandson, Colt

Star Beaded Bag, Artist Unknown The lawn care and snow removal programs continued for the Elders, allowing for $200 reimbursement per Elder. The Elders also received the a $150 one time gift we have been providing at Christmas time. This year the Elders were also suprised with a $400 deposit in their accounts on December17, 2021. Since the travel budget had a large portion that was not being spent due to the pandemic, the Elders Council working closely with the finance department were given the suggested amount of $400. Elders Council Chairwoman Judy Winchester went before the Finance Board to request that a portion of the travel budget be moved into the program services budget, and to provide each Elder with the one-time payment of $400. Judy spoke to the Finance Board about how many of our Elders don’t have cell phones, computers, internet, nor do they want to learn those things. That during the pandemic they might not be aware of different new programs. Judy identified that many of our Elders are the hierarchy of our families, the person in which children, grandchildren, etc., go to when they have a problem. Also, that sadly to say we do still have Elders who can not read. That it is our responsibility to respectfully advocate for our Elders. The Finance Board unanimously supported the request, and 2 days later the Finance

The Zagbëgon students made these Christmas cards for the Elders Council.

Department worked and the Elders each received the one-time payment of $400. Chi-migwetth to the staff and everyone who made this a wonderful special payment to the Elders. The Elders were sent the yearly calendars just in time for 2022!! Over the last 10 years, the number of Elders who have passed each year has been 14. Sadly, in 2020 we lost 29 Elders and and 24 in 2021. When we are made aware of funerals for our Elders and their spouses, we sent plants. Plants are sent one time a year if an Elder or their spouse, is admitted in the hospital. The growth of the Elders population speaks for itself in the need for a larger new Elders Building. The Elders Council continue to advocate for this to happen. Elders Council continues to serve the Elders and provide open communication to fulfill their needs. We are thankful for the opportunities which are provided. As we are the ones who are living the dreams of so many individuals that worked to achieve our reaffirmation, we know that it is imperative at this time to provide the respect and thankfulness to put this in our history. Chi Migwetth,

Judy Winchester Elders Council Chairwomen