Seniors are too often mistreated by the very people responsible for their care, this can include financial abuse by younger family members pressuring them for cash to buy illegal drugs, says an MLA.
Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya told the NWT Assembly on Wednesday that there is an urgent need to improve the lives of older people in the healthcare system and in their homes across the territory.
“Elders are teachers. They carry traditional knowledge that we need to learn from. We must care for them. Some of our Elders are living from feast to famine, surviving off their pension, only to find themselves abandoned one once it’s gone,” Yakeleya said.
“I’ve heard about people pressuring Elders for pension cheque money. It’s like they are trapped, and their money belongs to others. There’s no one to offer a helping hand or shovel snow, do the shopping or simply sit and eat with them.
“In communities, some people are speaking out, but in my riding, fear of speaking out keeps people from addressing these problems. Drugs have made their way into our communities and users are taking advantage of the Elders.”
Yakeleya asked Health Minister Lesa Semmler what specific measures are being done to address the issue of senior abuse, particularly in relation to financial exploitation and neglect within the smaller communities.
Semmler said the Department of Health and Social Services runs an annual Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign and most recently, the 2024 Seniors Information Handbook incorporated a more robust safety and security section.
Dehcho MLA Sheryl Yakeleya in the NWT Assembly on March 12. Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely is seated at right. (Image courtesy of Assembly livestream)
“The department is in the process of drafting material to inform the development of training for service providers to recognize and respond to Elder abuse,” said Semmler.
“The department also provides funding to support NWT Seniors Society for a variety of initiatives, including workshops related to empowering community members to identify and address Elder abuse.
“Older adults experiencing abuse may also access other services, such as community counselling support referrals through various help lines, emergency shelters, justice related services such as community-based victim services and court orders.”
Also on Wednesday, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart inquired about “the troubling developments” with a key federal program designed to help Indigenous students.
Jordan’s Principle guidelines stipulate when a First Nations child needs health, social or educational services, they are to receive them without jurisdictional roadblocks.
However, Ottawa has created a massive backlog processing requests for financing, leaving children without access to services. Now, the Liberal government is looking for ways to streamline the process, raising credible fears that a narrowing of eligibility will deny Indigenous students the rights they previously had.
“It was so open beforehand that schools really didn’t have to worry about this, and now they may have to. Schools are worried about whether they can continue to provide supports to First Nation students,” said Testart, noting Yellowknife Education District No. 1 receives $6 million from the program.
“I’m wondering what is the Minister’s plan, if that funding is diminished in whatever capacity?”
Education Minister Caitlin Cleveland said she shares Testart’s “huge concerns” as the GNWT relies on Jordan’s Principle funding across the NWT.
“This week, I have meetings with our education ministers from our sister territories, because these concerns are broadly shared, and we intend to continue to advocate for Jordan’s Principal funding for the territories, because we know it is just crucially important,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie Delta MLA George Nerysoo offered a tribute to Evelyne Parry, who passed away on January 26 at the age of 79.
She was one of the few people left who could fluently speak, read and write in Gwich’in, helping to maintain the language. She had a long-running program on CKLB 101.9, and worked as a Gwich’in interpreter.
“Evelyn Georgina Ross Perry, Tetlit Gwich’in member of our community, was a loving mom, cherished friend, beacon of love in all our loves. Evelyn’s warmth and compassion touched everyone she met,” he said.
“Her kindness and wisdom will be remembered by many. And she lived life to the fullest without regrets, and showed us the importance of friendship and respect. The Creator has gained a formidable angel until we meet again. Rest easy with our ancestors and loved ones.”
Evelyne Parry, seen in pink, offers the opening prayer at the NWT Assembly’s daily session on June 22, 2024. (Image courtesy of Assembly livestream)
