Title VI and Title III 

Grantee Collaboration Study

INTRODUCTION 

The Older Americans Act (OAA) provides funding for state aging programs in 56 states and territories, as well as over 

400 tribes represented by 281 tribal organizations and one Native Hawaiian organization.1

 Within the OAA, there is 

language that requires coordination between Title VI and AAAs/service providers with support from State Units on 

Aging (SUAs).2,3 In 2018, Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, 

Lance Robertson, reiterated this requirement and advised SUA directors to support collaboration to meet the needs 

of tribal elders.4

While the OAA requires grantee coordination, it does not specify how grantees should work together and 

collaborate. As a result, ACL contracted with New Editions Consulting and their subcontractor, The Lewin Group 

(Lewin), to identify examples and best practices of Title VI and Title III grantee collaboration. The study addressed the 

following questions:

 How do Title VI and Title III grantees collaborate?

 What are best practices related to Title VI and Title III grantee collaboration?

 What are facilitators and barriers related to Title VI and Title III grantee collaboration?

• Title VI grantees must represent federally recognized Native American tribes, Alaska Villages, or Native

Hawaiian Organizations. Title VI grantees provide home and community-based services such as nutrition,

supportive,and caregiver services to eligible Native elders.5

• Title III grantees are state and community programs on aging, such as area agencies on aging (AAAs), provider

agencies, and state units on aging (SUAs), that provide similar services to all persons aged 60

and older.

• SUAs are designated agencies located in each state that have planning and policy responsibilities and

lead OAA activities.6

1

 Older Americans Act. (2020, July 21). Retrieved August 13, 2020, from: https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act

2 Compilation of Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended through P.L 116-131. (2020, July 21). Retrieved August 13, 2020 from: https://bit.

ly/33LkvHz

3 Three sections relevant to grantee collaboration are: Sec. 306(a)(11) for Title III area plans, Sec. 614(a)(11) for Title VI applications, and Sec.

307(a)(21)(A) for state plans on aging.

4

 As referenced in a letter sent by Lance Robertson on March 30, 2018 to the directors of SUAs.

5

 Services for Native Americans (OAA Title VI). (2020, August 12). Retrieved August 13, 2020, from http://bit.ly/30Pc11W

6 Colello, K., & Napili, A. (2020, April 22). Older Americans Act Overview and Funding. Retrieved August 13, 2020, from: https://crsreports.

congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R43414

1 
 

 

Lewin took a multi-faceted approach 

to understand the nature of Title VI 

and Title III grantee collaboration. 

Steps included: collecting background 

materials; conducting an environmental 

scan; creating a collaboration framework; 

conducting subject matter expert (SME) 

phone interviews; reviewing Title VI 

grantee applications; fielding a regional 

administrator (RA) online survey; holding 

virtual site visits, which included phone 

interviews with representatives from Title 

VI grantees, AAAs/service providers, and 

SUAs; and analyzing and summarizing 

common themes. A timeline of study 

activities is shown in Exhibit 1.

Exhibit 1. 

STUDY

TIMELINE JAN. – MAR.

2020

EVALUATION

DESIGN

MAR. – MAY

2020

DATA TOOL

DEVELOPMENT

MAY – AUG.

2020

DATA

COLLECTION 

JUN. – AUG.

2020

DATA ANALYSIS

(CONCURRENT TO

COLLECTION)

AUG. – SEPT.

2020

DATA

REPORTING

2 

Based on recommendations from SME 

interviews and background research, the 

evaluation team chose five case studies 

representative of various Aging Service 

Network contexts (e.g., single-planning 

and service area [PSA] versus multiplePSA) and regions. The virtual site visit 

sample is outlined in Exhibit 2.
3

Exhibit 2. 

VIRTUAL SITE VISIT SAMPLE

AK PSA(S)

Single

TITLE VI GRANTEE

Kodiak Area Native 

Association (KANA)

AAA/SERVICE 

PROVIDER

Senior Citizens of 

Kodiak, Inc. (SCOK)

SUA

Alaska Senior and 

Disabilities Services (SDS)

HI

PSA(S)

Multiple

TITLE VI GRANTEE

Alu Like, Inc.

