AARP Oklahoma 2024 Native American Elder Honors

16th Annual

Native American Elder Honors

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 16th annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors.

The cherished elders we celebrate today are caring curators of our cultures, history, and communities. Through their wisdom and profound experiences, they connect us to our past, keep us mindfully present, and inspire future generations to become better curators of our community and cultures. We are honored to share their inspiring stories and applaud their many achievements as they enhance their communities and serve others.

These honored elders embody AARP’s vision of a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose and are able to fulfill their goals and dreams. They embody AARP’s purpose to empower people to choose how they live as we age. Through their contribution and leadership, they motivate others to selflessly serve their communities.

Today, we honor these beloved elders who are both revered and respected. Individually, their achievements are remarkable. In total, their impact is remarkable throughout Indian Country and our nation. Chief Tecumseh once said, “A single twig breaks, but a bundle of twigs is strong.” Because of these honored elders, our communities are strong.

To all of our 2024 AARP Oklahoma Native American elder honorees and past honorees: thank you for being remarkable examples of the difference that we all can make in others’ lives and the well-being and vitality of our communities.

We thank you, and God bless.

Sean W. Voskuhl AARP Oklahoma State Director

AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors

Sean Voskuhl, AARP OK State Director Invocation

Oklahoma Fancy Dancers

Dr. John & Tewanna Edwards Leadership Award

Dr. John and Tewanna Edwards Leadership Award

Robyn Sunday-Allen Cherokee Nation Chief Executive Officer, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

Robyn Sunday-Allen currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. She attended the University of Oklahoma, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Master of Public Health in Health Administration and Policy. Robyn began her career at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic as an registered nurse and became the Director of Nursing shortly thereafter. She was promoted to the Chief Operating Officer position in 2001 and was appointed as the President and CEO in 2009.

Robyn is currently on the Board of Directors for the National Council of Urban Indian Health, Oklahoma Quality Foundation, Leadership Oklahoma City, YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, and New View Oklahoma. She is a Graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City Class XXIX and Leadership Oklahoma Class XXVI.

Robyn has received many awards, including Indian Health Service’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Luana Reyes Leadership Award; The Journal Record’s 50 Making a Difference Woman of the Year Honoree 2009, 2010, 2012; and The Journal Record’s Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO Honoree 2009-2011 and was inducted as the first-ever CEO in Oklahoma’s Circle of Excellence.

An Oklahoma Proclamation from Gov. Brad Henry declares November 14 Robyn Sunday-Allen Day.

Robyn is married to Russell and they have one son, Eli, a junior at UCLA.

About the Award

Dr. John “Nikaani Kaapaa” Edwards (19352014) was a peacemaker for the Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court, an arbitrator for the U.S. Department of Interior, former governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and a pastor of the Fellowship of American Indians Church of Oklahoma. Nikaani Kaapaa is John’s tribal given name, meaning “leader standing in front.”

TewannaEdwardsservesasaChickasaw NationpeacemakerfortheChickasawNationSupremeCourtandhas dedicatedherlifetoservingothers.

Dr.andMrs.Edwardshavededicatedtheirlivestothebettermentof othersthroughoutIndianCountrythroughvolunteerism,advocacy, andeducation.TheirservicewithAARPincludespositionsonthe AARPOklahomaExecutiveCouncil.TheyhelpedestablishtheAARP OklahomaIndianElderHonorsprogram,nowknownasNative AmericanElderHonors.

2024 AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honorees

Billie Lou Anthony Cherokee Nation

Billie Lou Anthony was born in 1949 in Braggs, Oklahoma, where she also attended school and graduated third in the class of 1967. Billie married during her first year as a student at Northeastern State College, and she and her husband started their family. Billie volunteered at her daughters’ schools and served as Parent Teacher Association president. Recognized for her versatile skills, Billie has trained Burger King employees in customer service and worked as office manager for Deaf Missions, which translates the Bible into an American Sign Language.

A member of First Christian Church, Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Billie leads classes to help people in their health journey and writes a weekly article in the Sequoyah

Born in Mayes County, Robert Backward has always lived in the Salina area. Married in 1962, he and his wife raised two boys. In 1959, he joined the Army with a tour in Germany, where he drove an ambulance part-time. When his military service ended, he volunteered as a Little League Baseball coach and later served as president of the All-Sports Booster Club for his community. Robert is faithful to his family, his community, his heritage, and his church. For many years, he volunteered to sponsor students at his church by taking them to summer camp.

In 1965, Robert, who had studied music in college, agreed to be the interim music minister at Salina First Baptist Church. 59 years later, Robert is still the music minister. He loves

County Times. She started a women’s fellowship group at her church, directed vacation Bible school for five years, and has taught Sunday school for 44 years. Since 2011, Billie and her husband have worked with AARP Tax-Aide to provide free tax-preparation services. Billie is the AARP Oklahoma Sallisaw Tax-Aide shift coordinator, and she and her husband prepare taxes for nearly 300 local citizens at no cost. “I wanted to give something to my community that they wanted, needed, and appreciated by preparing income taxes for free,” Billie said. Billie loves traveling and going on cruises. She has been to all 50 states and 25 countries on five continents, as well as several island nations in the Caribbean.

singing an old southern gospel tune with a quartet, joining a contemporary worship team, or leading the choir in a Christmas cantata. A full-blood Cherokee, Robert will sometimes wear his traditional ribbon shirt during church services. Raised in a Cherokee-speaking home, he has always recognized the need to include his heritage in his music. Every Sunday, he leads the entire church in welcoming one another with “Osiyo,” a Cherokee greeting. He includes young students by coordinating and leading music programs and skits. Robert has convinced many through the years to step outside their comfort zone to sing in the choir or to play a musical instrument. Robert is the epitome of faithfulness and servanthood to his church and community.

Robert Backward Cherokee Nation

Mary Ann Baken Chickasaw Nation

Mary Ann Baken was born in California in 1958. Her family moved there because of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956. Eventually, she was able to move

back to Oklahoma, where she has resided since. Growing up in a large extended family, today she has a son, a daughter, and two grandchildren. A proud Chickasaw citizen and an elder, Mary Ann has worked with the Chickasaw Nation professionally for 21 years in both nutrition and veteran’s services. A certified veteran’s advocate, she served in the U.S. Army. Mary Ann shares her cultural values as a member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society and the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard and by assisting military members with benefits and other programs. She helps to analyze Veteran Affairs benefit decisions and helps veterans navigate the claims process. Her

Sandi Bokovoy Cherokee Nation

Providing hope for Native children is important to Sandi Bokovoy, a Cherokee Nation elder. Sandi was adopted soon after birth by a Cherokee mother and Osage father. Years later, she met her biological family both parents were members of the Cherokee Nation. Sandi earned a Bachelor of Arts in religion, with minors in music and secondary education from Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska. She and her husband spent almost 20 years as missionaries in Ethiopia and Singapore. During that time, two sons and one daughter were born. Working with children and youth, Sandi served with a Native ministries group in her church for more than 10 years to provide one-to two-week-long vacation bible schools on reservations and in other Native communities throughout the United States. She

knowledge is integral to tribal veterans receiving optimum services and support.

An active volunteer member of the Chickasaw Honor Guard for two years, Mary Ann has attended hundreds of ceremonies on community, tribal, and state levels. As an ambassador of the Chickasaw Nation, she also has performed military honors at hundreds of veterans’ funerals. She has served in the rifle party, as a bugler and on the casket team, folding the flag. Mary Ann has dedicated her life to her community and tribal citizens.

developed a culturally sensitive program template of activities and stories that other groups could use.

For her 90th birthday, Sandi traveled to the island of Kauai and collaborated with the local community to do a one-week vacation Bible school for Native Hawaiian children. With a strong nature component, her programs teach basic life principles, using the four pillars of the Lakota tribe: respect, wisdom, fortitude, and courage, and one pillar from Creator God: love. In 1986, she produced a movie, “Ancient Dawn,” a story of teens on a choir journey to the Holy Land. Two years ago, she self-published a book, “Ethiopia Calls.” An accomplished musician, she continues to play piano weekly for her church in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

Marilyn Kodaseet Bread Kiowa Tribe

Marilyn Bread has shared her love and skills with the Kiowa people throughout her career, her professional activities and the many organizations she serves in leadership.

Her awards are numerous for her many accomplishments in service to all generations and all society. Marilyn served as a Kiowa Legislator

Ladoma “Doma” Bryan Kaw Nation

Ladoma “Doma” Bryan, a citizen of the Kaw Nation, is of the Thunder Clan. Graduating from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, with a degree in culinary

of Medicine Bluff - District 3 from 2018 to 2022 and is the current Kiowa Judiciary Commission Chair. She has held numerous human resources, development, and teaching positions at Haskell Indian Nations University, Lawrence, Kansas, Kiowa Casino, and Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Marilyn also served as the Interim Executive Director for the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission from 1970 to 1973. Since 1994, she is an ordained minister, pastor, and founder of the New Jerusalem Intertribal Fellowship in Lawrence, Kansas. In 2006, she was appointed by the mayor to serve as a member of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, Citizens Review Task Force for Racial Profiling, which she continues to serve today. She is the current south representative of the All Nations Prayer Warrior Society International

arts, she started her career as an assistant cook with the Kaw Nation’s Title VI program. The program has grown throughout the years, providing food for elders in the service area. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Doma recently celebrated 35 years with the Title VI program, where she enjoys helping tribal elders and youth, serving as head cook for the men’s dance. Growing up, Doma helped her mother cook at the Kaw powwows. When the Kaw men brought back the I’Lonschka, Doma was asked to cook for the first drumkeeper. Now she cooks for her elders and the meal for the Kaw Nation’s quarterly General Council meetings. Doma

and is a founding member.

She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Liberal Arts, Business, and Economics. She completed graduate studies in general school adminstration at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma and gerontology at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.

In 1991, Marilyn was awarded the Haskell Indian Nations University Faculty of the Year award and the Sponsor of the Year award.

