By Troy Littledeer | UKB Media Director
MINNEAPOLIS — Ronald Holden, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma Title VI kitchen manager, and Rebeca Dreadfulwater, director of United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma Title VI programs, attended the 2025 Title VI Conference in Minneapolis from March 10-13. The event drew a robust crowd, including Title VI directors from across the United States and Hawaii, along with kitchen managers, staff, and representatives from Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
The conference agenda featured a wide range of topics, including Title VI policy and procedure, fiscal training, caregiving and respite, nutrition, traditional foods, dementia, elder abuse, and a screening of “Touch the Water.” With too many sessions to list comprehensively, the event offered extensive professional development opportunities.
The Title VI Directors Association held a board meeting during the conference, electing two chairpersons—one from New Mexico and one from Oregon—along with a secretary from Oklahoma. The board already included a vice-chair and treasurer.
Attendees appreciated reconnecting with Title VI staff, including key figures like Cynthia LaCounte, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and director of the Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs. Jasmine Aplin provided updates on remaining funds for Title VI grants, while Heidi Robertson, RDN, LD, MPH, a registered dietitian and public health professional, shared expertise on nutrition and menu planning for Older Americans Act (OAA) Title VI programs. Derek Lee, regional administrator for Title VI programs, also contributed to the discussions.
The conference underscored the importance of collaboration and training in supporting Title VI initiatives nationwide.
Comments