Alaska Inter-Tribal Council : Advocating for Alaska Tribal Governments

TITLE: A resolution supporting the need for Elder Respite Care for Alaska Natives who wish to reside in their home communities to continue their traditional way of life among their families.

WHEREAS, the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council is a statewide consortium of federally recognized tribes in Alaska, which share a common bond with unique cultures, languages, spirituality, and traditional values; established in 1992 and is changed to advocate for the inherent rights of tribes in Alaska; and

WHEREAS, tje general population, including Native communities throughout Alaska, are currently witnessing a higher number of people living longer, and

WHEREAS, the Native members, our "Elders," who are living longer in their respective communities generally do not wish to travel to cities where Elder Respite Care is more easily accessible; and

WHEREAS, Elders generally wish to stay in their home community to complete their journey on this earth, staying on the land and among the loved ones that can bring comfort to them and to those left behind; and

WHEREAS, the Native community members of the above said ageing population wish to help in caring for their own family members and would like to see their own Elders stay within their home communities with the resources necessary to help teach and pass on important cultural history; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that AI-TC does hereby support the need for Elder Respite Care for Alaska Natives who wish to reside in their home communities to continue their traditional way of like among their families, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that AI-TC sees the need for resources and funds for assistance in Elder Respite Care.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this resolution shall be the policy of AI-TC until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.

CERTIFICATION

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2005 Annual Convention at the AI-TC held at the Coast International Inn, in Anchorage, Alaska on December 7, 2005 with a quorum present.

Submitted by: Village of Kake