Elderly Services coordinator introduced at Elder Concerns meeting, two elders also honored

Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News

The Gila River Indian Community’s Elder Concerns meeting was held on Wednesday Jan. 8 at the District 2 Multipurpose building. Community Services Department Director, Christopher Mendoza introduced Linda Miles as the new coordinator of the Elderly Services Program. 

Miles is from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, she previously worked with Tribal Social Services. “I’m happy to be here,” said Miles, who has 25 years of experience in social work and working with elders in Native communities. Some of her work includes Manager and Interim Director positions for the Senior Center in Salt River and she has worked with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Miles says she is looking forward to what she can bring and learning more from the Community. 

Also during the meeting, two elders from District 2 were recognized for their continued sharing and support in the Community; Sandra Nish a retired teacher and Marvin Thomas former police officer with the Gila River Police Department, were presented with Pendleton blankets by Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis and Lt. Gov. Robert Stone.