Margo Gray, John Henry Mashunkashey and Judy Tiger will be honored at the 14th Annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors on Nov. 9 at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
Since 2009, the annual event previously known as AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors has recognized more than 650 elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. Each year the celebration honors 50 Native American elders who have positively impacted their country, state, communities and Indian Country.
AARP Oklahoma state director Sean Voskuhl said, “These honorees are beacons of hope and inspiration and embody AARP’s mission and vision, as they inspire others to serve. The Native American elders we recognize are an extraordinary example of the difference that we all can make in others’ lives and in the vitality of our communities.”
Among the honorees are traditional speakers, veterans, environmental activists, tribal leaders, tribal attorneys, cultural and spiritual leaders, physicians and storytellers. It is the largest gathering of its kind in the state.
Gray is a culturally active member of the Pawhuska District. She has 18 years of Law Enforcement and over 20 years of private business experience in civil engineering and strategic business consulting. An Osage shareholder, she also served on the 4th Osage Minerals Council from 2018-2022.
Mashunkashey is a culturally active member of the Pawhuska District. He is a Vietnam Veteran and sits on the Osage Veteran Memorial Commission and was part of the planning of the Veteran Memorial that is an award-winning structure. He is a member of the VFW in Pawhuska.
Tiger is a culturally active member of the Grayhorse District. She attended Chilocco Indian School where she met her husband Jim and together raised three children. A culture keeper, she has been a cook for the Inlonshka dances and is a ribbonwork seamstress.
For more information contact Mashell Sourjohn at (405) 715-4474 or msourjohn@aarp.org.