Navajo elders march in protest of elder abuse

Health
Navajo elders march in protest of elder abuse
Wednesday, December 6, 2006

A small group of Navajo elders held an impromptu march to protest what they say is inaction over the abuse of elders.

Dr. Marjorie W. Thomas organized the march to the executive offices of the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, Arizona. She pushed her own wheelchair for part of the walk.

"I'm really concerned about the elder abuse, and no one is saying anything," Thomas told The Gallup Independent.

Thomas confirmed her grievances when she arrived at the offices. The group wasn't able to meet with President Joe Shirley Jr. or Vice President Frank Dayish Jr. "Come on, you people, who works here?" she asked staffers.

Get the Story:
Elderly abuse march ignored (The Gallup Independent 12/5)

Relevant Links:
National Resource Center on Native American Aging - http://www.und.edu/dept/nrcnaa
National Indian Council on Aging - http://www.nicoa.org