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
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TONKAWA San Diego Elders Club

January 10, 2010 TONKAWA minutes:

For some reason, maybe Football playoff games on TV, but the vehicle parking was free and easy this Sunday for all the members. What a bright warm Sunday. We had a minimal number of members and guests in attendance this Sunday. Early arrivals this Sunday are TONKAWA Vice President Jerry Starnes and Roy Cook. Nellie rode with Jean and her Mother, Genevieve. Jerry had been shopping for paper goods and was loaded down with hot food and supplies.

It would have nicer 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 an undefined potluck feast with good TONKAWA hot coffee. Jerry Starnes brought Sassafras tea to the members to enjoy.

Jean Vigneault provided the luncheon blessing at 12:10. There is warm fellowship, years and years of living and wisdom close at hand. Traditional first month dishes were enjoyed by all the members. Black-eyed peas with ham hocks went very good with the fresh corn bread. Fettuccini Alfredo smothered with mushrooms and pieces of chicken breast were outstanding, baked chicken legs, fresh tossed salad with Vidalia onion dressing. Wheat bread and butter and for all to enjoy sliced dill pickles for that special tang. Sassafras tea and 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 February 14, 2010.