On Friday, June 26, the Division of Social Services hosted the 3rd Annual Elders Symposium. The half-day event began with an opening prayer provided by Southern Ute Tribal Council Member, Marjorie Barry. A healthy lunch and refreshing drinks provided by staff, local food and beverage vendors. Attendees along with caretakers were greeted with educational swag from local vendors and tribal departments.
The Elder Appreciation Symposium is held in recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month and is designed to honor, celebrate, and support Native American Elders. The event provided education on elder abuse prevention, available community resources, and services that promote the safety, well-being, and independence of Elders.
In addition, the symposium offered an opportunity for Elders, caregivers, families, and community members to come together, build connections, share experiences, and express appreciation for the invaluable contributions Elders make to our communities and future generations.
The event was well attended by local elders who participated in dialogue that included health eating tips, brain health, cognitive exams, kinship, foster care, acupuncture therapy, elder abuse awareness, elder and youth mentorship building, and recommended evacuation protocols to consider during hazardous weather or emergency response events. The symposium also hosted seven vendors that included Visiting Angels, Food Distribution, CHR Program, and Rooted Resin.
Education materials were provided to attendees that provided ideas on becoming more social active to encourage a positive mental health along with a few exercises that were demonstrated by Karen Forest, Southern Ute Public Health Nurse for the Southern Ute Health Center. Forest also discussed the importance of brain health and how that relates to the prevalence of dementia. Fall prevention, footcare and safe footwear were also discussed with a STEADI risk assessment model provided as a checklist for annual exams, medication lists, etc. Tribal Health Dietician, Lisa Smith, provided reviews of local restaurants and their menus to point out healthy entrees that are available in local tribal community.
The Rose Café, Rolling Thunder Grille, Cuevas Tacos, and Farmers Fresh Bar and Grille graciously participated in the activity by providing their menus and collaborative dialogue to share with elders and their families.
The Department of Social Services provided a brief overview of foster care and the importance of cultural teachings by the elders as a key component of positive kinship for youth in the foster care programs.
Family Treatment Therapist, Angelina Whitehorse provided an overview of Acupuncture Therapy and how it is not as invasive as one might think. Several elders in attendance took advantage of the therapy during the event. Leann Wesley presented the importance of health relationships amongst the youth and the elders.
Elders provided dialogue that included being positive with one another, fostering more positive mentorship with the tribal community, encouraging youth to learn the Ute language, and for more to participate in cultural events.
The event closed with a prayer from Denise Thompson, Southern Ute Elders Committee Vice-Chairperson. This is an annual event and all in attendance look forward to the event next year.
Should you have any questions related to the Elders Symposium, please feel free to contact Lisa Bond, Division of Social Services Social Worker, at 970-563-2331.