She is a lifetime member and one of only two women in the Kiowa Blackleggings Warrior Society, a Kiowa combat veterans organization. She is a founding member of the Tahlequah Powwow Club. Marilyn is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and presenter on Native American culture and traditions.

has an amazing connection with the elders. From the monthly elder bingo games to the elder care baskets that Title VI distributes, the best thing is seeing Doma with her elders, smiling and laughing. Doma is known for having a big heart and teaches cooking and shawl-making classes for Kaw youth. She and her husband have four children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Danny Callison Cherokee Nation

Danny “Coach” Callison has had a positive impact on numerous lives in Mayes County, Oklahoma. In 1980, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah,

Jackson Chaney Muscogee Nation

Oklahoma. Danny coached many school-age athletes in football, baseball, basketball, and track throughout his years at Locust Grove, Pryor, and Sequoyah public schools in Claremore, Oklahoma. Adults in the area, including his fellow Tribal Council members, still endearingly call him “Coach.” In addition to his aptitude for coaching sports, he is also a skilled and knowledgeable biology, chemistry, and environmental science teacher. He has inspired many students to pursue college degrees in those fields and many more to pursue advanced degrees in medicine and dentistry. Danny was honored as Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year multiple times. He is a member of the

Oklahoma Coaches Association, the Oklahoma Football Coaches Association, and the Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association.

After Danny retired from teaching and coaching, he was elected to the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. He continues to be instrumental in countless activities that benefit both his tribe and his community. He has helped tribal citizens individually and assisted local schools and law enforcement.

One of the biggest projects Danny has driven is the construction of a new, state-of-the-art $90 million outpatient health center in Salina, Oklahoma.

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jackson Chaney holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. As a licensed professional engineer and surveyor, he spent his early career designing and building bridges and highways across Oklahoma, including portions of Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 75, and the H.E. Bailey, Indian Nations, and Muskogee turnpikes. For the next 20 years, Jackson served as the Bureau of Indian Affairs project engineer, appearing before the U.S. Supreme Court in the successful lawsuit brought by the Cherokee,

Choctaw, and Chickasaw Nations of Oklahoma vs. the United States in their claim to ownership of the Arkansas River.

Following retirement from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Jackson served as a project engineer for the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, where he oversaw the reconstruction of more than 100 miles of county roads and bridges and construction of the Coweta Indian Health Clinic. His final contribution was serving as project engineer for the construction of the Muscogee Nation River Spirit Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Anita Sue Chisholm Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Anita Sue Chisholm’s successful career, educational accomplishments, and dedication to her tribe are inspiring to many, as she encourages women in her family and tribal community to strive for greatness and to achieve their dreams. She focuses

A U.S. and Cherokee citizen, John Cockrum was born in Claremore, Oklahoma, 98 years ago. After graduating from Claremore High School in 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy. John next volunteered for the U.S. Navy Submarine Service. Following further training and overseas deployment to the Asiatic-

on tribal culture and the importance of continuing traditions. Born and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Anita was the first woman and member of her family to graduate from college. A few hours shy of earning her doctorate, she dedicated her professional life to educating others. Anita began her career teaching elementary and middle school art. She volunteered at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, where she taught art and behavioral health and helped sponsor powwows and dinners for the Women’s Indian Club.

Anita was the director of the American Indian Institute College of Continuing Education at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma for 28 years. She traveled extensively across the United States

Pacific Command, he was assigned to the U.S. submarine, USS Piranha, which engaged the enemy on several combat patrols, successfully sank Japanese ships and survived numerous depth-charge attacks. For his service, John received the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Combat Action Medal, and U.S. Navy Good Conduct Medal. The entire crew received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. Discharged in February 1946, John returned to Claremore.

John married in 1946, and the couple had one daughter. He earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. In 1954, he received his master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Tulsa, pursuing this degree while teaching school.

and Canada. Working with nearly 500 federally recognized tribes and many First Nations of Canada, Anita conducted conferences and trainings, educating the Indian country on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), substance abuse, education, and culture. She wrote or edited more than 50 publications and securing more than $20 million in funding to support projects and programs. Anita developed nationally acclaimed conferences and workshops. She was a founding member of the Oklahoma ICWA and the task force that helped pass into law the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act. In retirement, Anita served as treasurer of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and on the tribal bank board.

From 1949 to 1960, John served three school systems as a teacher, principal, and athletic coach. During the next 28 years, he enjoyed several positions in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, schools. He retired in 1988 after working 39 years with Oklahoma youth. In the community, John served in leadership roles in the Sapulpa Education Foundation, Sapulpa Lions Club, Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, Oaks Country Club in Tulsa, and Sapulpa First Presbyterian Church. In 2019, he was honored with the Cherokee Nation Warrior Award.

John Cockrum Cherokee Nation

As a tribal government relations specialist for the Continental, Midwest, Southeast, and North Atlantic Districts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mary Culley works with 33 Tribal nations in nine states. Joining the Veterans Administration in 2005, Mary plays

Janice Edmiston Choctaw Nation

Janice Edmiston, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation and a descendant of the Sac and Fox Nation, has built her legacy around fundraising and community service. As she wrote her master’s thesis about the challenges

multiple roles. She develops positive working relationships among tribal leaders, federal and state Veterans Affairs personnel, and partnership agencies. She serves as a resource to tribal governments seeking to engage in collaborative, productive relationships with Veterans Affairs. Most important to Mary are her peers and the individual veterans she serves. She assists tribes in offering technical assistance training to various grants, homeless stand down events, Veterans Affairs enrollment fairs, and presumptivecondition events. Mary served on the U.S. Interagency Council on Native American Homelessness. A 20-year Air Force veteran, she was handpicked for a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) assignment, serving under three Supreme Allied Commanders

facing urban Native Americans, her passion for helping Native Americans began. Initially, she worked as the grants and contracts officer for the Indian Health Care Resource Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For 10 years, she raised money to help the center expand its services. Janice now serves as a nonprofit consultant and as the board president for the center. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed helping people in need and connecting them with services and support in the community.

Professionally, Janice took an unintentional path to several meaningful destinations that included being an adjunct professor at Haskell Indian Junior College, Lawrence, Kansas and a national trainer for the Indian Health Service’s Office

Europe (SACEUR), SHAPE, Belgium, serving in their flight operations unit. She was also selected for a U.S. Air Force in Europe position, assigned to the Wing Base Personnel Readiness Unit as the noncommissioned officer in charge of all worldwide deployments in and out of Europe. Mary has a master’s degree in business administration/ health care management. She has one daughter and two grandchildren. She is a citizen of the Seminole Nation and of Muscogee Nation heritage. She belongs to the Tom Palmer Band on her father’s side and is Wind Clan on her mother’s side.

of Alcoholism Programs. That path eventually led her to a lengthy career in fundraising. For more than three decades, she raised millions of dollars for six prestigious nonprofit organizations, advancing their stability and success. One of her proudest accomplishments was doubling the revenue of an Indian health care organization, enabling it to add optometry, behavioral health, and chemical dependency services. She was also instrumental in the hospital renovation of a maternal/child health unit that provided labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum services for the underserved. Janice’s husband, Ceasar Williams (Ponca), her family, and prayer form her foundation.

Mary Culley Seminole Nation

Robin Ann Fitzl has always loved all things science, especially the field of pathology. She is a certified histologist, a medical scientist who prepares tissue samples for analysis by pathologists. Robin has worked coast to coast at

A proud citizen of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, Atheda W. Fletcher was raised and educated in Oklahoma. She holds a human resource management degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma and is certified as a human resources

such places as Harvard Medical School’s Brigham and Women’s teaching hospital, Marshfield Clinic, University of Rochester, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 2011, Robin joined Leica Biosystems, a cancerdiagnostics company and global leader in workflow solutions. As a field application specialist, she covers 14 western states in providing histological support to clinical and research labs.

Recently, Robin leveraged her passion and years of experience to become the sole designer of a new, patent pending, tissueprocessing protocol. In 2023, she was selected as Leica Biosystems Field Application Specialist of the Year. When she is not addressing state and national societies, her Leica Biosystems educational webinars are attended by scientists around

professional and as a dementia care specialist. Passionate about the well-being of all Native Americans, she seeks to pull together diverse threads of Tribal nations to maximize services and support for local citizens. During her private sector professional career, Atheda worked for a global organization where her passion for collaborating with multicultural staff was an asset and a strength. After retiring and moving back to Oklahoma, she volunteered with various nonprofit organizations. As an active tribal and community member, she was elected to the Absentee Shawnee Elders Council and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s Executive Committee. Seeing and understanding the greater needs of all Native Americans, she reentered the tribal nation’s workforce. Today, she leverages her invaluable experiences into action with the

the world. Robin holds a Bachelor of Science in molecular medicine from Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. Her education was funded in part by the Federal Indian Health Scholarship and the Choctaw Nation. She is a member of the National Histotechnology and Oklahoma Histology societies. Robin’s passion for science burns bright as she strives to serve humanity behind the scenes and make her ancestors proud. When she is home in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, she visits elders, supports the local shelter for the unhoused, and participates in civic duties.

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System.

Atheda’s current goal is to bring greater understanding and awareness of the need for services and support to Native Americans living with dementia and their unpaid caregivers. She is the grant director and primary investigator at the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System, where she manages two dementia service grants. She is also a member of the International Association for Indigenous Aging’s Brain Health Advisory Council, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the health and well-being of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other Indigenous people as they move through the aging spectrum.

Atheda W. Fletcher Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Robin Ann Fitzl Choctaw Nation

Felecia Freeman Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Karen Fullbright Seminole Nation

As a citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Felecia Freeman has worked for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation since 2006. Her Potawatomi name is “Jiqwes kwe,” meaning “Little Thunder Woman.” She is a commercial loan officer and a certified credit counselor for the Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation, where she has assisted in making more than $40 million in loans to Native American entrepreneurs. She also provides the credit counseling program for Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal members.

Karen Fullbright, a citizen of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Menominee Tribe, has served her tribal communities and tribal government legislative body for 22 years. She is a member of the Hvteyicvlke (Newcomer) Band and the Bear Clan. Elected by her tribal band citizens for five terms, Karen researches proposed bills presented to the General Council, garners support from other General Council representatives, debates on the Council floor, advocates for tribal communities, and obtains passage of legislation. Most of the measures that she has championed have been approved. Current Chief Lewis Johnson appointed her to serve a four-

Felecia is active in the community, serving on the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma advisory board, the local Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative advisory board, the Shawnee Leadership Committee, and as an ambassador for the Greater Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the Opportunity Finance Network, the Native Community Development Financial Institution Network, and the Oklahoma Native Asset Coalition. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond.

year term on the Personnel Board and the Constitution Revision Committee for the Seminole Nation.