AAA/SERVICE 

PROVIDER

Hawai‘i County Office

of Aging (HCOA)

SUA

Hawai‘i Executive 

Office on Aging (EOA)

ND

PSA(S)

Single

TITLE VI GRANTEE

Standing Rock 

Sioux Tribe

AAA/SERVICE 

PROVIDER

N/A

SUA

North Dakota Aging 

Services Division (ASD)

OK

PSA(S)

Multiple

TITLE VI GRANTEE

Wyandotte Nation

AAA/SERVICE 

PROVIDER

Grand Gateway Area 

Agency on Aging 

(AAA)

SUA

Oklahoma Aging 

Services Division (ASD)

WA

PSA(S)

Multiple

TITLE VI GRANTEE

Nooksack Indian Tribe

AAA/SERVICE 

PROVIDER

Northwest Regional 

Council (NWRC)

SUA

Washington Aging & 

Long-Term Support 

Administration (ALTSA)

OVERALL FINDINGS

Most findings in this summary report are from the virtual site visits, which covered topics such as: background 

information, including organizational challenges and opportunities for growth; different types of collaboration activities; 

cultural competency and tribal sovereignty; facilitators and barriers to collaboration; and recommendations for 

collaboration. This summary also includes one-page summaries for each of the five case studies. Please see the webpage 

with the full report for more details.

TYPES OF COLLABORATION ACTIVITIES

Exhibit 3 summarizes the various types of collaboration activities that the evaluation team learned about during 

virtual site visits.
4

Exhibit 3.

STUDY COLLABORATION FRAMEWORK

The evaluation team adapted Kagan’s (1991)7 collaboration framework to guide analysis and reporting of results. In 

general, the four levels build on each other from cooperation to service integration (from least complex and involved 

to most complex and involved); however, organizations may engage in activities in any order.

COOPERATION

 Referrals of clients between organizations

 Information sharing

Example activity: Alu Like, Inc. and the Hawai’i County Office of Aging (HCOA) refer clients 

to each other based on the needs of caregivers and elders as well as the services offered 

by the other organization.

COORDINATION

 One-time or occasional joint events

 Regular joint meetings

Example activities:

• Northwest Regional Council

(NWRC) hosts a booth with 

information on their services 

at Nooksack tribal functions.

• Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) and Senior

Citizens of Kodiak (SCOK) are both part of the

Human Services Coaltion that meets quarterly to

discuss social services on Kodiak island.

PARTNERSHIP

 Shared funding

Consistent or many 

joint events

 Shared resources

 Regular advising

Example activities:

• KANA receives

supplemental Title III

funding from SCOK to

support congregate

meals and in-home

meal delivery.

• The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and North

Dakota ASD both advise each other on a

number of topics. For instance, the director

of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe provides

advice on Native cultural norms, while

North Dakota ASD staff provide advice on

OAA services and reporting requirements.

SERVICE

INTEGRATION

Continuous 

communication

Multiple layers of 

collaboration at the 

leadership & staff level

Development of new 

programs or services 

together

Example activities:

• The directors of the Wyandotte Nation

and Grand Gateway AAA regularly 

communicate to communicate any 

issues that arise. The director of Grand 

Gateway AAA has encouraged all of 

her staff, regardless of their level, to 

be involved in collaboration efforts. 

• Alu Like, Inc. and HCOA

worked with the state’s 

two other AAAs, the SUA, 

and the Self-Management 

Resource Center to 

develop the Healthy Aging 

Partnership.

7

 Kagan, S. L. (1991). United We Stand: Collaboration for Child Care and Early Education Services. Teachers College Press.
5

CULTURAL COMPETENCY AND TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY

A key issue for collaboration among Title VI grantees, AAAs/service providers, and SUAs is trust. Interviewees shared 

the following recommendations for acknowledging, integrating, and respecting Native values and practices in 

collaborative relationships:

Having an equal approach to collaboration;

 Using tribal liaisons;

Incorporating cultural competency into 

organizations including practices such as holding 

regular staff trainings on cultural competency, hiring 

Native employees, or making an effort to learn 

about Native values, practices, and histories; 

Accepting feedback from the Title VI grantees and 

acknowledging their contributions; and,

 Visiting the Title VI grantee in person.

