Office of Indian Elder Affairs

The Office of Indian Elders Affairs (OIEA)

is the office within ALTSD that supports New Mexico’s 23 Tribes, Pueblos, and Nations in their development of a comprehensive and coordinated service system of tribal senior centers and adult day services centers. OIEA also manages the Indian Area Agency on Aging (IAAA) and supports the efforts of the Navajo Nation Department of Health’s Division of Aging and Long-Term Care Support (DALTCS).

OIEA’s general operational functions on behalf of Tribal Providers include advocacy, facilitating state’s general funding allocations, contract management, and technical assistance & training for tribal eldercare center staff.

Additionally, OIEA assists tribal elders and their families by providing information about available tribal senior & adult day center services and ALTSD division direct services and resources.  

Zuni-Senior-Center
Mescalero Apache Senior Center

Providers

OIEA works closely with tribal providers to support New Mexico’s 23 Tribes, Pueblos & Nations

Senior Day Legislature January 2025

Elders

Keeping in mind past, current and future generations, ALTSD OIEA advocates for Native American traditional wellbeing and works to build connections.

Native nutrition and gardening

New Mexico Grown

This program aims to connect with local food producers to purchase and distribute fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, for senior meal programs.

POI-Senior-Ctr_outside_AHPR

Resources

Whether a tribal provider, caregiver, elder, or partner – OIEA has a list of resources available to help.

Contact Information

Melissa Sanchez

Director & ALTSD Tribal Liaison (Acoma Pueblo)

Bianca Mitchell

Deputy Director (Acoma Pueblo)

Melanie Kitsch

Program Coordinator

Antonella Harrison

Special Projects Coordinator (Diné)

Veronica Cordova

Program Coordinator

Anastasia Jim

Social & Community Service Coordinator (Diné)

Julianna Wagner

AmeriCorps VISTA Member