Married for 49 years, Karen and her husband have three children and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She attends St. Benedict Catholic Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Karen has worked with the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority for seven years. As their children grew up, she and her husband volunteered as co-presidents of the Shawnee Takedown Club, where they also coordinated practice and wrestling tournament transportation for all who need it. Karen is a true voice for the people and has earned the respect of many.

Ida Gonzales was born in Holdenville, Oklahoma, the eldest girl of nine siblings. A citizen of the Seminole Nation and descendant of the Muscogee Nation, she is a member of the Eufaula Band and a member of the Wind Clan. When

William “Bill” Griffin’s formal education began at Lincolnville School in northeast Oklahoma and continued at Fort Sill Indian School. He entered Lawton Public Schools, participating in football and track. As a teen, he worked the summers in wheat and hay

the tuberculosis epidemic hit Hughes County, her mother was stricken. Her father was serving in the U.S. Army. She and her two older brothers were relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 1953 to live with relatives and learn to speak English. She always had questions about her culture. However, she kept her memories of songs her “Papa” sang to her and a few common words in her language that, as a child, she was not allowed to utter. She lived in Long Island, New York, for 30 years. Upon retirement, she and her husband relocated to Oklahoma. She became involved with the Seminole Nation by attending Eufaula Band meetings and learning about her culture and tribal affairs. She was elected four times as her band representative

to serve a four-year term on the Seminole Nation General Council. She is currently serving her fourth term. She researches actions or bills that come before the General Council for approval and debates the issues. Ida is also a member of the Finance Committee, lending more than 30 years of experience, knowledge, and skills in accounting. Ida’s mother taught her how to crochet, bead, make patchwork and quilts. Passionate about her faith, Ida is truly an advocate for tribal communities and programs.

fields around Lawton. Upon graduation in 1960 on a track scholarship, Bill attended the University of Oklahoma and was a team member in 1962 when the University of Oklahoma won the Big 8 Conference Championship. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1965 before graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. He served as the Marine detachment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk with the 27th and 28th Marine regiments. Bill received the National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with Three Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter Rifle Badge, and Pistol Marksman Badge and was honorably discharged in 1969. He attended vo-tech where he received certification as a heavy equipment operator. He began working in the Tulsa area, then

throughout the state, building bridges and roadways.

Along with work and family, Bill was active in the Quapaw Nation and the community. With the tribal nation, he served on the Business, Quapaw Powwow, Cultural and Elders committees. He represented the tribal nation, as well as his Marine Corps for more than 50 years, carrying the American flag at various functions. Bill was introduced to the drum at an early age and was a fancy dancer. After his discharge from the Marines, he started gourd dancing, which he does to this day.

William “Bill” Griffin Quapaw Nation

Ida Gonzales Seminole Nation

Sherri Hancock’s Chickasaw name is “Kowi Shobbokoli” which translates to Gray Cat. Sherri worked in education for 42 years in Oklahoma, Arizona, and California. In 1975, after teaching English for seven years, she began working for the Oklahoma City Public Schools

Title IV Indian Education program and, as the coordinator, helped establish the foundation for that initiative. Much effort went into gathering resource materials, creating curricula for K-12, and helping staff integrate and teach Native American history and knowledge to both Native American and non-Native students. From that position, Sherri developed the career development program at Rose State College, Midwest City, Oklahoma; then became its financial aid director there and at Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma. Native American student resources were scarce, so Sherri strived to connect Native students to much-needed funding and to facilitate processing. She served in leadership roles in state associations. She was instrumental in developing software programs for

FAFSA, as well as state and college financial aid.

Sherri thoroughly enjoys teaching. When she began working with the Oklahoma City Title IV Indian Education Program in 1975, she felt awakened to her Chickasaw heritage and appreciated the opportunity to learn about all tribal nations as they gathered materials for the Title IV program. Now retired, Sherri is learning the Chickasaw language and volunteering at the First Americans Museum, Oklahoma History Center, and Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall.

Mahaley Harjo served as a dedicated educator for 30 years at Wetumka Public School. She taught second through sixth grades. She chose to become an educator so that no Native child would be left behind. During this time, she assisted students in participating in the Muscogee Creek Nation Challenge Bowl competition. The contest challenges Native students on their knowledge of Mvskoke language and history.

After graduating from Jones Academy in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, Mahaley earned an associate degree from Seminole State College of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. She served as treasurer of the Kialegee Tribal Town Business Committee from 1998-2000. She has been married for 52 years. Mahaley is a member of Sand Creek Baptist Church in Wetumka, Oklahoma.

Mahaley Harjo Kialegee Tribal Town

Sherri Hancock Chickasaw Nation

A citizen of the Muscogee Nation, Mary Harjo belongs to the Bear clan. Hailing from Holdenville, Oklahoma, she attended Eufaula Boarding School. After high school, she worked for 17 years doing general labor. Mary earned an associate degree from South Oklahoma City Junior College

and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Oklahoma. Mary then got her master’s in vocational rehabilitation counseling from Langston University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. During her 19-year professional career as a social worker, Mary worked in child welfare, hospice, and medical areas, and became a tribal child protection manager. She became the first tribal liaison for the state of Oklahoma and volunteered for more than 13 years with Native Americans incarcerated in state and federal prisons.

While Mary loved working with children, she now finds it most rewarding to engage with tribal elders. She volunteers for potluck lunches, cultural events, chair volleyball, and other activities.

Rita Willis Hart is a native Oklahoman, citizen of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and descendant of the Choctaw Nation. She lives with her family in Oklahoma’s Chickasaw Nations territory. She studied at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. She earned a Master of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. Rita has more than 30 years of child welfare and Indian Child Welfare Act-specific experience in all levels of tribal, state, federal, and academia. She is the former project director of the Senior Program Tribal and State Child Welfare Associate with the National Capacity Building Center for Tribes.

Following the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic had on many tribal families and elders, she took the opportunity to help tribal elders feel connected with a sense of belonging through offering fellowships, human interactions, and community activities. Mary stated, “I couldn’t ask for a better life than to be surrounded by so much wisdom and knowledge. Every endeavor, every blessing, and my strong faith, I owe to God. Because, with God, I can do anything.” Mary joins other Muscogee citizens to support families in need of assistance during funerals or when a loved one is sick. She sings traditional songs and offers prayer and words of encouragement. Mary has two children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Today, Rita owns and is a consultant for Apelasv (Here To Help) Consultant Services LLC. As a consultant, trainer, and presenter, she continues to collaborate with partners to develop tribal workforce capacities, training and practicing through an Indigenous lens. Honors include University of Oklahoma Hall of Fame Professional Development Award, Oklahoma Native American Heritage Award, County Director Leadership Award, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Distinguished Community Servant Award, University of Oklahoma Native American Student Award, University of Oklahoma State Leadership Award, and National Social Work Honor Society. Family is most important to her, and

Rita Hart Choctaw Nation

Mary Harjo Muscogee Nation

Mary Elizabeth Skye Kihega

Quapaw Nation

It is hard to go anywhere in Indian Country without someone recognizing Mary Elizabeth Skye Kihega, either as a friend or for her work with numerous tribal nations over her 28 year career. With blisters on her feet from stomp dancing all night, she graduated from Baxter High School in May 1966. 17 years later, after attending classes with her two youngest boys in tow, Mary received her Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. She worked for a Title IV program before the Bureau of Indian Affairs called her to Albuquerque, New

Terry Lamar Cherokee Nation

Mexico, to serve at the Southern Pueblos Agency. Her career as a child protection specialist took her to the Southwest Regional Office, Truxton Canyon Agency, Mescalero Agency, and with the Yavapai-Apache. As a board member with the Child Justice Advocacy Group, Mary fought for juvenile justice for Native children and strengthened juvenile code. In 1963, she was the first Ottawa Powwow Princess. Fifty years later, in 2013, she was honored in the same role at the Ottawa Golden Anniversary Powwow.

Retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Terry D. Lamar served the United States as an intelligence superintendent for the 138th Operations Group, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit stationed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and numerous deployments in southwest Asia. He has been elected and served as the Ward 1 city council and Pryor Creek vice mayor. He has volunteered his time as the Mayes County Senior Nutrition Center vice president and board member is a proud member of the American Legion Post 182 as well as an Eagle Scout.

Locally, he is recognized as a historian and is a published author of “Images of Pryor Creek.” He was instrumental in reviving the local Coo-Y-Yah Museum. A Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma alumnus, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in history education, as well as two Associate of Art degrees in history and criminal justice from Rogers State College, Claremore, Oklahoma.

Freda Lane, Kaw Nation Citizen, has always been a positive influence. For 25 years, she worked for the Kaw Nation as the enrollment clerk. She enrolled tribal citizens and helped them learn about their family tree. Freda has remained knowledgeable in many aspects, not only regarding the history of the Kaw families, but also within the culture. She remains active, serving on the Kaw Nation Enrollment Committee and the Kaw Nation Health Board. Freda and her late husband raised their son and their daughter on

Freda's original allotted land. Freda enjoys spending time with her twin granddaughters, eating lunch with her family and friends at Title VI, and playing bingo. Freda is an important asset within the Kaw Nation and a friend to all who meet her.

Debbie Lindsey Muscogee Nation

A proud citizen of the Muscogee Nation, Debbie Lindsey serves as the assistant vice president, tribal relations manager of Sovereign Bank. In her role, she leverages her extensive experience in community engagement, business development, client relations, and tribal outreach to foster meaningful relationships and drive growth in tribal communities. Prior to joining Sovereign Bank, she served as a tribal government liaison in health care, focusing on Indian health facilities, Oklahoma tribal governments, and American Indian and Alaskan Natives. Debbie also has 17 years of experience in the field of law, working as a legal assistant for the Supreme Court of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, and Oklahoma Indian Legal Services. Beyond her professional achievements, Debbie currently serves

as the president of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City chapter. She is the co-chair of the Force 50 Foundation “Native American Warrior Project,” and a dedicated member of the American Heart Association Go Red Executive Leadership Team. She is the recipient of the 2024 Teachers Appreciation Foundation (TAF) Dignitary Award of Supreme Excellence. In 2016, Debbie and her daughter established Harper’s Book Donations, an initiative that annually donates books to tribal day cares and Head Start programs in memory of her granddaughter. Debbie is passionate about mentoring young professionals who collaborate with tribes and is known for her leadership style that emanates from a servant’s heart.

