Nominations Open for 2020 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors

AARP Oklahoma is accepting nominations for the 12th annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, which celebrates 50 Native American elders who have positively impacted their community, family, tribal nation and nation. “The AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors recognizes the extraordinary contribution of Native American elders – many of whom are the unsung heroes of their communities,” said AARP Oklahoma volunteer state president Joe Ann Vermillion.

Since its inception in 2009, AARP Oklahoma’s Indian Elder Honors has recognized more than 550 elders from
Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. Past honorees include teachers, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, and culture preservationists. AARP Oklahoma state director Sean Voskuhl said, “This event celebrates a lifetime of service from these distinguished elders who exhibit a love of family, dedication to culture and respect for all people.”

Call for Entries 2020.mp4

The 2020 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors is October 6, 2020, in Oklahoma City. Nomination applications are online at https://aarp.cvent.com/2020IndianElders. Nominations may be submitted electronically or mailed to AARP Oklahoma, 126 N. Bryant, Edmond, Okla., 73034.

Nominees must be an enrolled member of one of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations, age 50+, and must be living. Nominees are selected based upon their contribution to and social impact on their community, tribal nation, and/or country. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominees do not have to be AARP members to be considered. Honorees will be selected by AARP. For more information, please contact Mashell Sourjohn at 405-715-4474 or msourjohn@aarp.org. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 30, 2020 until 11:59 PM CT.

2019 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors Program