Tonkawa Council of Elders
Respect Native American Traditions
The Tonkawa Council of Elders was founded in 1974 by a consortium of American Indian individuals, many of whom were tribal seniors. At that time, they were employed by the San Diego Indian Center located downtown, on Fifth and Cedar. This organization and services no longer exist. Tonkawa Council of Elders is the traditional rock of Native American wisdom for the new millinium.
Our Purpose:
The purpose of the Tonkawa Council of Elders Development Project is to improve the quality of life for American Indian Elders. Our major focus is community development.
Our goal is to provide the resources to assist all American Indian elders in a respectful, traditional manner.
To improve the quality of life for American Indian Elders we will inform and facilitate their access to services that will maintain them in their homes, as respected members of their communities and as keepers of our tribal custom and traditions.

TONKAWA SENIOR CLUB
Meeting Dates
Kumeyaay Selected as Senior Leader
Honoring Our Elders Pow wow 2001 - Jane Dumas
1ST ANNUAL PICNIC - SAN DIEGO
Support Services for Senior

TONKAWA COUNCIL of ELDERS
TONKAWA Talking Leaf Newsletter
Previous Newsletters Click on Month January Meeting Newsletter, February, March03, April, June, July, Oct, Jan04, July, Aug, Sept,Oct, Nov, Dec Feb05 March April June July AUG PICNIC Oct Nov Dec March06 April June Picnic06 Picknic07 July Nov07 Feb08 Mar Sept
2009 Jan09 Mar April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
2010 Jan Feb

TONKAWA San Diego Elders Club

February 14, 2010 TONKAWA minutes:

What a bright warm Sunday. We had an excellent number of members and guests in attendance this Sunday. Early arrivals this Sunday are Nellie Ruiz TONKAWA Vice President Jerry Starnes and Roy Cook. Nellie rode with her son. Jean brought Rollie and her Mother, Genevieve. Rose Davis brought the latest copy of Indian Voices for the members to enjoy.

Jerry Starnes, enrolled Menominee Tribe, chaired the meeting. TONKAWA President Violet Tunotun will step down while she deals with personal issues but she will continue to seek out financial support for the TONKAWA senior club. Jean Vineault, TONKAWA treasurer, reported on the progress and complications of securing separate financial services. We will continue to be patient with the process.

It is nice to share company with more members this sunny Sunday. It always feels so good to be alive and in the company of our respected American Indian TONKAWA Elders. The attending members and the tables looked fine and we sat down to a heartfelt healthy potluck feast with good TONKAWA hot coffee. No butts about it this luncheon is excellent!



Verna Antonio provided the luncheon blessing at 12:10. There is always a warm fellowship; we are so fortunate to have years and years of living and wisdom close at hand.

Today we had choices of Enchiladas, special chicken and sweet potato posole, a selection of cheeses, side dishes. Bread and butter and for all to enjoy red or white grapes, berry pie or cookies with good hot TONKAWA coffee lubricated the conversation.

We cleaned up, packed up and while some TONKAWA members were still packing ‘take-home snacks’, drinking coffee, talking and laughing, others went out the door by 1:45 pm.

It is always nice to see new members and guests drop in and are encouraged to return. This is a very nice down home meeting to attend. We are also very pleased to enjoy the regular attendance of TONKAWA along with community guests and family members.

The next TONKAWA meeting is March 14, 2010.