Freda Lane Kaw Nation

World War II veteran William “Bill” Frank Logan Jr. was selected in 2019 as a Veteran of the Week for Oklahoma, appearing on the Senate floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol to be honored. Later that year, he was honored as a Choctaw Nation Veteran of the Month. Military medals and recognition include the Purple Heart, received in April 1945 in Okinawa. Other citations include Excellent Character of Service, Good Conduct Medal, Honorary Service Button, and special qualification as a machine-gun crewman. He was discharged in 1946 as a private first class with weapons qualification in rifle sharpshooter and bayonet.

Bill was in Pearl Harbor with the 22nd Marine Unit that served in the Pacific. He participated in invasions of the Marshall Islands, Guadalcanal, Guam, and Eniwetok Atolls. The well-trained

from Oklahoma State University in 1962, Bob worked at North American Aviation in Downey, California, as a reliability engineer on the Apollo Project. In 1964, he joined the Atomic Energy Commission, later renamed the Department of Energy. His career at the Department of Energy Albuquerque Operations Office included various positions in the nuclear weapons complex.

6th Marines were sent to Okinawa, which may have been the decisive campaign of the Pacific. After hitting the beach, the soldiers ran up the hills and through the mountains until they reached the Moto Peninsula. Halfway up, an enemy Japanese soldier on a ridge shot at them with a light machine gun. After grabbing their ammunition bags, Bill and another soldier were shot. Hiding in muddy foxholes, he and his comrades battled excessive heat. After Okinawa was secured, Bill was present at an official ceremony in Tsingtao to receive the surrender of the Japanese forces in the area. Today, he is an active member of the Choctaw Senior Citizens of North Leflore County.

Robert “Bob” Yahnah Lowrey was born in Enid, Oklahoma. After graduating from McAlester High School, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves with active duty at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering

A member of the Cherokee Nation, Bob is a descendant of Major George Lowrey, an assistant to John Benge on the Benge Trail of Tears Route. George Lowrey served as assistant principal chief, a member of the delegation meeting with President George Washington, and president of the National Convention, which resulted in the adoption of the Cherokee Constitution in 1939.

Bob has been a dedicated AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer for

26 years. Since 1968, AARP Tax-Aide has provided free tax help to more than 78 million taxpayers, with a focus on older adults with low to moderate incomes. Bob is a member of the National Association of Active and Retired Employees. He and his wife married in 1965 and lived in Colorado, Ohio, New Mexico, and Florida while working for the Department of Energy. Bob retired from the Department of Energy in 1994. In 1995, he and his wife moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma. They have a son and a daughter.

Robert “Bob” Yahnah Lowrey Cherokee Nation

William “Bill” Logan Choctaw Nation

Betty Martin Cherokee Nation

For more than a decade, Betty has selflessly and wholeheartedly served as the director of Murrow Indian Children’s Home, an orphanage in Muskogee, Oklahoma. The work is tiring and has hours that never quite stop at the end of the day. Betty has a huge heart for the children, and has actively served to make the mission continue to give them a stable, safe, fun, and culturally involved environment.

Betty wrote a grant to receive funding for a transition program she started. Designed for children who are turning 18 and aging out of the state system, the program allows them to stay at a cottage on the children’s home campus and provides them with shelter, food, and other needs while attending college or technical school, or joining the workforce.

McClellan Iowa Tribe

Cheerful and happy by nature, Pamela McClellan loves to help others. In her adult years and as an elder of the tribe, she stays active and involved with tribe-sponsored events and activities for people ages 55 and older, along with her own projects. After raising three children, she struggled with health problems, which she overcame. Now it is hard to keep track of her. Pamela readily lends a hand with her children and grandchildren.

As a child, Pamela, her eight siblings, and parents formed a Native American dance troupe. They

appeared at the Buffalo Ranch in Afton, Oklahoma, and in other venues. Additionally, the family lived in Ocala, Florida, where they performed, showing the many styles of dancing to the public.

Today, Pamela enjoys being an active participant in nearly 60 Native Women’s basketball tournaments. She is a proud member of the Iowa Tribe, where she comes from the Small and Kent families, and of the Sac and Fox McClellan name.

Pamela

Edmond Nevaquaya

Comanche Nation

Edmond Nevaquaya, citizen of the Comanche Nation, is a two-time overall world champion and two-time world champion singer and dancer of the Native Dance Circle. He is also an award-winning graphic artist known for his studies of the Native American Indian culture. He expresses pride in his Native American heritage and history through art, music, and dancing. Edmond began attending ceremonies and powwows as a child. Residing in the foothills of the Wichita Mountains in Apache, Oklahoma, Edmond is the son of the late Doc Tate Nevaquaya, a renowned Comanche artist and traditional flutist. Edmond’s knowledge of Comanche culture has taken him to all 50 United States,

Carolyn Button Nott has devoted her life to improving the health and well-being of her children and citizens of her tribal nation. She accomplished her nursing degree in 1995 and served as the Community Health Representative of the Quapaw Nation. In 2005, she was appointed the Community Health Representative of the Year in Oklahoma. Now retired, Carolyn continues to lead her community in culture and history by offering traditional beading, shawl making, regalia, and jewelry making classes. Carolyn holds these classes regularly and teaches the meaning behind every piece. She teaches history and culture, as well as being an upstanding Quapaw Nation citizen. She cooks at memorial dinners, prays with grieving families and friends, and shares traditions with her children

as well as Canadian provinces, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. He learned early to respect and recognize traditional Indigenous art by attending Native American church, participating in traditional Peyote culture, sweat lodges, and sun dances. Sharing his knowledge of traditional teachings and history, Edmond now devotes his time as a cultural counselor for the Comanche Nation Prevention Recovery program. He promotes wellness among his tribe and the community.

and grandchildren, as well as the entire Native community. Of Pawnee and Quapaw descent, Carolyn is an enrolled citizen of the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Carolyn prays the Lord’s Prayer in Plains Sign Language and has passed these teachings on to her daughter, granddaughter, and other tribal members. She has been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 45 years. Carolyn is a family caregiver for her 95-year-old mother. Carolyn has been a lifelong attendee of the Quapaw Nation powwow. The only year she missed was when her son was born. Carolyn and her husband are the proud parents of two children. She also lovingly dotes on her eight grandchildren.

Carolyn Nott Quapaw Nation

Paula K. Pechonick Delaware Tribe

Chief Paula K. Pechonick, a proud Lenape, was born north of Dewey, Oklahoma, on the allotment of her grandmother and has remained in Washington County almost her entire life. She made history as the first female chief of the Delaware Tribe of Indians. Elected chief in 2010, she served the tribe for four years. During

Greg Pitcher Shawnee Tribe

In 1869, the U.S. government forced a formal agreement between the Shawnee Tribe and the Cherokee Nation in which the Shawnee Tribe citizens received allotments and citizenship within the Cherokee Nation. Greg Pitcher and a team of Shawnee leaders sought to

Paula’s administration and under her guidance, the tribe built the Delaware Social Services building, remodeled and enlarged the community center, and reclaimed a Lenape presence in Lawrence, Kansas, with the purchase of income producing farmland. Her additional elected positions with the Delaware Tribe of Indians include service as a tribal judge and council member. Paula represents her Lenape community through her involvement in implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. For decades, the Delaware Tribe appointed Paula as their National Congress of American Indians representative.

A cultural passion for Paula is making Lenape moccasins. She has taught moccasin making, leatherwork, beading, ribbon work, and weaving for 60 years. Her artistry

reestablish the Shawnee Tribe as an independent tribal nation. They sought independent federal recognition of the tribe to help preserve the Shawnee language and culture and to uphold Shawnee sovereignty and self-determination through developing citizen services, tribal programs, and economic development. Serving on the Loyal Shawnee Tribal Council, Greg worked with leaders from the Cherokee Nation, the State of Oklahoma, U.S. Congress, and federal agencies for the Shawnee Tribe to regain their independent federal recognition through Bureau of Indian Affairs procedures. Greg was instrumental in establishing the base roll of Shawnee tribal citizens leading up to the tribe’s separation from the Cherokee Nation in 2000. Greg spearheaded economic development projects

is respected in the United States and internationally. A Delaware War Mother, Paula is a member of the Bartlesville Indian Women’s Club, the Delaware Elders Council, and the Indian United Methodist Church in Bartlesville. Paula’s goals and dreams continue to be a living commitment to foster Lenape cultural awareness and educate her community, family, and friends. She has five children and 15 grandchildren, who have followed in her footsteps by attending powwows and naming ceremonies and by learning to bead moccasins.

to provide funds to empower the lives of Shawnee citizens. He is a board member of Shawnee Development, LLC, the business arm of the Shawnee Tribe that pursues and invests in ethically profitable business to benefit the Shawnee people.

Greg also helped build relationships on behalf of the tribe by lobbying for Shawnee interests in Washington, D.C. He regularly attends conferences and sessions of the National Congress of American Indians. Greg has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He taught at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma. Greg is a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Myron Quapaw Quapaw Nation

Growing up, Myron Quapaw attended school in Turley and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Being in all white schools, every day was a struggle until people got to know him. After graduating from high school, he raced motorcycles professionally.

Soon after, Myron enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent two years active duty, two years reserve, and two years inactive reserve. He excelled from from a private to a buck sergeant within 24 months. His active duty assignments took him overseas to Guam, Okinawa, and Cambodia.

Myron then went to work for Crane Carrier in the field service department for 20 years, traveling extensively throughout the United States.

For 70 years, from age 14 to 84, Myron owned motorcycles and was a riding enthusiast. He was active in the Rolling Thunder, a veteran organization, committed to the return of U.S. Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. The organization supports critical support services for veterans struggling

Edward “Eddy” Red Eagle Jr. Osage Nation

One of the last full-blood Osages, Edward “Eddy” Red Eagle Jr. has served on the First Osage Nation Congress and as head committeeman for the Pawhuska In-Lon-Schka Ceremonial Dance. A former drumkeeper, he is an elder advisor. He is fluent in the Osage language and is currently on the Osage Elder Advisory Cultural Board for the Osage Nation.

to reintegrate into mainstream society through the Coffee Bunker, a nonprofit organization in Tulsa. With the Rolling Thunder, he rode to Washington D.C. five times, as well as throughout Oklahoma, Mississippi, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, and Montana. He is currently active in the Quapaw Nation Elders Committee and has participated in their many trips. Myron enjoys tribal history.

