Do you want to improve aging services for American Indian and Alaska Native elders? If so, become an advocate and learn more about supporting Native elders. The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) is the premier organization on Native aging, and we invite you to become a member. Anyone can become a member, regardless of their age or tribal affiliation (or lack thereof).
All elders are encouraged to join and have their voices heard. Be an important part of a national membership network and become a NICOA member by applying online (coming soon) or by mail. Memberships are for two calendar years. Click here for detailed instructions on how to fill out the form.
Membership offers many valuable benefits. In addition to helping us continue our work for the elders we serve, as a member, you will receive NICOA’s online bimonthly newsletter, legislative updates on important issues and resolutions affecting elders, a NICOA pin, voting privileges and discounted registration fees to attend our biennial conferences. You will also have the option of participating in surveys and information gathering (for NICOA use only), as well as access to any webinars we create without cost.
Registration for our biennial American Indian Elders Conference requires membership. Pricing is based on your membership type, which is available for purchase online or by mail. You must apply for or renew your membership before registering for the conference. NICOA’s membership is effective through December 31, 2024.
Associate (Non-Voting) Membership
NICOA has non-voting, associate memberships for individuals who do not meet the age and/or tribal enrollment requirements. Non-voting associate members include American Indians or Alaska Natives under the age of 55 as well as non-Indians of all ages. Non-voting members are the stakeholders that ensure services reach Native elders, and their advocacy amplifies the voices of our elders.
Voting Membership
A voting member can be any American Indian or Alaska Native elder age 55 or older from a federally recognized tribe. These members must be enrolled members of an American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band or combination of bands and tribes, recognized by the United States Department of the Interior.
Voting members will need to show proof of tribal enrollment, such as a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card, as recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior. You can show proof of your tribal enrollment, by emailing a copy to Cheryl Archibald; faxing a copy to (505) 292-1922, Attn: Cheryl Archibald; or mailing a copy to the National Indian Council on Aging, Attn: Membership Dues, 8500 Menaul Blvd. NE, Ste. B-470, Albuquerque, NM 87112.
If we do not receive a copy of your tribal enrollment or CDIB, you will have to pay additional fees before attending our biennial conference. If you have any questions, call Cheryl Archibald at (505) 292-2001 or send an email.
Voting Membership Privileges
Qualifying as a voting member is the most cost-effective way to attend NICOA’s American Indian Elders Conference. If you want to vote in your regional caucus session during the conference, you must be a registered voting member of NICOA. Voting members actively participate in regional caucus sessions representing each of the 12 NICOA regions. They also participate in the election of board members, submit aging-specific resolutions for approval at the general council meetings, revise bylaws and develop collective aging policy agendas for NICOA to advocate in Washington, D.C.
Voting members submit resolutions which are presented and voted on by all members attending our biennial conference. Our conference is where elders can come to educate and recommend solutions to policymakers to help improve aging services across Indian Country. Resolutions that are approved are passed on to the National Congress of American Indians for presentation to the appropriate federal government agencies.
