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A Message from the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) | |
Funding Delay in TEGL 16-24 Could Disrupt SCSEP Services Nationwide
The Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 16-24 for national grantees, which provides critical funding instructions for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), has not yet been released. This delay is creating uncertainty for national grantees, including the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA), and could result in serious consequences for hundreds of older job seekers across the country.
NICOA, a national SCSEP grantee, provides community service-based training opportunities for low-income, older adults—many of whom rely on the program as their sole source of income and pathway to employment. Without timely guidance and funding through TEGL 16-24, national grantees may be forced to place participants on furlough or reduce services, directly disrupting the stability of the very individuals the program was designed to support.
“This delay puts our participants in an extremely vulnerable position,” said Leslie Maly, SCSEP Director at NICOA. “We are trying to maintain continuity, but without the TEGL and the official funding authorization, we are left without the tools we need to operate.”
The lack of guidance affects not only program operations but also grantee obligations around budget planning, host agency coordination, and performance tracking. At a time when older workers continue to face significant barriers to employment, any disruption in SCSEP services undermines the progress made through years of advocacy and community partnership.
NICOA urges the Department of Labor to release TEGL 16-24 for national grantees immediately to ensure continued service and stability for SCSEP participants nationwide. As one of the only workforce programs dedicated specifically to older adults, SCSEP plays a vital role in promoting dignity, independence, and economic security.
We urge community members, advocates, and stakeholders to contact their Members of Congress and express strong support for the continuation of SCSEP funding and services. The voices of older adults, tribal communities, and their allies are essential in ensuring this critical program is not interrupted.
NICOA remains committed to serving tribal communities and underserved elders, and we will continue to advocate for swift action and sustained funding on behalf of the older adults who depend on this life-changing program.
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Please join us in welcoming Songtree Pioche as the new Programs Director for the Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) grant!
My name is Songtree Pioche (she/her/Uncí). I am Taos Pueblo and Oglala Lakota, married to my wonderful husband who is Navajo. I am honored to serve as the Programs Coordinator at the National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA).
Stepping into this role, I hold deep respect for those who came before me and acknowledge the transitions that have shaped this position. While I may be new to NICOA, I bring years of experience in education, advocacy, and policy—all centered in community, equity, and Indigenous leadership.
My journey has taken me through human resources administration, classrooms, community organizing, and leadership roles at the state level. I hold a BA in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Leadership and Building Native Nations and a minor in Business Management, graduating magna cum laude from the University of New Mexico. I remain grounded in a lifelong commitment to justice, intergenerational healing, and systems change. These lived and learned experiences guide my work at NICOA and deepen my purpose to serve our elders with respect and intention.
My first days at NICOA have included connecting with the dedicated staff and participating in federal, state, and tribal meetings—each space filled with fierce advocacy for our elders. I'm proud to join in celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act (OAA) this year.
Understanding the Older Americans Act (OAA)
The Older Americans Act, first passed in 1965, is a landmark law that supports services helping older adults live with dignity, independence, and respect in their homes and communities. For nearly 60 years, the OAA has funded programs that directly benefit elders—especially those facing economic hardship, social isolation, or cultural and geographic barriers.
Through partnerships with tribal nations, state agencies, and local organizations, the OAA funds essential services such as:
· Home-delivered and congregate meals
· Transportation and in-home support
· Legal and caregiver assistance
· Health promotion and wellness
· Elder abuse prevention
At NICOA, we advocate for policies like the OAA that recognize the inherent wisdom and value of our elders. The OAA is more than a policy—it is a promise that older adults will not be left behind.
Our work through the TARC grant—which strengthens aging services for American Indian and Alaska Native populations through technical assistance, resource development, and collaboration—builds on the foundation the OAA provides. It helps ensure that Native elders receive services that are culturally appropriate, accessible, and grounded in community values.
Call to Action
As Congress prepares for OAA reauthorization, we urge tribal leaders, advocates, and community members to speak up and support full and sustained funding for the Older Americans Act. This is our opportunity to ensure that Native elders are not only included—but prioritized—in the future of aging policy.
Thank you for welcoming me to this important work. I look forward to building relationships and continuing to uplift the voices of our elders together.
Respectfully,
Songtree Pioche
Spioche@nicoa.org
| | NICOA IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS | | |
SECURE YOUR SPOT
Registration ends August 15th, 2025 🚨
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Regular registration is LIVE! The National Indian Council on Aging (NICOA) invites you to secure your spot for the 2025 NICOA American Indian Elder Conference in Durant, Oklahoma from September 29 - October 3, 2025.
This biennial event, hosted by the National Indian Council on Aging, brings together American Indian and Alaska Native elders to elect new board members, establish the aging policy agenda, and discuss solutions to improve aging services across Indian Country.
Regular registration ends on August 15th, 2025.
You can register online or by mail using the conference forms on our website.
For any questions, please call our office at (505) 292-2001 or visit our website www.nicoa.org for the latest updates.
REGISTRATION FEES—All members must pay membership dues before registering for the conference. Under no circumstances will refunds be available after September 29, 2025.