Married for 59 years, Edward and his wife have two surviving children, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Edward is a name giver for the Zhi Zho Eagle Clan and a roadman for the Red Eagle Native American Church in Barnsdall, Oklahoma only one of three churches left in the Osage Nation.

Born in Dustin, Oklahoma, Nellie Roberts has dedicated her adult life to improving the lives of children through caringly implementing the Johnson-O’Malley Act. In January 1981, she was assigned to Wetumka Elementary School Johnson-O’Malley program. There, she made sure her nephew stayed in school by taking him every day, while also being an “auntie” figure to all the students and making sure they always had the supplies they needed. In 1998, she began working the Johnson-O’Malley program in the Dustin school system, where she readily shares her culture, arts, and crafts while substituting and tutoring Native students. She looks forward to working at the basketball game gates

A proud citizen of the Comanche Nation, Yonevea “Yonnie” Sapcut lives in Apache, Oklahoma, on the family’s original allotment of 1901. She began her law-enforcement career in 1979

as the first Native American female police officer for the Anadarko Police Department in Anadarko, Oklahoma. After years of service, Yonevea applied with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement Service. After completing the Indian Police Academy, Yonevea became a federal law enforcement officer for the Southwestern District of Oklahoma. In 1985, Yonevea accepted the position of training sergeant for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Marana, Arizona. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Tribal Police Department on the Salt River Reservation recruited Yonevea. While at the Salt River Police Department, Yonevea completed the Arizona State Police Academy. In 1996, Yonevea returned to Oklahoma to care for a family member. She then began her

and concessions after her regular school duties.

An active member of the Dustin Indian Community for years, Nellie served the Muscogee Nation Indian Community Board as treasurer. Incredibly giving, she is active in the community through the Middle Creek #1 Indian Baptist Church in Carson, Oklahoma, fundraising and cooking for families during their time of need. As a family caregiver, Nellie lovingly took care of her sister, father, and mother.

work as a child and adult protection worker for the Comanche Nation Social Services Department.

This year marks 28 years of service to Yonevea’s beloved tribal community. Elders often look to her for advice and counsel. Yonevea has the same dedication in her work with the Comanche children, conducting home visits and collaborating with the public schools to meet family needs. She cares for her sister, 92, whom she affectionately calls “Mama.” Yonevea is proud to belong to a family of strong Comanche women who believe in each other, give one another strength, and walk spiritually throughout their lives.

Nellie Roberts Kialegee Tribal Town

Yonevea “Yonnie” Sapcut Comanche Nation

Cindra Shangreau Osage Nation

Born and raised on the Osage Nation reservation, Cindra Shangreau is from the Gray Horse district and belongs to the Ponca Peacemaker clan. Her WahZhaZhe name is HumPaToKah. Cindra earned a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, Oklahoma. Much of her professional tenure was dedicated to serving as a pharmacist within the Veterans Administration

Gerald Shores Iowa Tribe

Health Care System in Buffalo, New York. In 2015, Cindra returned to her home state, assuming the role of a clinical pharmacist for the extended care unit/palliative care unit at the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Her leadership extended beyond her daily responsibilities, as she also served on the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs American Indian Council until her 2018 retirement. Recognizing her expertise and commitment to health care, Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear appointed Cindra to the Osage Nation’s Health Authority Board in 2019, and she became chair in 2020. Concurrently, Cindra and the Health Authority Board are supervising construction of a new $18 million, 65,000 square feet clinic. Other projects being pursued are an $18 million, five building counseling campus with adolescent, women’s, and men’s primary residential treatment centers; an outpatient

A kind, quiet individual, Gerald Edward Shores is always willing to help others, especially when he is asked to assist with the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma's cultural ways and the traditional ceremonies they have retained. As an elder of the tribe, he has received the rights to perform ceremonies, and he never hesitates to help other tribal families in their time of need. His parents raised Gerald and his younger siblings in the Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from high school and found employment there.

counseling facility; and a 12-bedroom sober-living home in Pawhuska. She is also engaged in building an $8 million, 18-bed assisted-living facility in Hominy and a $3.5 million satellite clinic on the Osage reservation in Skiatook. Blessed with three children and a granddaughter, Cindra considers herself fortunate to follow in the footsteps of those who paved the way for her contributing to the enhancement of health care.

In his younger years, Gerald participated in sports. Still an avid sports enthusiast, he rarely misses a University of Oklahoma Sooners football game. After many years in Tulsa, Gerald and his wife returned to the birthplace of his mother and grandparents, among the Ioway people. Now they are grandparents who enjoy the easy life.

Mark

J. Simms Osage Nation

Mark J. Simms is a citizen of the Osage Nation, is of Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Nation heritage. His tribal given name is “Le-Ta-Xoh.” In 1980, he founded Accent Pest Control Inc., which grew to become the largest

A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Rex Earl Starr was born in 1944 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He grew up on the original Cherokee land allotment that his grandfather received. Rex Earl earned bachelor’s and master’s

Native American independently owned pest-control company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He also started two other businesses. He attended Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma for three years, majoring in business administration with a minor in psychology. He left OSU to serve in the U.S. Army. When he returned, he enrolled in Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, where he earned an associate degree in bookkeeping.

In 1994, Mark was elected to the Osage National Council’s legislative branch, where he served as speaker and finance committee member. Because of his business acumen, he was appointed as a member of the President’s Business Commission from 2001-2009 during the George W. Bush administration. In 2006,

degrees from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and later enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve Program. He completed Naval basic training, received a direct commission in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps as a second lieutenant, and began a four year active duty tour. Shortly thereafter, he received orders for Rotary Wing Training. In 1968, he was ordered to Vietnam as a combat medical evacuation helicopter pilot in the Mekong River Delta. After discharge from active duty in September 1970, Rex Earl immediately transferred to an active U.S. Army reserve unit in Norman, Oklahoma. In addition to Vietnam, he was deployed twice for duty in Korea. He retired in 2004 with

the Osage Nation elected Mark to serve on the newly reformed government as a Congressman in the Legislative Branch for six years. Mark was on the Economic Development Committee that oversaw the Osage Nation’s seven casinos. In 2013, the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission presented Mark the prestigious Dr. Ralph Dru Career and Professional Award. In 2020, the Bacone College Board of Trustees voted to confer an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters upon Mark for his lifetime political, cultural, educational, and social contribution to the welfare and well-being of the Osage Nation. Mark is president of the OnHand Osage Research Society, a 501c3 in Montgomery County, Kansas.

the rank of lieutenant colonel after serving more than 41 years.

Earning a degree from the University of Tulsa Law School, Rex Earl has actively practiced law for more than 50 years. He was appointed a justice for the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court in January 2021 and received Patriotism and Warrior awards from the Cherokee Nation. Rex Earl is an active member of the First Christian Church in Stilwell, Oklahoma. He and his wife of 58 years have two adult children. He serves his community through pro bono work, assisting veterans and tribal elders.

Rex Earl Starr Cherokee Nation

Lancer Stephens Wichita and Affiliated Tribes

Dr. Lancer Stephens, an enrolled citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and half Muscogee (Creek), is an associate professor in the Department of Health Promotion Sciences at Hudson College of Public Health, Norman, Oklahoma. He teaches

Jimmie Carole Fife Stewart Muscogee Nation

A Muscogee citizen from the Tukabachee Tribal Town and of the Raccoon clan, young Jimmie Carole Fife Stewart was encouraged to explore the possible, be curious and be creative. Inspired by

American Indian health, ethical research with diverse populations, and social and behavioral factors of public health. He is an associate dean. He established the college’s Sovereignty, Opportunity, Belonging, and Engagement office to acknowledge the importance and rights of sovereignty. He is a presidential professor for the Presbyterian Health Foundation and an associate core director for the Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Research Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences in Oklahoma City. His personal interest revolves around children's health, population mental health, increasing motivation for healthy behaviors, and health literacy and its effect on disease prevention, specifically diabetes. He has been a principal investigator, co-investigator, or collaborator for more than 20

this, Jimmie is dedicated to the perpetuation of Native American art and design. She paints everyday and depicts subject matter familiar to her Muscogee upbringing and life. She researches and considers Southeastern archaeological art and design techniques, preremoval and removal histories, and stories from past elders, as well as features from modern issues from tribal government, ceremonial grounds, church, and community life, which she intricately embeds in her art. After graduating from Chilocco Indian Agricultural School, Jimmie received the Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship to participate in the Southwest Indian Art Project Summer Program. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Associate in Commercial Art, Oklahoma State University Tech (now OSU Institute

federally funded grants and a writer for more than 30 publications.

Dr. Stephens is also heavily involved with the initial development and continued support of nonprofit, tribally driven organizations such as the Native Youth Preventing Diabetes Coalition, the Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Diabetes Coalition, and the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium. He especially supports tribes and organizations that desire to increase education for Native students, tribal resources, and disease prevention practices for American Indian populations and has served on local, regional, and national levels to voice the need for, and allocate resources to advances in education and health opportunities for tribal populations. He and his wife have four children.

of Technology), Okmulgee, and Oklahoma Teacher Certification, University of Oklahoma, Norman. A frequent traveler, Jimmie has visited most of the 50 states, as well as Italy, England, Scotland, Central America, Japan, China, and Korea. Now retired, she enjoys teaching adult courses and leading workshops in quilt making, clothing design, traditional techniques, and bookmaking, as well as doing presentations on Muscogee culture, art, and family customs. Her artwork media include painting, illustration, three-dimensional pieces, ribbon work, beadwork, leatherwork, patchwork, and applique.

