New Elders' council formed to aid their own

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There's a new kid in town. Actually, it's a new organization. And while they may be fresh on the scene, they've been a long time in coming and they represent thousands. They are the B.C. Elders' Council.

Thirty-nine members strong, the council held its first annual general meeting during last month's Elders' Gathering in Port Coquitlam. The council addressed a number of topics, including approaching the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, many aspects concerning the annual Elders' Gathering, and petitioning financial support from provincial and federal governments.

The council started 10 months ago as a result of the ongoing efforts of Donna Stirling, its elected secretary. Stirling is also the co-ordinator of the B.C. Elders Communication Centre Society. She explained that she set up the Elders' Communication Network in mid-2000 and started the Elders' Voice Newsletter in December of that year. Last summer, the Elders' Web site was up and running: www.bcelders.com.

"Now, I am happy to say that all of these things are in place for the new B.C. Elders' Council to utilize, to start bringing about much needed change and improvements for our Elders, both on and off the reserve."

Of the newly formed council, Stirling said, "They are going to be a driving force."

Council member Jeanette McMaster from the Okanagan Nation said, "I became involved with the council because I see so many of our urban Elders without representation, and I believe I can be a voice for them."

McMaster explained that council members are people who are concerned about the welfare of Elders in the community. "You're on a one-to-one basis, so that the Elders don't have to go through channels to voice their concerns," she said, adding that many Elders don't understand legal terms. "For instance, even when signing a will, they don't know what they're signing."

The first annual general meeting was also the first meeting with all of the council members. McMaster said they plan to meet every four months from now on, with the venues yet to be decided. "We're not funded by any company or government. All of the work we do right now is all volunteer."

McMaster emphasized the importance of Elders working to help Elders. "Our mission is to be a voice for the Elders who have no one to speak for them. We have the ability to speak on their behalf-a lot of Elders can't write or speak English.

"It's all right to have chief and council, but not too often do we hear from the chief and council ... they are in such demand they barely have time for themselves." McMaster added that the Elder's Council doesn't replace the chief and council; "it's merely an extension for them."

She explained that one of the council's resolutions at the meeting was to support Stirling's efforts, which have thus far gone unpaid. "She's been doing the work for several years, and we decided that when we get our funding we will give a salary to Donna for the B.C. council. I think it's only appropriate-she's doing lots of work for the Elders."

As for dwindling support for the once-a-year Elders' gathering, Stirling said, "It's time for the government to start supporting the Elders' event. It happens once and nobody supports it."

McMaster agreed. "There's so many things that the B.C. Elders' gathering can do but no one seems to care about these issues or they are too busy." While money for many other causes and initiatives pours in, the well for Elders runs dry. "Not even a penny," said McMaster.

McMaster also spoke about the prevalence of elder abuse, saying, "A lot of our Elders are abused verbally and physically by their own children and grandchildren. Their homes are invaded and taken over, but most are afraid to speak up for fear of retribution. We are going to make ourselves available, let them (Elders) know we're there for them to help them resolve their issues."

Helping Elders is something that Stirling will continue to do. "It has been said that change cmes in excruciatingly slow increments, but with so many people working on improving things for the Elders, on many levels, I believe that Elders can take hope that improvements will continue," said Stirling. She added that early next year the inaugural Elders' Native art auction will be online, a measure to support the interests of Elders.