•	 Cultural competency refers to a set of practices that acknowledge and meet individuals’ cultural, social,

and linguistic needs.8

•	 Tribal sovereignty is the inherent right of American Indians and Alaska Natives to self-govern. Many, but not

all, Title VI grantees are federally recognized sovereign nations. In this study, three out of five of the Title VI

grantees interviewed represented federally recognized tribal nations.9

8 National Center for Cultural Competence, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. (n.d.). NCCC: Curricula 

Enhancement Module Series. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from: https://nccc.georgetown.edu/curricula/culturalcompetence.html 

9 The Wyandotte Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Nooksack Tribe are the three Title VI grantees in this study that are sovereign, federally 

recognized tribal nations. There are no federally recognized tribal nations in Hawai‘i; as a result, Alu Like, Inc. does not represent a sovereign 

nation. KANA serves Alaska Native beneficiaries and represents federally recognized tribes, but the organization itself is not a sovereign nation.

Exhibit 4.

FACILITATORS & BARRIERS 

TO COLLABORATION

FACILITATORS

Consistent and open communication

Shared vision and aligned goals

A “champion” or liaison as a consistent point-of-contact

Cultural respect and awareness

Title VI grantees on advisory boards

SUA support

Previous good relationships

BARRIERS

Staff turnover and limited staffing

Misaligned visions

Different reporting requirements

Miscommunication or lack of communication

Lack of information

Rural geography

Previous poor relationships

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION

Interviewees offered the following recommendations for Title VI, AAAs/service providers, and SUAs, to create 

and maintain successful collaborations (Exhibit 5).
6

Exhibit 5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 

SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION

FIND LOCAL GRANTEES FOR COLLABORATION

See the Older Indians 

website for a list of Title 

VI Directors or the Aging, 

Independence, and Disability 

(AGID) map for information 

on grantee organizations.

State Units on Aging (SUAs) 

can consider distributing 

lists of grantees.

Introduce yourself and get 

to know the grantees.

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA

UNDERSTAND THE POLICIES AND 

REQUIREMENTS AROUND COLLABORATION

Check out the Older Americans Act or 

state-specific information.

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA

INCORPORATE CULTURAL COMPETENCY PRACTICES 

INTO ORGANIZATIONS

 Practice cultural competency.

 Recognize tribal sovereignty.

 Practice diverse hiring.

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA

HAVE A CONSISTENT POINT OF CONTACT 

TO STREAMLINE COMMUNICATION

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA

HAVE STANDING CHECK-IN MEETINGS 

Meetings can be helpful to brainstorm 

solutions or work on events together.

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

INCLUDE TITLE VI GRANTEE STAFF 

REPRESENTATIVES AND/OR TITLE VI 

SERVICE RECIPIENTS ON POLICY AND 

ADVISORY BOARDS

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA

REGULARLY SHARE ORGANIZATIONAL 

GOALS AND PLANS WITH EACH OTHER

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

REACH OUT FOR HELP

SUAs, Regional Administrators, and grantees 

can all support collaboration.

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA

DON’T GIVE UP! 

Remember that collaboration can take time.

TITLE VI

GRANTEE

AAA/

SERVICE

PROVIDER

SUA
 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	

 

  

  

Administration for Community Living (ACL) Title VI and Title III Grantee Collaboration Study

CASE STUDY: Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) and 

Senior Citizens of Kodiak, Inc. (SCOK)

BACKGROUND OF COLLABORATION

KANA and SCOK first established a formal contract in 2003.

Before the contract started, SCOK collaborated with KANA

through providing referrals and ensuring services for Native

elders when they were in the city of Kodiak, Alaska.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) provides 

funding provisions for state support of 

aging adults, and requires collaboration 

between Title VI and Title III grantees. 

This ACL study aims to summarize best 

practices among five case studies.

