2025 AARP Oklahoma Native American Elders Honors celebration recognizes 49 Native American elders

Jerry Hymer Photography

The 17th annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors celebrated 49 Native American elders from 23 Oklahoma tribal nations for their achievements, community service, and impact. Since 2009, AARP Oklahoma has recognized over 800 Native American elders from the state's 39 tribal nations.


The ceremony was held in Oklahoma City at the First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., on November 5. The floor-to-ceiling windows in The Hall of the People overlooked the First Americans Museum (FAM) Mound, a 21st-century mound that pays tribute to the Oklahoma tribes descended from Moundbuilder cultures. The FAM Mound served as a poignant backdrop for the ceremony.

AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl welcomed the 300 attendees and said the Native American Elder Honors was created to memorialize the work and contributions of elders who inspire future generations. Voskuhl thanked the honorees for answering the calling to contribute and lift communities. "Our honorees' selfless acts of service truly make a positive difference in lives of so many many, while helping others live their best lives, " he said.

The program included an in-memoriam tribute, an invocation, the Chickasaw Nation Color Guard's presentation of colors, the Dr. John and Tewanna Edwards Leadership Award to Casey Camp Horinek, and the presentation of medallions to the 2025 honorees. AARP Oklahoma Sr. Associate State Director Mashell Sourjohn, the honoree, AARP Oklahoma Executive Council member Dana Miller, and AARP Oklahoma volunteer Tewanna Edwards presented the medallions.

This year's esteemed honorees included educators, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, culture preservationists and everyday heroes.

Downloadable event pictures are available at hymerphotography.smugmug.com.

"Whether our honorees are well-known or exhibit quiet devotion to family and community, all our honorees represent the love of their family, dedication to culture and exhibit respect for all," Voskuhl said.