Chickahominy Indian Tribe Leading the Way on the East Coast Through Partnership
The Chickahominy Indian Tribe’s approach to dementia care begins with a simple truth: no community moves forward alone. Progress happens when people and organizations come together with shared purpose. Through new partnerships and strengthened relationships, the Tribe is creating a connected circle of support—one that honors tradition, uplifts families, and ensures elders receive the care they deserve.
In February, the Tribe hosted its first Partner Convening Meeting. This gathering brought together 11 organizations dedicated to supporting Chickahominy elders and families. During this gathering, participants shared resources, strengthened relationships, and began planning coordinated dementia care across the region.
The Tribe has built on its progress by teaming up with the Greater Richmond Area of the Alzheimer's Association and the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Health to provide caregiver support.
This collaborative foundation is now fueling the Tribe’s expanding Alzheimer’s Program efforts, as one of the Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s Program’s newest grantees. This includes expanding access to caregiver support, dementia screening, and referrals. The Tribe was awarded the grant in September 2025 and is the only current grantee on the East Coast.
“We’re opening doors for new partnerships and community education efforts that were not possible before, and we have the (IHS) grant funding to thank for that,” said Stormie Miles, LPN.
With funding from the Alzheimer’s Program, the Tribe’s new services will help families:
- Recognize early signs of memory loss.
- Connect with trusted providers.
- Receive guidance that meets their needs and traditions.
For the past three years, Stormie has supported families as the Tribe’s brain health navigator. She helps people talk through memory concerns and understand next steps in a way that feels clear, respectful, and culturally meaningful. To introduce the program to the community, they created and shared a public service announcement featuring Stormie as the brain health navigator.
“The goal was to put a familiar face to the work and help families feel more comfortable reaching out for support,” she added.
The Chickahominy Indian Tribe continues to build momentum by connecting clinical care with community support. For more information on the Tribe’s program, contact Stormie Miles or visit the Tribe’s website.
May and June: Plan Now to Celebrate Elder Health and Dementia Awareness
May is Older Americans Month, a national observance that celebrates the contributions, strength, and resilience of older adults. June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which brings attention to dementia, brain health, and the growing need for early detection and supportive care. Together, these months highlight the importance of honoring elders and improving the systems that support their health and well‑being.
Start creating your own month-long local media, social media, and event campaigns today.
Check out these helpful resources:
These observances connect directly to the work of the Indian Health Service Alzheimer’s Program, which focuses on improving dementia‑capable, age‑friendly care in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
By strengthening dementia care and promoting healthy aging, the IHS Alzheimer’s Program helps ensure that elders receive the respect, support, and high‑quality care they deserve.
Register today for the 