Mission
Our mission is to raise the voices of Indigenous Elders about their needs to live home for life in their own communities.
Eva Sock
(1948-2023)
Dedication to Eva Sock
Eva was a strong woman and a leader within her community of Elsipogtog First Nation. She was the Director of Primary Care and Intergovernmental Relations at Elsipogtog Health and Wellness Centre. Prior to that, she worked with the RCMP, and was also Band Administrator in her community.
Eva was a caring person. She cared about the Elders of Elsipogtog and initiated the research study to identify their needs to live in their community as they grow older. She continues to inspire our work, and her spirit is always with us. We dedicate the Home for Life Project to Eva Sock.
Our Team
Anita Joseph
Donna Augustine
Thunder Bird Turtle Woman
Dr. Jennifer Dobbelsteyn
Linda Sock
Noella Augustine
Sarah Simon
Vincent Simon
History of Our Work
The timeline of the Home for Life initiative began in 2019 when Eimeg Tan Tleiaoltieg: Home for Life team conducted the research study to identify the needs of Elders in their community. Building on these findings, the Home for Life Assessment Tool was developed in 2021 to assess the needs of Elders in other First Nations and Inuit communities in Canada. In 2022, the initiative focused on developing, implementing, and evaluating new programs. This included launching programs tailored to improve the quality of life for Elders. The project’s reach expanded in 2023 and 2024 with a scale-up in New Brunswick, followed by a broader expansion throughout Atlantic Canada in 2024. Looking ahead, the initiative plans for a national scale-up in 2025.
Timeline
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Our work is deeply aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly Article 23. We ensure that Indigenous communities are actively involved in developing and determining health, housing, economic, and social programs affecting them. By administering these programs through Indigenous-led interviews, we foster a participatory approach that empowers community members and reflects their values and needs. This alignment ensures that our initiatives are culturally relevant, community-driven, and supportive of Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty.
Logo and Description
Teepee: Represents a home or house where our ancestors lived, and is now used for sacred ceremonies and traditional healings.
House: Symbolizes our current place of comfort and our aspiration to live here for the rest of our lives.
Rocking Chair: Represents our comfort zone in old age, symbolizing peace as we rock ourselves and our grandchildren.
Heart: Signifies the LOVE from our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all family members who care for us.
Bear: Represents COURAGE needed as we age to make the right decisions.
Eagle: Symbolizes the LOVE from and given to our families. As the highest flyer, the eagle carries our prayers to the Creator.
Feather: A symbol of the highest honor and truth, aiding us in finding the right words to express to the Elders.
Green Leaf: Represents LIFE and growth from the earth, and wellness for the Elders of Elsipogtog.
Videos
Need for Nursing Home Video – Elsipogtog Elder Lodge
Eimeg tan tleiaoltieg: Home for Life: Supporting Elsipogtog First Nations Elders
New Video done by Abby