Born in Wichita, Kansas, Bobby Eves Tallchief grew up in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Serving almost half a century in emergency services, he currently directs emergency services for the Osage Nation. Bobby worked for 35 years at the

As a Kiowa Tribe vice chairman and former legislator, Jacob S. Tsotigh Jr. represented 5,600 tribal citizens. His approach to career success resulted from almost 40 years of educational administration experience, a lifetime of theory and practice, and the application of common sense. Jacob served

Pawhuska and Bartlesville, Oklahoma fire departments. He retired from Bartlesville Fire Department as captain and was the training officer. Today, he is a fire service instructor for Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Bobby oversaw the Osage Nation Wildland Fire Department from 2011-2015. Since then, he has expanded the scope of the emergency management department to include a deputy director and an administrative assistant. Bobby states his greatest career accomplishment was becoming a member of the Oklahoma Task Force 1, Urban Search and Rescue Team. Bobby’s ties to the Osage Nation run deep. Bobby and his family come from Gray Horse village, and he is active in the In-Lon-Schka dances. As with many families, the Tallchiefs suffered the loss of loved ones and

12 years in the Anadarko Public Schools as Indian education director. For three years, he served as the Inter-Tribal Associates Inc. program director and production specialist. Jacob devoted two years as the American Indian Research and Development training associate for the Indian Education Technical Assistance Center and Title IX Indian Education. Jacob co-founded the University of Oklahoma American Indian Alumni Society, as well as the Oklahoma Native All State Association, which sponsors basketball, softball, and baseball games for Native athletes across the state. He served on the first American Indian Charter School, Sovereign Community School, and the Board of Education in Oklahoma City.

A National Merit Scholar, Jacob attended the University of

land during the times depicted in the movie “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Both he and his daughter appeared in the film. Married for 35 years, Bobby and his wife have four children and four grandchildren. The life accomplishment he cherishes the most is being a husband, which led to becoming a father and, ultimately, a grandfather. Bobby is always eager to help the people of Pawhuska and the Osage Nation.

Oklahoma on a full scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Education in educational administration from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. He also holds a Master of Education in Gifted and Talented Education from Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City. He is a founding member of Norman First American United Methodist Church, a Native congregation serving the Norman Native community since 1995. He served on the City of Norman Diversity and Inclusivity Committee from 2020-2022. He and his wife have three surviving children and five grandchildren. He is a full-blood citizen of the Kiowa Tribe.

Bobby Eves Tallchief Osage Nation

Jacob S. Tsotigh Jr. Kiowa Tribe

During his four years in the U.S. Marines, Paul Wilson served four tours in Vietnam. After separating from the Marines, he began a career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter. He served his communities of Ravia and Tishomingo, Oklahoma, for 35 years. He was promoted to fire chief, a position he held for 12 years.

After retiring from his EMT and firefighter career in 2012, Paul decided to volunteer his time and join the

Chickasaw Honor Guard. In that role, he has been an ambassador of the Chickasaw Nation at more than 1,000 events such as powwows, parades, and tribal ceremonies on community, tribal, state, and federal levels. He has also led thousands of veterans’ funerals, performing military honors as rifle party commander and folding the flag and presenting it to the next of kin. Paul has dedicated his life to serving his community.

Paul Wilson Chickasaw Nation

Past Recipients

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Ms. Johnnie Mae Bettelyoun

Ms. Mary Birdtail

Mr. George Blanchard

Ms. Redena Blanchard Miller

Gov. Beverly Edwina Butler-Wolfe

Ms. Wynona Coon

Mrs. Charlene EdwardsWhittington

Mr. Walter L. Larney

Mrs. Twila Parker

Ms. Jenifer Sloan

Ms. Esteline Sloan Schulenberg

Mr. Larry Spybuck

Mr. Melpherd Switch

Ms. Dara Thorpe

Ms. Meredith Wahpekeche

Ms. Pauline White Wahpepah

Mr. Alvin Wilson

Ms. Reta Marie Wilson-Harjo

Alabama-Quassarte

Tribal Town

Mrs. Sinah Manley BirdCreek

Mr. F.B. Fish

Chief Nelson Scott Harjo Sr.

Mrs. Evelyn McLemore

Ms. Diana Moppin

Mr. Turner Scott

Mrs. Lucinda Lou Tiger

Mr. Jack Yargee

Mekko Robert L. Yargee

Chief Tarpie Yargee

Ms. Winey Yargee

Apache Tribe

Mr. William “Bill’ F. Tennyson Berry

Mr. Harry Kaudlekaule

Mr. Gregg Klinekole Jr.

Mr. Nathan “Jumbo” Tselee

Caddo Nation

Col. Louis “Buddy” Bedoka

Dr. Guyneth Bedoka Cardwell

Dr. Dolores Subia BigFoot

Mr. Phillip Cross

Ms. Gayle Cussen Satepauhoodle

Ms. Mary Lou Davis

Mr. Randlett Edmonds

Mr. Joeseph “Joe” Exendine

Mrs. Margaret Francis-Rico

Mrs. Billie Ruth Hoff

Mr. John Wayne Kionut

Ms. Ann Louis Bedoka Donaghey

Mr. Dwight Pickering

Ms. Jereldine “Jeri” Redcorn

Ms. Carol Ross

Ms. Janie Tartsah

Mrs. Jennifer Wilson

Ms. Charlene Wright

Cherokee Nation

Dr. Richard Allen

Mr. Buel Anglen

Mr. Jack Baker

Ms. Dianne Barker Harrold

Chief Justice Dwight W. Birdwell

Mr. Justin Bolen

Mrs. Karyn Braswell

Dr. Thomas Carlile

Ms. Rosa Carter

Mr. John Wayne Cloud

Ms. Beverly Cowan

Ret. SFC Norman Crowe

Ms. Carol “Jane” Davis

Ms. Sharon Dawes

Mr. J. C. Elliot

Mrs. Mae Dean Erb

Mr. Gary Farris

Dr. John Farris

Chief Justice John Garrett

Mr. Bill Glass Jr.

Mr. Joe Grayson

Dr. Charles Grim

Mrs. Winnie Guess-Perdue

Mr. James Franklin Hail

Mr. Dennis “Jay” Hannah

Mrs. Nancy Hansen Edwards

Mrs. Sue Harjo

Mr. Jerry Holderby

Mr. Bill Horton

Dr. Pamela Jumper Thurman

Mr. John Ketcher

Mrs. Marsha Lamb

Mrs. Doris “Coke” Lane Meyer

Rev. D.J. McCarter

Ms. Carolyn McClellan

Ms. Rebecca “Becky” Meyer

Mr. Eddie Morrison

Mrs. Marcella Morton

Mr. Ira M. Phillips

Ms. Frances Ramsey

Ms. Mary Rector Aitson

Mr. Jimmy L. Reeder

Ms. Pat Riley Reeder

Ms. Lucinda Robbins

Ms. Fan Robinson

Mr. Calvin Rock

Mr. Mark Rogers

Dr. Mary “Katie” Sigler

Mr. Crosslin Fields Smith

Mr. Henry Smoke

Mr. Curtis Snell

Mr. Charlie Soap

Mr. Chris Soap

Mr. Bud Andrew Squirrel

Mr. Hickory Starr

Ms. Ollie Starr

Ms. Betty Starr-Barker

Ms. Ida Sue Stopp

Ms. Dorothy Sullivan

Mr. Ross Swimmer

Mr. Joe T. Thornton

Mr. Jack Townsend

Mr. Raymond Vann

Mrs. Ronda Williams

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes

Ms. Erma Jean Brown

Col. Ralph Dru

Mr. Darrell G. Flyingman

Rev. Pat Gonzales

Mr. Albert GreyEagle

Ms. Irene D. Hamilton

Mr. Matheson Hamilton

Chief Lawrence Hart

Dr. Henrietta Mann

Mr. Harvey Phillip Pratt

Mr. Charles Pratt

Mr. Quinton Roman Nose

Mr. Larry Roman Nose

Mr. Moses Starr Jr.

Mr. Raymond “Red” Stone Calf

Traditional Chief Allen Sutton

Mrs. Viola Sutton-Hatch

Mr. William Tall Bear Sr.

Ms. Wanda Whiteman

Ms. Gail Williams

Mr. Richard Dean Williams

Mr. Robert Wilson

Mr. Edward Wilson

Chickasaw Nation

Mr. John Edwin Anderson

Mr. James “Jim” Anderson

Mr. William “Bill” Bomboy

Mr. Kennedy Brown

Mrs. Jeraldine “Jerry” Brown

Mrs. Christie Byars-Chavez

Ms. Pauline Carpenter-Brown

Mr. Robert Larkin Cole

Mr. Thomas W. Cooper

Ms. Irene Digby

Mr. Bill Duckworth

Ms. Tewanna Edwards

Mrs. Ramona Eyachabbe

Ms. Carolyn Sue Fish

Ms. Glenda Galvan

Ms. Mary Jo Green

Mr. Don Hayes

Mr. Ron Hayes

Mr. Melvin Imotichey

Ms. Rose Jefferson

Hon. Mary Jane Lowery

Rep. Neal McCaleb

Mrs. Dean McManus

Admiral Kevin Meeks

Mr. Marcus “Mark” Milligan

Ms. Merry Monroe

Mr. Levi Orphan

Mr. Ron Parker

Mr. Michael Reed

Ms. Thelma Lucile “Chincie” Ross

Ms. Lucy Belle Schultz

Mrs. Sue Simmons

Ms. Barbara Smith

Ms. Mary Smith

Mr. Stanley Smith

Ms.Towana Spivey

Ms. Margie Testerman

Ms. Joyce Vinyard

Mr. Stephen Wall

Mr. Bennett “Ben” Clark White

Ms. Patricia Ann Woods

Choctaw Nation

Mr. Jack Austin Sr.

