The National Indian Council On Aging, Inc. (NICOA), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen’s Association that called for a national organization focused on 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 several grants from agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NICOA operates as a National Sponsor of the federal Senior Community Service Employment program (SCSEP) in 8 states through a grant from the Department of Labor. For over 40 years, the organization has provided service as the nation’s foremost advocate for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.
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, and a representative of the National Association of Title VI Grantees. NICOA voting membership consists of American Indian and Alaska Native Elders age 55 and over. Non-voting associate members include Indians under the age of 55 and non-Indians of all ages.
NICOA’s objectives are as follows:
- Enhance communications and cooperation with community service providers and other aging organizations that represent and advocate for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.
- Provide information and technical assistance for Native American communities to improve health care for American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.
- Network with appropriate agencies to maximize resources, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service delivery systems for Elders.
- Provide information, reports and expert testimony requested by Tribal Nations and the US Congress.
- Provide a clearinghouse for information on issues affecting American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.
Read more about NICOA’s strategic plan, its bylaws, our staff, and membership opportunities. Or contact NICOA. NICOA members submit resolutions which are presented and voted on by all members attending our Aging Conferences every other year. Resolutions that are approved are passed on to the National Congress of American Indians for presentation to the appropriate Federal Government Agencies.