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CALL FOR ARTIST! Calling All Native Artists!
Submit your artwork for the 2025 American Indian Elders Conference held at the Choctaw Casino Durant, Oklahoma! This year’s theme is:
“Native Elders from Four Directions - Sacred, Wisdom, Tradition, Language”
Chosen artwork will be recognized on the conference tee-shirts and on the title page of the conference program, and the winning artist will receive a $500 reward!.
Please submit artwork and its description to Billie Tohee at billietohee@nicoa.org.
Designs must be vector images.
Must fit a T-Shirt and banner
Must have 3 colors or less
please use the NICOA logo with its original colors or all white
Must be a Native artist
Don’t miss this opportunity to honor our Elders through your creativity!
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Become a NICOA Member:
2025-2027 Membership Available
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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! 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.
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 today.
Memberships are up for renewal on December 2, 2027.
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Recent Tribal Newsletters | | | |
New “Wandering Toolkit” Launched to Protect Native Elders with Dementia | |
The International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA²) has released a new resource called The Wandering Toolkit to help Native communities protect elders with dementia who may go missing. The toolkit addresses the growing crisis of wandering incidents among elders with Alzheimer’s and related dementias in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Developed with input from law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and community members, it offers culturally adapted strategies and step-by-step emergency plans. It includes prevention tools, response guidelines, and educational materials tailored for tribal communities. The toolkit aims to ensure elder safety while honoring cultural values and traditional practices.
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IHCRC Celebrates Major Expansion with Ribbon Cutting for New 62,000-Square-Foot Facility | |
The Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC) will hold a ribbon cutting on July 2, 2025, to celebrate the completion of its 62,000-square-foot facility expansion. The ceremony will feature a Cedar Blessing and marks the culmination of over a decade of planning to enhance healthcare services for the Tulsa-area American Indian community. The expanded facility will offer new services including occupational, physical, and speech therapy, along with upgrades in dental, optometry, wellness, and pharmacy departments. This project more than doubles the size of IHCRC’s existing clinic, which has served the community since 1999. IHCRC also continues its tradition of excellence with recent recognition from the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits and ongoing efforts to maintain national healthcare accreditation.
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Governor Newsom Awards $15 Million to Tribes for Economic Growth and Job Creation | |
California is awarding $15 million in grants to support 14 tribal communities in economic and workforce development. The projects funded include clean energy, healthcare career pathways, cultural site restoration, and business support. The initiative reflects the state's dedication to tribal leadership and long-term prosperity.
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Muscogee Nation Celebrates 5th Anniversary of McGirt Decision with Sovereignty Day
The Muscogee Nation celebrated the fifth anniversary of the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision with a Sovereignty Day event, honoring the Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed its reservation boundaries. Principal Chief David W. Hill emphasized that the decision confirmed the Nation’s long-standing sovereignty rather than granting it. The celebration included a panel titled Sovereignty in Action, highlighting tribal efforts in justice, healthcare, language, and economic development. Lead attorney Riyaz Kanji praised the case’s success as a reflection of the Nation’s truth and self-governance. A time capsule commemorating the occasion was sealed and will be opened in 2050, symbolizing the Nation’s continued dedication to sovereignty and future generations.
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Navajo Nation Breaks Ground on Western Navajo Pipeline to Deliver Clean Water to LeChee | |
The Navajo Nation held a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony for Phase I of the Western Navajo Pipeline – the LeChee Water System Improvement Project on June 18. This marks the beginning of long-awaited construction to bring clean, reliable water to the LeChee community, a project that has been in planning since 1996. Key milestones included over $159 million in funding from the Sihasin Fund and other legislation passed in 2016 and 2021. Navajo Nation leaders praised decades of community support, leadership, and spiritual guidance that helped bring the project to fruition. The event highlighted the importance of continued investment in essential infrastructure to improve the quality of life for the Navajo people.
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Interior Transfers 28,000 Acres to NANA Regional Corporation, Advancing Alaska Native Land Claims
The U.S. Department of the Interior has transferred nearly 28,000 acres of land to NANA Regional Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), bringing NANA’s total entitlement to over 713,000 acres—96% of its full allocation. This historic milestone helps fulfill longstanding federal obligations to Alaska Native corporations. NANA President John Lincoln expressed gratitude for the support of federal leaders and emphasized the importance of the land selections made by past Elders. The transferred land, located near the proposed Ambler Road corridor, enhances local control over development and resource use. The move also aligns with federal efforts to reduce regulatory barriers and support economic opportunity in Alaska.
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We are committed to providing services for Native elders, but the power to provide starts with you.
Your support brings attention, education, and improved services to elders and people with disabilities across Indian Country. Every elder deserves access to the services and resources necessary to age independently, with dignity, and in their chosen community.
Consider donating to us directly to help us with our mission to improve the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native elders. Your financial support will go directly to supporting our mission to improve health, social services and economic well-being for all Native elders.
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| How did you like this email? | | | | The National Indian Council on Aging | 8500 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite B-470, Albuquerque, NM 87112 | 505-292-2001 | www.nicoa.org | | | | |