Mrs. Carole Ayers

Mrs. Lorene Blaine

Rev. Bertram Bobb

Mrs. Doretha Bowen

Ms. Mary Ann Brittan

Mr. Gilbert Mike “Choc” Charleston

Mr. Delton Cox

Mr. Thomas J. Dry

Mrs. Sue Folsom

Mrs. Concetta Gragg

Dr. Jacque Gray

Mr. Ernest Hooser

Ms. Nellie Hunter

Ms. Jeanette Kemp

Mr. Sylvester Moore

Ms. Mona Lea Perry

Mr. Walter Phelps

Ms. Norma Price

Rev. Roger Scott

Mrs. Gloria Sirmans

Ms. Linda Skinner

Mr. Leo Smallwood

Ms. Marcie Smith

Mr. Claude Sumner

Mrs. Rosa Taylor Gilmore

Ms. Harriet Tehauno

Ms. Betty War

Ms. Linda Watson

Chaplain Olin Williams

Rev. Donald Eugene “Gene” Wilson

Ms. Evangeline Wilson

Ms. Pauline “Paula” Wilson-Carney

Mrs. Robin Woodley

Ms. Loyce Wright

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Mr. David Barrett

Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett

Ms. Loretta Barrett-Oden

Chairwoman Linda Capps

Mr. Leon Cross

Ms. Mary Deathrage

Ms. Beverly Hughes

Mr. Alan Kelly

Mr. Joe Miller

Mr. William Nadean

Ms. Mary Ann Powell

Ms. Annamaria Simpson

Mrs. Carmelita Skeeter

Mr. Doyle Morton Thompson

Ms. Darla Tsotaddle

Ms. Margaret Zientek

Mr. Tim Zientek

Comanche Nation

Mr. George Briscoe II

Chap. Jimmy Ray Caddo

Chairman Wallace Coffey

Mr. Kenneth Coosewoon

Mrs. Rita Coosewoon

Mr. Conrad Galey

Ms. Barbara Goodin

Ms. LaDonna Harris

Mr. Leon Hawzipta Jr.

Mrs. Margaret L. Hernasy-Morgan

Mr. Bernard Kahrahrah

Mr. Barthell Little Chief

Ms. Martha “Adele” Mihesuah

Ms. Josephine Myers-Wapp

Ms. Juanita Pahdopony

Dr. Cornel Pewewardy

Rev. Donna Pewo

Ms. Cornelia Quoetone-Karty

Mr. Bill Shoemate

Mr. Jack Shoemate

Ms. Sherry Smith

Mr. Milton Sovo

Mrs. Anna Wockmetooah Tahmahkera

Mr. Thurman Ray Tahsuda

Mrs. Deloris R. Twohatchet

Mr. Joe Wahnee Jr.

Dr. Robbie Wahnee

Dr. Linda Sue Warner

Rev. Videll Yackeschi

Delaware Nation

Ms. Kelly Flow

Ms. Georgia Gallegos

Mr. Tom Holder

Ms. Carol Jared

Mr. Frank Osborne Jr.

Ms. Linda Sue Poolaw

Ms. Mary Dean Rice

Mr. Jim VanDeman

Ms. Gladys Yackeyonny

Delaware Tribe

Mr. Allan R. Barnes

Mr. Howard Barnes

Mr. Rick Barnes

Chief Chester “Chet” Brooks

Councilman Larry “Joe” Brooks

Mr. Kenny Brown

Mr. Raymond M. Cline

Chief Jerry Douglas

Assistant Chief Bonnie Jo Griffith

Mrs. Annette Ketchum

Mr. Dee Ketchum

Mr. Lewis Ketchum

Mr. Charles Randall

Ms. Evelyn Kay Scott-Anderson

Mrs. Bonnie Thaxton

Ms. Barbara Jean Falleaf Anna Wallace

Ms. Mary Watters

Ret. Chief Curtis Zunigha

Eastern Shawnee Tribe

Mr. Alistair Bane

Mr. John Daughtery Jr.

Mr. Laurence “Larry” Dushane

Mr. Charles Enyart

Ms. Virginia Fanning

Ms. Beverly Sue Hauser Rendel

Mrs. Norma Kraus

Prof. Robert “Bob” Miller

Chief Glenna Wallace

Euchee (Yuchi) Tribe

Mrs. Vada Foster Tiger Nichwander

Dr. Richard A. Grounds

Mr. Arthur K. James

Ms. Amy Sue Jones Yargee

Ms. Maxine Wildcat Barnett

Fort Sill Apache Tribe

Mr. Leland Michael Darrow

Mr. Lupe A. Gooday Sr.

Mr. Benedict Kawaykla

Mr. Michael Pratt Kawaykla

Iowa Tribe

Mr. Eugene Big Soldier

Ms. Linda Big Soldier

Ms. JoAnn Big Soldier Mayes

Ms. Joyce Big Soldier-Miller

Mr. Jacob “Jake” Big Solider Jr.

Mr. Frances Richard Deer, Jr.

Ms. Judith Shores-Carson

Ms. Kathryn Josie Springer

Gashwazrah

Mrs. Ruby Nell Gibson Logan

Ms. E. Bernadette Huber

Councilwoman Renee Lincoln

Mr. Franklin “Frank” Murray

Mr. Victor Roubidoux

Ms. Janice Rowe-Kurak

Ms. Judith Shores-Carson

Ms. Mae Sine

Ms. Jackie Sine Young

Ms. Emma Louise Smith

Mrs. Rachel Lynn Walkup

Kaw Nation

Sgt. Roy Ball

Mr. Kennis Bellmard

Ms. Mary Butler

Mr. James Pepper Henry

Mr. Charles “Sonny” Holloway

Mr. Curtis Kekahbah

Mr. Guy Munroe

Ms. Eva Munroe-Jones

Commissioner Clark Pepper

Mr. Luther Pepper

Mrs. Phyllis Prickett

Chairwoman Jacque SecodineHensley

Chairwoman Wanda Stone

Ms. Tahagena “Gena” Warren

Chairwoman Lynn Williams

Kialegee Tribal Town

Ms. Jennie Anderson-Lillard

Ms. Leola Barnett

Ms. June Fixico

Mekko Mary Givens

Rev. Bill Hobia

Ms. Brenda Leftwich

Ms. Susie Martinez

Mekko Lowell Wesley

Kickapoo Tribe

Mr. Clarence Deer

Ms. Judy Deer-Coser

Ms. Jenell Downs

Ms. Juanita Johnson

Dr. Gregorio Kishketon

Ms. Emma Murdock

Mr. Cecil Wahpekeche

Mr. Lawrence Wahpepah

Ms. Francena Wahweah Wahpepah

Mr. Bob White

Kiowa Tribe

Ms. Sharron Ahtone-Harjo

Mr. James Anquoe

Ms. Arlene Sue Bates Caesar

Mr. Nelson BigBow

Mr. Jerry C. Bread

Ms. Theresa Carter

Ms. Frances Harried “Della” Doyebi

Dr. Phil R. Dupoint

Mr. Parker Emhoolah

Mrs. Delores Harragarra

Ms. Darlene Hovakah-Wolf

Mr. Gary Kodaseet

Ms. Cornelia “Pat” Kopepassah

Hon. Philip LuJan

Dr. N. Scott Momaday

Rep. Anita Onco-Johnson

Mr. Dixon Palmer

Mr. Lyndreth “Tugger” Palmer

Ms. Georgette “G.G.” Palmer-Smith

Mr. Burt Patadal

Mr. John Pinezaddleby

Dr. Everett Rhoades

Mr. Bobby Saunkeah

Rev. Sue Donna Tanquoot

Mr. Luke Toyebo Sr.

Mr. Gene E. Tsatoke

Mr. Duke Tsoodle

Mr. George “Chuck” Tsoodle

Mr. Vernon Tsoodle

Ms. Modina Waters

Mr. Matthew “Mac” Whitehorse

Ms. Dorothy Whitehorse-DeLaune

Ms. Julian Q. Whorton

Dr. Diane Willis

Ms. Francine Worthington

Mr. John J. Andele’ Worthington

Miami Tribe

Mr. James Battese

Mr. Royce Carter

Ms. Judy C. Davis

Mr. Tim LaFalier

Mr. Jerry Lankford

Mr. Frank Leonard

Mr. Nadine Mayfield

Mr. Wilbur “Webb” Tipton

Ms. Mildred Walker

Mayor Neal Watson

Modoc Nation

Ms. Judy Cobb

Mr. Phil Follis

Mr. Ted McCullum

Ms. Ramona Rosiere

Mr. Jack W. Shadwick

Muscogee Nation

Mr. Fredo “Chubby” Anderson

Ms. Jeanetta Anderson

Ms. Mary Arkeketa

Mr. Bill Barnett

Mr. Turner Bear Jr.

Mr. Gene Bible

Ms. Johnnie Brasuell

Mr. John “John John” Brown

Mr. Allan Colbert

Mr. Phillip Coon

Mr. George Coser

Dr. Peter G. Coser

Mr. Bill J. Davis

Ms. Myrtle Denney

Mrs. DeLois Louise Dunzy Roulston

Principal Chief A.D. Ellis

Chief Bill Fife

Mrs. Sharon Fife Mouss

Ms. Leona Fish

Principal Chief James Floyd

Mrs. Margaret Floyd

Ret. Tsgt. Jess “Mick” Freeman Jr.

Ms. Sandra “Sandi” Golden

Ms. Glenda Graham-Byrd

Ms. Pauline Haney

Mr. Eugene Harjo

Mrs. Joy Harjo-Sapulpa

Justice Leah Harjo-Ware

Mr. Eugene Herrod

Ms. Nancy John

Mr. Keeper Johnson

Ms. Matilda King

Mrs. Candy Fish Klumpp

Ms. Rebecca Lindsey

Rev. Eddie Lindsey

Mrs. Mona “KoKo” Lowe

Ms. Rosalee “Rose” Marshall

Mr. William Moore

Ms. Susie “Sue” Morgan

Mr. Edward F. Mouss

Mr. Scott Roberts

Dr. Lahoma Schultz

Mrs. Augusta “Gus” Smith

Ms. Virginia Thomas

Justice George Thompson

Mr. George Phillp Tiger

Mr. Jon Mark Tiger

Ms. Anne Townsend-Edwards

Ms. Mickey White

Mr. Richard Ray Whitman

Mr. Benjamin Yahola

Former Speaker Thomas Leroy Yahola

Osage Nation

Mr. Darrell Boulanger

Ms. Jerri Jean Branstetter

Ms. Beverely Brownsfield

Ms. Anita Fields

Ms. Margo Gray

Ms. Mary Gray-Bighorse

Mr. Charles Eugene “Chuck” Hessert

Ms. Denise Keene

Ms. Nancy Keil

Mr. H. Mongraine Lookout

Mr. Charles Lookout

Ms. Anita Lookout-West

Capt. Richard Luttrell Sr.

Mrs. Sheri Mashburn

Mr. Bill Mashunkashey

Cpl. John Henry Mashunkashey

Mr. Archie Mason

Mr. Franklin McKinley

Cmdr. James Norris

Dr. Steven Pratt

Councilwoman Kathryn Red Corn

Mr. Raymond W. Redcorn

Mr. Charles Harold Red Corn

Ms. Nicki Revard-Lorenzo

Ms. Mary Elizabeth Ricketts

Mr. Romaine Shackelford

Mr. George A. Shannon

Mr. Ronald Blaine Shaw

Mr. Jerry Shaw

Mrs. Roberta Sue Slinkard

Ms. Martha Spotted Bear

Mr. Marvin Stepson Jr.

