Introducing Your Elders Coordinator

• October 29, 2024
• • Member News

Waytkp tskawlc,
La7 ek t’ucw?
Re skwest Trina Antoine, daughter of Donna Antoine of Splatsin

I have been working with Title & Rights for 8.5 years and will continue to work with them three days a week and I have been recently hired as the Elders Coordinator for Splatsin two days a week on Monday and Tuesday until our elders require more time and can be flexible between the two positions. Once Title & Rights has moved to newest portables, you can find me there.

The plan is to develop a calendar with elder input that supports those over sixty who can and wish to participate in social activities that can benefit their unique interests and abilities and provides a space to share their generational knowledge and creating meaningful connections, strengthening old friendships and rekindling old but not forgotten memories while providing physical fitness and keep our minds sharp as obsidian.

I will give a list of general ideas of some of the indoor/outdoor and group activities we could consider and add or edit idea that are practical to your needs:

• Board games and puzzles such as Scrabble, Chess, Cribbage, Jigsaw puzzles are classics.
• Dance therapy use the power of music connects the body to rhythm and movement.
• Art therapy brings vibrancy and happiness to our lives and can offer a creative outlet enhancing overall well-being. Maybe we can discover
  some hidden talents together and shock even ourselves with our abilities.
• Music therapy known to improve muscle memory, reduces anxiety, depression while enhancing mood and emotional well-being. Helps
  decrease agitation which can especially benefit seniors with dementia, not to mention helps build meaningful connections, friendships and
  promotes community togetherness.
• Craft workshops can be a great activity when weather is not so great, like sewing, knitting, crochet, birdhouse making or jewelry making,
  pipestone carving all encourages skill building, supports motor ability, and a creative way to pass knowledge to next generation while sharing
  our interests and passion.
• Book club where we could all suggest a group read or I could read aloud to stimulate the imagination for wonderful conversation and helps
  us to learn others interests and passions.
• Cooking together, preparing and sharing food is medicine when you can enjoy a meal together. Learning new recipes and creating lasting
  memories in the heart of the home.
• Storytelling is a wonderful experience, and the wisdom shared with younger generations is priceless and fulfilling. This helps preserve valuable
  memories and ensures oral history is continued to be passed form one generation to the next.
• Computer classes for elders of how to use word or facetime to communicate with family members to help preserve strong connections.
• Language club could provide stimulating social interaction while connecting with fellow language speakers and learners. This could be a
  great opportunity to bring a friend day.
• Bringing in outside facilitators could help to explore new interests, broaden our horizons while immersing ourselves in fascinating and entertaining
  topics.
• Outdoor activities when weather permits could provide an opportunity to be in the open air and share the beauty of good days with the support
  of peers. These activities are to encourage our elders to stay energized and connecting to the land and others.
• Picnic were such a traditional practice for our people to do after church, we could return to that practice and meet in a park to enjoy the company
  of all our relations and do potluck picnic.
• Walking or Chair Yoga, good for motor ability and to keep joints from seizing and stiffening.
• Gardening such a lost skill and an opportunity with the help and support of one another we could do what we can that makes us smile, share
  tips and tricks and teach younger generation how to be self-sufficient while creating or rekindling friendships.
• Yard sales are great way to purge unwanted items, we can take turns and help one another when weather permits or have a group yard sale
  to help support day trips in our territory to be on the land. Going to old forgotten places could stir up some wonderful stories and memories.

There are so many possibilities, I have just listed a few to get your brains thinking of some activities that you may wish to do if you have the support of friends and family. This is our time – let’s make great connections and enjoy one another.

Please contact me at number below if you need help with transportation or I could come to your home to discuss the wonderful opportunities and get acquainted and comfortable with one another.

Kukwstsamc
All my Relations!
Trina Antoine
Title & Rights Cultural Liaison/Elder Coordinator
250 838 6496 Ext 804 or e-mail [email protected]