AARP Oklahoma is now accepting nominations for its 17th annual Native American Elder Honors which celebrates elders who have positively impacted our country, state, communities, and Indian Country.
Those wishing to nominate an elder honoree have until March 31 to submit an application to AARP Oklahoma. 2025 is the 17th year for this honoree program recognizing Native elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations for their accomplishments including professional work, military service, public service, arts and crafts, language and culture preservation, education and leadership.
Nominations will be accepted online at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/aD7QqKk0XL
In 2024, a total of four Osage elders were among the 48 Native elders from across the state recognized at an awards banquet held on Nov. 6 in Oklahoma City.
According to a news release, Nominees for the AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors must meet the following eligibility requirements:
– Nominees must be 50 or older.
– The achievements, accomplishments, or service on which the nominations are based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose (see below).
– Must be a citizen of an Oklahoma tribal nation.
– 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.
AARP’s Vision: A society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose and in which AARP helps people fulfill their goals and dreams.
Since 2009, the annual event, previously known as AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, has recognized more than 700 elders from Oklahoma tribal nations. AARP Oklahoma state director Sean Voskuhl said in a statement: “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.”
For more information or questions, contact Mashell Sourjohn at (405) 715-4474 or email msourjohn@aarp.org