Mr. Kugee Supernaw

Ms. Cecelia Irene Tallchief

Mr. George E. Tallchief

Mr. Tim Tallchief

Ms. Candy Thomas

Mrs. Judith “Judy” Mary Tiger

Mr. John Williams

Ms. Julia Wilson

Ms. Rosemary Wood

Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Ms. Joan Aitson

Mr. Abe Sylvester Alley

Attorney General Susan Arkeketa

Ms. Kim Arkeketa-McHenry

Ms. Annette Arkeketa-Rendon

Mr. Dominic Bramante

Mr. Don Childs

Mr. Hank Childs

Mrs. Barbara Childs Walton

Mrs. Chelena Deer

Mr. Joseph “Joe” Dent

Ms. Lorena DeRoin

Dr. Aaron Gawhega

Ms. Cornelia Mae Gosney

Mr. Ted Grant

Ms. Freida Homeratha

Ms. Dorcas Kent Williams

Ms. Arkeketa LeClair

Mr. Alvin Moore Sr.

Mr. Baptiste Shunatona

Ms. Virginia Thomas

Ms. Billie Ann Tohee

Mr. Gary “Chink” White Cloud

Mr. Randall Whitehorn

Ottawa Tribe

Mr. Larry Angelo

Chief Ethel Cook

Mrs. Charla Dawes

Ms. Sharon Den Hoed

Ms. Coweta Ulrey

Mr. Winston C. “Cap” Ulrey

Pawnee Nation

Mr. Alva James “Jimmy” Atkins

Mr. Neill Bayhylle

Mr. Bruce Caesar

Mr. Henry Chapman Stoneroad

Ms. Cordelia Clapp

Mr. John E. Echo-Hawk

Mrs. Deb Echo-Hawk

Mr. Marshall R.Gover

Mrs. Dawna “Riding In” Hare

Mr. George Elton Howell

Mr. Charles A. Lone Chief Jr.

Mr. Duane Pratt Sr.

Mr. Richard Tilden

Mr. Roy Weeks Taylor

Peoria Tribe

Ms. Annette Black

Mr. Wayne Blalock

Mr. Emmett “Bud” Ellis

Chief John P. Froman

Ms. Carolyn Garren-Ritchey

Ms. Alice Roberta Hedges-Lindsley

Ponca Tribe

Mr. Tony Arkeketa

Ms. Therese Buffalohead

Mrs. Casey Camp-Horinek

Mr. Louis Headman

Mr. John Lee Kemble

Mr. Christopher Lee LittleCook

Mrs. Deborah Margerum

Mr. Steve Pensoneau

Mr. Jim Sherron

Ms. Barbara Warner

Ms. Evona “Eve” Williams

Ms. Maxine Williams-Thompson

Quapaw Nation

Chief John Berrey

Mr. Lloyd Buffalo

Ms. JoKay Dowell

Mrs. Betty Gaedtke

Ms. Grace Goodeagle

Mr. Jim Greenfeather

Ms. Barbara Kyser-Collier

Ms. Jean Ann Lambert

Mrs. Charlene Leading Fox Button

Mr. Henry McNeer Ellick

Ms. Ardina Revard Moore

Mr. Kugee Supernaw

Ms. Risë Supernaw Proctor

Ms. Rhonda Weaver

Ms. Florence Whitecrow Matthews

Ms. Carrie V. Wilson

Sac and Fox Nation

Ms. Peggy Acoya

Ms. Peggy Big Eagle

Ms. Judy Crain Baggett

Mr. Elvis E. Ellis

Ms. Mary “Spooner” Ellis

Dr. Rev. Emerson Falls

Mr. Keith Franklin

Retired MGySgt. Delphine Hamilton

Mr. Henry Buck McClellan

Mr. Wallace “Bud” McClellan

Ms. Mary Frances McCormick

Mr. Zack Morris

Mr. Sam Morris

Ms. Nancy Nullake

Ms. Stella M. Nullake-Nanaeto

Ms. Lena “Ellis” Pennock Clark

Principal Chief Elizabeth Rhoads

Mrs. Linda Standing

Ms. Gwen Butler-Switch

Mr. John R. “Jack” Thorpe

Mr. William Thorpe

Ret. Medic Curtis Wakolee

Ms. Stella Wilson

Mr. Freeland Wood

Seminole Nation

Ms. Diana Autaubo

Ms. Velma Coker

Assistant Chief Ella Colman

Mr. Joe Coon

Ms. Gracie Dailey

Ms. Eula Doonkeen

Mr. Kotcha Doonkeen

Mr. Curtis Lee Douglas

Mrs. Mary Ann Emarthle

Ms. Nancy Fixico

Ms. Anna Givens

Mr. Enoch Kelly Haney

Mr. Jerry Haney

Mrs. Terri Denise Haney

Ms. Greta Haney Ruminer

Ms. Fannie Harjo

Councilman Jeffery Harjo

Chief Leonard Harjo

Mrs. Darlene Henneha

Councilman Charlie Hill

Chief Lewis Johnson

Ms. Marilyn Jumper

Mrs. June Lee

Mrs. Sheila Little-Harjo

Mrs. Jane McGiesey

Ms. Priscilla Ann Palmer Johnson

Ms. Joanna Palmer-Morris

Mr. Wayne Shaw

Sgt. Danny Tiger

Ms. Dena Tiger-Kloehr

Mrs. Juanita Nokomis Tiger-Scott

Ms. Shirley Walker

Ms. Susie Walker-Harjo

Mrs. Cynthia Yerby

Seneca-Cayuga Nation

Mr. Charles Diebold

Ms. Vestena “Foxie” Emerson

Ms. Nadine Hilliard

Chief Leroy Howard

Mr. Wayne Smith

Shawnee Tribe

Ms. Ruthe Blalock Jones

Mr. Tony Booth

Ms. Roberta Janell Coombes

Mr. Freddie Halfmoon

Ms. Georgie Honey

Ms. Patsy Lorene Johnson

Mr. Doyle Barry Kerr

Mr. Scott Secondine

Ms. Carolyn Smith

Chairman James Squirrel

Thlopthlocco Tribal Town

Mr. Ron Barnett

Ms. Rosalie Bateman

Mekko Grace Bunner

Ms. Dorothy Burden

Mr. Joe Kinsley Canard

Ms. Nora Cheek

Mr. Charles Coleman

Ms. Billie Curry

Mr. Chebon Dacon

Ms. Sandra Dacon-Medrano

Mrs. Nellie Fixico

Ms. Melinda Ann Gibson

Mr. Wilbert Lowe

Ms. Elsie Mae Martin

Ms. VaRene Martin

Mrs. Elizabeth Trickey

Tonkawa Tribe

Ms. Barbara Allen

Mr. Don Patterson

Mr. Jim Schreen

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians

Ms. Ernestine Berry

Chief Joe Bunch

Mr. John William Cornsilk

Ms. Rebecca Dreadfulwater

Mr. Sequoyah Guess

Mr. John Hair

Mr. Woody Hansen

Mr. Howard Hansen Sr.

Mr. Jim Henson

Ms. Dorothy Ice

Mr. Jacob Littledave

Cmdr. Norman “Hominy” Littledave

Dr. Ricky Robinson

Mr. Albert Shade

Councilman Frankie Still

Mr. Sammy Still

Chief George Wickliffe

Wichita and Affiliated Tribes

Ms. Shirley Davilla

Mr. Clark Inkanish

Mrs. Elfreida Irving

Ms. Doris Jean Lamar McLemore

Mr. Gary McAdams

Mrs. Thedis Mitchell

Mr. Stuart Owings

Mrs. Rose Roberson

Ms. Marsha Rose

Mr. James “Bunny” Ross

Ms. Betty Jo Rowland-Wolfe

Mr. Myles Stephenson Sr.

Ms. Mary Louise Stevenson Tselee

Mr. Franklin Dale Swift

Mrs. Rochelle Swift

Ms. Vanessa Vance

Ms. Gladys Walker

Mr. Stratford Williams

Wyandotte Nation

Mr. Leaford Bearskin

Ms. Sherri Clemons

Chief Billy Friend

Mr. Larry Wayne Hamilton

Mr. Norman B. Hildebrand Jr.

Mr. David Keffer

Mr. Tom D. Keffer

Ms. Juanita Long McQuiston

Mr. Ted Nesvold

Mr. Walter Watts

Ms. Teresa Wilson

Dr. John and Tewanna Edwards Leadership Award Recipients

2014 - Chief Gregory Pyle Choctaw Nation

2015 - Dr. Tom Anderson Cherokee Nation

2016 - Bishop Dr. David Wilson Choctaw Nation

2017 - Dr. Henrietta Mann Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes

2018 - Dr. Judy Goforth Parker Chickasaw Nation

2019 - Mr. Wes Studi Cherokee Nation

2021 - Mrs. Tewanna Edwards Chickasaw Nation

2023 - Mrs. Carmelita Skeeter Citizen Potawatomi Nation

About AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors

The AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors awards were established in 2009 to celebrate Native American elders who have positively impacted their community, family, tribal nation, and nation. This honor celebrates a lifetime of service by distinguished Native American elders who exhibit a love of family, dedication to culture and respect for all people.

Since its inception, the AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors has recognized over 700 elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. Past honorees include teachers, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, culture preservationists and everyday community heroes.

About AARP Oklahoma

With nearly 400,000 members in Oklahoma and nearly 38 million members nationwide, AARP is dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. As the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.

AARP Oklahoma State Office

Sean Voskuhl State Director

Melissa Brown Business Operations Analyst

Jenny Creech

Associate State Director, Community Outreach

Melanie Henry

Sr. Associate State Director, Communications & Outreach

Joy McGill

Associate State Director, Advocacy & Outreach

Mashell Sourjohn

Sr. Associate State Director, Community Outreach

AARP Oklahoma Executive Council

Joe Ann Vermillion

Interim State President

Modina Allen

Tom Anderson

Ethel Broiles

Kendra Orcutt

Sabra Tucker