FUNDING

One of the primary ways that KANA collaborates with SCOK is through a formal contract

for supplemental meal funding. SCOK provides Title III funding for KANA’s congregate and

home-delivered meal services to outlying villages year round.

MEETINGS

KANA and SCOK participate in quarterly Human Services Coalition meetings, which have been very

meaningful and helpful in sharing information and updates, brainstorming solutions, and reducing

service duplication. KANA started coordinating quarterly Human Services Coalition meetings over 10

years ago due to a grant. The organizations primarily communicate through the coalition meetings,

but there are ad hoc communications on grant writing, contract renewal, referrals, and questions.

EVENTS

KANA and SCOK invite each other to attend health fairs and trainings that they host.

SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

KANA faces a number of challenges related to the 

supplemental meal funding collaboration because of 

reporting differences for Title VI and Title III funding. 

This results in additional administrative responsibilities 

for KANA in distributing annual applications to elders, 

sending reminders for application completion, 

identifying Title VI and Title III eligibility, and tracking 

meals based on elder funding eligibility. 

Staff turnover and miscommunication can be 

obstacles to relationship building.

For successful collaboration, the Title VI, AAA/service 

provider, and State Unit on Aging (SUA) administrators 

need to be on the same page with their objectives, 

outcomes, and strategies. Consistent and open 

communication is also very important.

“I would advise [to AAAs, service providers, and SUAs] that it is more of a two-way street and [the

organizations] own the collaboration and communication of services equally.”

Title VI Grantee: KANA

Contact: Greg Zadina, Director

of Community Services

greg.zadina@kodiakhealthcare.org

907-486-9820

Service Provider: SCOK

Contact: Pat Branson, Executive Director

scokinc@ak.net

907-486-6181

SUA:

AK Senior and Disability Services (SDS)

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Administration for Community Living (ACL) Title VI and Title III Grantee Collaboration Study

CASE STUDY: Alu Like, Inc. and the Hawai‘i 

County Office of Aging (HCOA)

BACKGROUND OF COLLABORATION

Alu 

enhancing the lives of Native Hawaiians. Alu Like, Inc. and HCOA

have had a longstanding and successful relationship for over 10

years. A centerpiece of their collaborative efforts is the Healthy Aging

Partnership, which is a series of evidence-based disease prevention

programs for elders in Hawai‘i.

Like, Inc. is a non-profit social service agency that focuses on

The Older Americans Act (OAA) 

provides funding provisions for 

state support of aging adults, 

and requires collaboration 

between Title VI and Title III 

grantees. This ACL study aims 

to summarize best practices 

among five case studies.

MEETINGS

Alu Like, Inc. and HCOA have meetings over the phone every two to four weeks to discuss

updates, short- and long-term plans, and organizational visions. Additionally, despite being on

different islands, they try to meet in person at least once annually.

EVENTS AND SERVICE DELIVERY

The two organizations routinely attend each other’s events and host workshops on various topics

together, such as health promotion. For the Healthy Aging Partnership, Alu Like, Inc. provides the

trainers and curriculum, and HCOA provides the training materials and meeting space as well as

occasionally covers travel for Alu Like, Inc. trainers.

REFERRALS

Alu Like, Inc. and HCOA regularly refer elders to each other and work together to ensure that

elders receive the services needed. 

SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Representatives from both organizations reported 

that their collaborative relationship comes naturally 

and is built on a history of trust. Mutual respect 

helps the organizations solve problems together.

The Aging Program planner for HCOA recommended 

being open and willing to share knowledge, 

and providing everyone a fair platform to express 

their needs in order to have a successful and 

collaborative relationship.

“The collaboration is something I believe in so much that I’m willing to go above and beyond to ensure

collaboration continues even if funding is limited. I will do the extra work to keep the flame burning

and providing services to people who so desperately need it.”

Title VI Grantee:

Alu Like, Inc.

