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The National Indian Council On Aging, Inc. (NICOA), a non-profit organization, was founded in 1976 by members of the National Tribal Chairmen's Association that called for a national organization to advocate for improved, comprehensive health and social services to American Indian and Alaska Native Elders. In addition to providing service through several grants from agencies within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NICOA operates as a National Sponsor of the federal Senior Community Service Employment program (SCSEP) in seven states through a grant from the Department of Labor. For over 30 years, the organization has provided service as the nation's foremost advocate for American Indians and Alaska Native Elders. NICOA is governed by a 13-member board of directors composed of American Indian and Alaska Native Elders representing each of the 12 Bureau of Indian Affairs regions, and a representative of the National Association of Title VI Grantees. NICOA voting membership consists of American Indian/Alaska Native Elders age 55 and over. Non-voting associate members include Indians under the age of 55 and non-Indians of all ages. NICOA's objectives are as follows: Enhance communications and cooperation with community service providers and other aging organizations that represent and advocate for Native American Elders. Provide information and technical assistance for Native American communities to improve health care for Elders. Network with appropriate agencies to maximize resources, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service delivery systems for Elders. Provide information, reports and expert testimony requested by Tribal Nations and the US Congress. Provide a clearinghouse for information on issues affecting American Indian and Alaska Native Elders.