The nomination period is now open for 2024 AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors, which celebrates Native elders who have positively impacted the country, state, their communities and Indian Country.
Those wishing to nominate an elder honoree have until March 31 to submit an application to AARP Oklahoma. 2024 marks the 16th year for the honoree program recognizing Native elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations for their accomplishments in various areas including professional work, military service, public service, arts and crafts, language and cultural knowledge, education and leadership.
Online nomination forms are available at: https://states.aarp.org/oklahoma/nominations-open-for-the-15th-annual-aarp-oklahoma-native-american-elder-honors
Since 2009, the annual event, previously known as AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, has recognized more than 700 elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations, including those from the Osage Nation. Three Osages received honoree recognition last year, bringing the total of Osages selected as AARP Oklahoma elder honorees to 41.
In a statement, AARP Oklahoma state director Sean Voskuhl said: “AARP Oklahoma seeks to recognize elders who embody AARP’s mission and vision and inspire others to serve. We honor Native American elders who positively impact their communities.”
Rules for AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honorees are:
– The nominee must be an enrolled member of one of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations and age 50-plus.
– The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nominations are based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose.
– Candidates currently campaigning for an elected office are not eligible.
– The recipient does not need to be an AARP volunteer or an AARP member.
– AARP staff members are not eligible.
– Must be living at the time of nomination. This is not a posthumous award.
– Previous selected honorees are not eligible.
Previous honorees include teachers, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, and culture preservationists, according to AARP Oklahoma. Other honorees include business professionals, language teachers, doctors, nurses, attorneys, judges and authors.
The selected elders will be recognized in Fall 2024 during an honoree program with the recent two yearly events held at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
For more information or questions, contact Mashell Sourjohn at 405-715-4474 or msourjohn@aarp.org
