FOR ELDERS: Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed signs a proclamation in his office on Thursday, June 8 designating June 15, 2017 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Shown (standing left-right) are – Peggy Hill, an EBCI tribal elder from the Yellowhill Community; EBCI Beloved Man Jerry Wolfe; Betty Maney, an EBCI tribal elder from the Big Cove Community; Debbie West, Tsali Manor director; Vickie Bradley, EBCI Secretary of Public Health and Human Services; Sharon Faust, EBCI Adult Protective Services supervisor; Kathy Collins, EBCI Adult Protective Services social worker; and Sharon Wiley, EBCI Adult Protective Services social worker. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation
Whereas: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ elders are valued members of society and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity.
Whereas: Abuse of older people is a tragedy inflicted on vulnerable elders and an ever-increasing problem in today’s society that crosses all social-economic boundaries.
Whereas: Combating abuse of older people will help improve the quality of life for all elders across this country and will allow them to continue to live as independently as possible and contribute to the life and vibrancy of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Whereas: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ elders are guaranteed that they will be treated with respect and dignity to enable them to continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers, and important and active members of this community.
Whereas: We are all responsible for building safer communities for our elders.
Whereas: The well-being of our elders is in the interest of all, and further adds to the well-being of our community.
I, Richard G. Sneed, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2017 Elder Abuse Awareness Day and encourage all residents and visitors to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our elders.
Dated in Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed’s Office on this 8th day of June, 2017.
