Paying Tribute to Tribal Elders

AARP Oklahoma is accepting nominations for its eighth annual Indian Elder Honors program, celebrating the accomplishments of Native Americans who belong to the state’s 39 federally recognized tribes and nations. More than 700 people are expected to attend the awards ceremony in October to pay tribute to 50 tribal elders for their contributions to their communities, families, state or tribal nations.

Last year’s winners included a 94-year-old “language warrior” who has helped to keep a native language from going extinct, a founding member of the American Indian Law Students Association, and the first runner-up in the 1949 Miss Oklahoma Pageant. Past honorees have included artists, veterans, ministers, educators and family leaders.

Each nominee must be an enrolled member of an Oklahoma tribe or nation, and age 50 or older. Nominations are due June 1 and can be made online at aarp.org/okindiannavigator.