The Minnesota Elder Justice Center invites you to the 20th Annual Minnesota World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference to be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, MN, June 18th, 2025.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances.
To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Renee by email at Renee.Stromme@elderjusticemn.org or calling 651-440-9309.
The cost for registration is $150. After May 1, registration cost increases to $175.
Group rates are available for 5 or more registrants. Email Renee.Stromme@elderjusticemn.org to get set up.
Exhibit booths are available exclusively to event sponsors. Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Facilitator
Peggy Jo Archer
Director of Elder Justice Projects
International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2)
Native American Elder Justice Initiative (NAEJI)
Keynote
Tribal Adult Protective Services: Voices from the Frontlines
In this powerful plenary, Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals from Tribal Nations across the Minnesota region will share insights into their day-to-day operations, offering a grounded look at how they serve and protect Native elders and vulnerable adults. Presenters will highlight how their work is deeply rooted in culture, community, and tribal sovereignty, and how they navigate the unique strengths and challenges of providing protective services in Indian Country. This session honors the critical role of Tribal APS in upholding the dignity, safety, and well-being of Tribal elders.
Event Sponsors
Cindy & Jim Murphy
Day's Agenda
In addition to our usual diverse and robust workshop offerings, we will have two tracks for enhanced focus. We introduce a New to the Field track for people who have recently begun the work of serving older and vulnerable adults. And, with the support of our official sponsor TruStone Financial, we are offering a Financial Exploitation track that explores intervention, investigation, and prosecution of financial exploitation incidents.
8:00am – 8:30am
Registration
8:30am – 10:00am
Welcome, Opening Remarks, and Keynote Address in Carriage Hall
Welcome from the Minnesota Elder Justice Center
Keynote: Tribal Adult Protective Services: Voices from the Frontlines
In this powerful plenary, Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals from Tribal Nations across the Minnesota region will share insights into their day-to-day operations, offering a grounded look at how they serve and protect Native elders and vulnerable adults. Presenters will highlight how their work is deeply rooted in culture, community, and tribal sovereignty, and how they navigate the unique strengths and challenges of providing protective services in Indian Country. This session honors the critical role of Tribal APS in upholding the dignity, safety, and well-being of Tribal elders.
10:15am – 11:15am
Breakout Sessions
- Early Legal Risk Identification: Strengthening Safety for Older Adults – Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
- Tips and Techniques for Interviews with Older and Vulnerable Adults: Lessons from Cornerhouse - Cornerhouse
- Learning the Lessons of Supported Decision Making in Action – Panelists
- Financial Exploitation Track: How Financial Institutions and MN Department of Commerce Work Together to Combat Financial Exploitation – Amy Benson, TruStone Financial Credit Union, Tara Ambrose, MN Department of Commerce
- New to the Field Track: Person Centered Advocacy for Older and Vulnerable Adults: An Introduction – MEJC Advocacy Team Members
11:30am – 1:00pm
Lunch and Jane O Award Ceremony
Carriage Hall
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Breakout Sessions
- Tools of Supported Decision Making – Katie Hestness, LSS
- Enhancing Elder Protection through Tribal Nation Collaboration – Peggy Jo Archer, International Association for Indigenous Aging
- Part 1: How We Got Here: White Supremacy, Structural Racism, and Elder Vulnerability – Donte Curtis and Dana Page, PhD
- Financial Exploitation Track: Uncovering Financial Exploitation: Law Enforcement Strategies & the Power of Search Warrants and Subpoenas – Lt. Mike Murphy
- New to the Field Track: Understanding Adult Protection in Minnesota: Roles, Responsibilities, and Guiding Principles – MN Department of Human Services Aging and Disability Services
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Breakout Sessions
- Supporting the Mental Health and Social Well-being of Rural Older Adults – Carrie Hening-Smith, PhD
- From Principle to Practice: Integrating Culturally Informed Approaches in Adult Protection – MN Department of Human Services Aging and Disability Services
- Part 2: From (A)wareness to (B)ehavior: Dismantling White Supremacy in Elder Services Practice – Donte Curtis and Dana Page, PhD
- Financial Exploitation Track: Prosecution Strategies in Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adult Cases – Susan Crumb and Amy Reed-Hall
- New to the Field Track: Guardians of Dignity: The Who, What and How of the LTC Ombudsman - Linda Sauve, Jane Brink, and Paula Wieczorek (Regional Ombudsman Supervisors with OOLTC)
3:45pm – 4:30pm
Closing Plenary in Carriage Hall
Elder Justice Policy: 2026 Legislative Wrap Up
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference 2026
Hotel Accomodations
A room block has been reserved at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis North, attached directly to the HCBC Conference Center. Queen and King rooms are available for the 2-night conference stay.
Arrival
June 16, 2026
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
You may adjust your stay to one night if preferred.
Departure
June 18, 2026
Check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon).
Nightly Rate
$169.00 / night
Plus 14.525% tax. Queen and King rooms available.
Cancellation Policy
72 Hours Prior
Cancel at least 72 hours before your arrival date to avoid charges.
Booking Deadline: May 17, 2026
Room block expires on this date. Book early to secure the conference rate and your preferred room type.