Contact: Leslie Tanoue, Title VI Director

letanoue@alulike.org

808-535-6725

Area Agency on Aging (AAA):

Hawai‘i County Office of Aging

Contact: Keola Kenoi-Okajima,

Aging Program Planner

mary.hcoa@hawaiiantel.net | 808-961-8340

State Unit on Aging (SUA):

HI Executive Office on Aging (EOA)

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Administration for Community Living (ACL) Title VI and Title III Grantee Collaboration Study

CASE STUDY: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and 

North Dakota Aging Services Division (ASD)

BACKGROUND OF COLLABORATION

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe spans both North Dakota and South

Dakota. North Dakota does not have any Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).

The North Dakota ASD is the designated State Unit on Aging (SUA).

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the North Dakota ASD have a formal

contract and routinely share data and information regarding information,

trainings, and lists of elders and caregivers who receive Title III services.

The two organizations have been working together for over 20 years.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) 

provides funding provisions for 

state support of aging adults, 

and requires collaboration 

between Title VI and Title III 

grantees. This ACL study aims 

to summarize best practices 

among five case studies.

ADVISING AND SUPPORTING

Through North Dakota ASD’s assessment related to Title III funding, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

learned that they faced challenges in keeping delivered foods in the temperature “safe zones” due

to limited delivery staff and a large delivery area. The North Dakota ASD purchased temperaturecontrolled delivery containers and sent them directly to the tribe to help them meet this need.

FUNDING

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe receives Title III funding from the North Dakota ASD and from the

South Dakota SUA.

MEETINGS

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and North Dakota ASD have standing weekly virtual check-in meetings

to discuss areas that are going well and areas where they could use support. Additionally, North

Dakota ASD is willing to travel to the reservation for meetings with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe successfully uses 

collaboration with the North Dakota ASD as an 

opportunity to build in quality assurance and 

quality improvement. Through their collaboration, 

the organizations identify new needs. For Standing 

Rock Sioux Tribe, working with the Title III program 

provides added accountability. 

North Dakota ASD has been receptive to prioritizing and 

learning about the cultural norms of Standing Rock Sioux 

Tribe, which improves their cultural competency and 

allows their collaboration to be more successful. An elder 

from Standing Rock Sioux Tribes sits on North Dakota 

ASD’s Committee on Aging. This inclusion also helps 

ensure tribal needs are addressed at the state level.

“The Title VI and Title III [AAA/service provider/SUA] administrators need to be on the same page with

their objectives, outcomes, and strategies. Consistent and open communication is also very important.”

Title VI Grantee: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Contact: Petra Harmon One Hawk,

Title VI Director

pharmononehawk@standingrock.org

701-854-3846

SUA: ND ASD

Contact: Nancy Nikolas-Maier,

Aging Services Director

nmaier@nd.gov

701-328-4607 9
 

 

 

  

Administration for Community Living (ACL) Title VI and Title III Grantee Collaboration Study

CASE STUDY: Wyandotte Nation and Grand Gateway 

Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

BACKGROUND OF COLLABORATION

The Wyandotte Nation and Grand Gateway AAA have

collaborated for over 30 years. The collaboration started

before either of the current directors were in their roles.

Currently, the two organizations do not have a formal contract.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) provides 

funding provisions for state support of 

aging adults, and requires collaboration 

between Title VI and Title III grantees. 

This ACL study aims to summarize best 

practices among five case studies.

MEETINGS

Both organizations are members of the Caregiver Coalition that formed in 2000. Other members include

additional tribes in the Northeast Oklahoma region and various area social service agencies. Through

the Caregiver Coalition, the two organizations plan two annual health fairs and a picnic where elders,

caregivers, and community members can socialize and learn about available services.

TRANSIT SERVICES

Since 2011, Wyandotte Nation, Grand Gateway AAA, and other tribes have coordinated tribal transit

through the Pelivan, which is a local bus service that provides free transit to all tribal citizens with a

Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood.

REGULAR COMMUNICATION

The director and staff of the two organizations communicate regularly through e-mail, coalition

meetings (previously in-person and now over Zoom), phone calls, text messages, and Facebook.

ADVISORY COUNCIL PARTICIPATION REFERRALS

The current Title VI Director has been a The Wyandotte Nation and Grand Gateway member of the Grand Gateway AAA Advisory AAA regularly refer clients to each other. 

