AARP Oklahoma opens nominations for 11th annual 2019 Indian Elder Honors

AARP Oklahoma is accepting nominations for the 11 ^th annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors to celebrate 50 Native American elders who have positively impacted their community, family, tribe and nation. Since its inception in 2009, AARP Oklahoma has recognized 500 elders from all 39-federally recognized tribes and nations in Oklahoma.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE

“The AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors recognizes the extraordinary contribution of Indian elders – many of whom are the unsung heroes of their communities,” AARP Oklahoma volunteer state president Joe Ann Vermillion said.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION HERE

The 2018 Indian Elder Honorees from 28 Oklahoma tribes and nations included teachers, veterans, artists, tribal leaders and culture preservationists. AARP state director Sean Voskuhl said, “This event celebrates a lifetime of service from these distinguished elders who have positively impacted their community, family, tribe and nation. Whether they are well-known or exhibit quiet devotion to family and community, this year’s AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder honorees represent what is best about Native American people- love of family, dedication to culture and respect for all people.”

VIEW THE 2018 PROGRAM AND PAST INDIAN ELDER HONOREES HERE

This year’s Indian Elder Honors will be held October 1, 2019 in Oklahoma City. Nomination applications are online at https://aarp.cvent.com/2019IndianElders. Nominations may be submitted electronically or mailed to AARP Oklahoma, 126 N. Bryant, Edmond, OK, 73034.  Nominees must be an enrolled member of a federally-recognized Oklahoma tribe or nation, age 50+, and must be living. Nominees do not have to be AARP members. For more information, please contact Mashell Sourjohn at 405-715-4474 or msourjohn@aarp.org . The deadline for submitting nominations is April 30, 2019.