August 1, 2020 UPDATE: Through the generosity of many we have raised over $15,000 and supported Elder meal programs with three tribes and grassroots efforts across the state. Our initial Native Elders fundraising campaign has closed but we are continuing to support Indigenous communities through this Covid -19 crisis and intense period of need. We have became the fiduciary and steward of Indigenous Mutual Aid – Eagle and Condor, supporting indigenous communities across North America. To donate to Indigenous Mutual Aid, please select that option from the donation dropdown menu.

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For Immediate Release:  Support for Native Elders & Grassroots Mutual Aid

June 15, 2020

Through the help of dozens of individuals across the state, the generosity of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Urgent Needs Fund, and the support of the Indigenous Environmental Network, we exceeded our $5,000 goal for the first phase of our campaign “Support for Native Elders”, raising over $12,000!  As there is a great need for more support, we are expanding our fundraiser to continue to provide financial support through tribal programs as well as grassroots mutual aid networks, to directly support individuals and communities most vulnerable at this time.  Our new goal is to raise $50,000.  The Native Justice Coalition and Title Track extend our gratitude for your contributions and efforts to spread the word.  Keep up the good work!

Title Track and the Native Justice Coalition are partnering on a campaign to support Elder care in Native communities amid the COVID-19 epidemic. All money raised will go toward Elder care programs and the safe delivery of non-perishable food to Native elders in need in the northern lower Peninsula, in coordination with Elders’ Meals Program with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Elders Program at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Elders Department at Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. This serves a large portion of northwest and west Michigan from Emmet to Kent County. Tribal communities cover different service areas and some overlap.

“On behalf of the Elder Meals Program I would like to send my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your $2,500 donation to our program. Our program is currently curbside pick-up and home deliveries. Your donation has helped me offset the cost of new and improved to-go containers. These containers are pricy and your donation helped make it possible. Miigwetch.” -Noelle Cross, Elder Meals Coordinator, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians

“The campaign ‘Support for Native Elders’ has been instrumental in assisting our community to continue to provide meals throughout the COVID -19 pandemic. In these tough times it is so important to continue services to the most venerable individuals, and we are grateful for our local community support.” -Daugherty Johnson, Executive Director, Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians

At GTB Elders Program “we will use [the funds] for food vouchers, fuel for doctors appointments, grandparent caring for grandchildren support, etc. Miigwech!” -Tanya Wabanimkee Raphael, Grand Traverse Band Elders program

Donate via button above or through our Facebook fundraiser.

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For Immediate Release: Support for Native Elders

March 15, 2020

Title Track and the Native Justice Coalition are partnering on a campaign to support elder care in Native communities amid the COVID-19 epidemic. All money raised will go toward Elder care programs and the safe delivery of non-perishable food to Native Elders in need in the northern lower Peninsula, in coordination with Elders’ Meals Program with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Elders Program at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Elders Department at Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. This effort will serve a large portion of northwest and west Michigan from Emmet to Kent County. Tribal communities cover different service areas and some overlap.

“The Native Justice Coalition works primarily in our rural and remote Anishinaabe communities in Michigan. Access to resources is limited in many of our communities. Our people have significant distances to travel to access these resources which often may be racist or discriminatory to them. Some of our Elders live in extremely underserved areas like Manistee and Baraga Counties. While tribal communities may become overwhelmed with the COVID-19 epidemic, we want to make sure we can fill in to assist Elders, disabled, and other community members who may need extra support during this time. We must do our part to keep our communities and people strong.” -Cecelia LaPointe, Founder and Executive Director of Native Justice Coalition

“COVID-19 is a stress test for the resilience of our communities. We must be in the practice of supporting those most vulnerable at all times. This virus is particularly dangerous for Elders and it is a fact that Native communities are disproportionately underserved. Your support of Native Elders is work for cultural healing and justice.” – Seth Bernard, Founder and Executive Director of Title Track

“One of the most important principles of indigenous culture is the care and reverence we show our Elders. As some of our most treasured community members it is essential that we provide for their good health, safety, happiness, and well-being. Through helping to ensure Mno Bimaadziwiin (a “good life”) to our Elders during trying times, we define our success and heart as a people.” -Holly Bird, Native Activist and Lawyer, Title Track Board Member

Title Track is also so very honored to be the fiscal sponsor for “Indigenous Mutual Aid: Eagle and Condor,” a network that extends throughout Turtle Island to connect and extend support indigenous peoples during COVID-19. Support these efforts through our donate page by selecting the ‘Indigenous Mutual Aid’ option.

For MI residents who are interested in offering additional help here are several mutual aid volunteer resources:

Grand Traverse County Mutual Aid

Grand Traverse Band Mutual Aid

Mutual Aid of North West Michigan Facebook group

Indigenous SE Michigan Mutual Aid