Council on Aging since 1992.

SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It was noted that Grand Gateway AAA 

has a strong understanding of tribal 

sovereignty through their consistent 

acknowledgment and consideration of 

the tribes while making decisions. 

The long-standing and supportive relationships between the two 

directors and the organizations contributes to a high level of trust 

underpinning collaboration activities. For example, all Grand Gateway 

AAA staff members are encouraged to be active in collaboration 

efforts with Title VI grantees, regardless of their staff level.

“When I’m doing a PowerPoint at the national level, such as the National Title VI training, I tell them

‘Don’t wait for the AAA to call you. You call them! They can help you and you can help them. It works

great.’ They don’t know what they’re missing if they’re not coordinating with their local AAA.”

Title VI Grantee:

Wyandotte Nation

Contact: Brenda House, Title VI Director

bhouse@wyandotte-nation.org

918-678-6327

Area Agency on Aging (AAA):

Grand Gateway AAA

Contact: Staci Pierce, AAA Director

spierce@grandgateway.org

800-482-4594

State Unit on Aging (SUA):

OK Aging Services Division (ASD)

10
 

 

  

Administration for Community Living (ACL) Title VI and Title III Grantee Collaboration Study

CASE STUDY: Nooksack Tribe and Northwest Regional Council (NWRC)

BACKGROUND OF COLLABORATION

Since 1994, Nooksack Tribe has been one of six tribes that partner

with NWRC’s Tribal Outreach & Assistance Program. Currently, the two

organizations do not have a formal contract. In the state of Washington,

the 1989 Centennial Accord requires all state programs develop a

government-to-government relationship with tribes. This includes the

7.01 Policy and Plan that requires each AAA to develop and collaborate

on an annual plan with individual tribes.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) 

provides funding provisions for 

state support of aging adults, 

and requires collaboration 

between Title VI and Title III 

grantees. This ACL study aims 

to summarize best practices 

among five case studies.

MEETINGS

The Nooksack Tribe and NWRC participate in monthly Task Force meetings to discuss approaches

to supporting elders outside of medical services. Participants include Nooksack Tribe social services

staff (which encompasses Title VI services), NWRC, health professionals, and other area social service

agencies. In addition to the monthly Task Force meetings, NWRC recently invited the Title VI Director

to a meeting with other tribal leaders and the local hospital to discuss tribal norms in medical settings.

EVENTS

Prior to COVID-19, NWRC hosted booths at Nooksack functions, such as health and housing fairs.

REGULAR COMMUNICATION REFERRALS

The Title VI Director and NWRC staff

communicate regularly when questions or

issues arise. The Title VI Director noted that

NWRC staff were very helpful in supporting

her transition into the director role. 

The Nooksack Tribe and NWRC

refer elders and caregivers to 

each other if their organization

is not able to meet that

individual’s needs.

SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The two organizations have built trust together as a result of monthly Task Force meeting discussions of sensitive 

and pressing issues. For example, during one of the Task Force meetings, the group discussed a Nooksack elder 

who was reluctant to pay for services provided by NWRC. The Title VI director noticed his unfamiliarity with NWRC 

and recommended that a Nooksack tribal staff member explain the process to him. The elder trusted this individual 

and eventually understood the need and expense for services. This anecdote highlighted the importance of cultural 

competency through openness and receptiveness from non-Native staff and organizations towards issues that concern 

Native service recipients. “It’s important to let us lead sometimes and then they follow. As long as we can open the 

door, the tribal member is more willing to let someone in,” stated the Title VI director.

“It’s good for programs to reach out to each other. Find out what is successful at other programs. From

my experience, programs are always willing to share what they’re doing, what’s working, and what’s

not working. This has been helpful for not only Title VI, but also my other programs.”

Title VI Grantee:

Nooksack Tribe

Contact: Heidi Davis, Title VI Director

hdavis@nooksack-nsn.gov

360-592-5176 ext. 3423

Area Agency on Aging (AAA):

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC)

State Unit on Aging (SUA):

WA Aging and Long-Term Support

Administration (ALTSA)

11
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