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From L to R , Jerry Snell, CN Director of Human Services, Rick Richard, Cherokee Nation Home Health administrator presenting a check to Lisa James, director of Cherokee Nation Elder Services, to sponsor Elders Conference.

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Cherokee Nation is celebrating "Older Americans Month" by hosting an Elders Conference at Sequoyah High School on May 23 from 8:30 to 3:00.

"Years ago, the Federal government declared May as ''Older American’s Month'', but we honor our elders every day in our elders program", said Lisa James, director of the Cherokee Nation Elders Program. "We’re excited about this conference and are trying some different things to get our elders involved in identifying programs they want."

Workshops will be offered on medication management, depression among elders, food distribution, nutrition education, Medicare and Medicaid, and diabetes.

"One of the things we’re doing that’s really interesting is the Elders Caucus at 2:00", James said. "We will all come together after the morning workshops for a group discussion. We want to hear, from the elders, the things that are important to them. Then, we will develop resolutions to present to the Tribal Council, or letters to send to state and federal agencies, whatever it takes to get their concerns out there."

A portion of the conference cost is being defrayed by donations.

"We’re especially thankful to Cherokee Nation Home Health for their $500.00 donation", said Jerry Snell, director of Family Assistance. "It’s good to see the commitment other entities and programs have for our elders."

The conference is limited to 150 participants and pre-registration is required. Lunch is included in the day’s activities. For more information or to register, please contact Jeannette Williams, phone: 918-456-0671 (extension 2900).

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671