AARP Oklahoma 2016 Native American Elder Honors

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Dr. John Edwards Memorial Leadership Award

Dr. John Edwards (1935 – 2014) was a beloved member of the AARP Oklahoma Executive Council, a Peacemaker for the Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court, an arbitrator for the U.S. Department of Interior, and former Governor of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. He dedicated his life for the betterment of his fellow man and was a Pastor of the Fellowship of American Indians Church of Oklahoma. His Indian name was “Nikaani Kaapaa: Leader Standing in Front.” This award recognizes an individual whose leadership and positive impact on Native Americans embodies the spirit of Dr. Edwards who passed away in 2014.

Recipient: Reverend Dr. David Wilson

Dinner

Oklahoma

Master

Dr. John Edwards Memorial Leadership Award Presentation

Reverend Dr. David M. Wilson is currently serving as the Conference Superintendent of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of The United Methodist Church. The conference is made up of 87 Indian Methodist churches in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. He was first licensed to preach in 1991 and was ordained as an Elder in 1995. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

David is a 1990 graduate of Oklahoma City University, with a B.A. in Mass Communications. He received his Masters of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1994. He was named the Phillips Distinguished Alumnus for 2007. He received honorary doctorates of Humane Letters from Bacone College in 2009. In 2012, he received the Excellence in Teaching Award for Adjunct Faculty at OCU.

David is a member of the Board of Directors for The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. He has served as an adjunct professor of Religion for over fifteen years at Oklahoma City University, a United Methodist-related University. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma City University. David is also an adjunct professor at the Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology and teaches in the summer at the Perkins Course of Study Program. This Course of Study Program prepares local pastors for ministry in local churches across the South Central Jurisdiction.

THE 2016 HONOREES

Judy Crain Baggett Sac and Fox Nation

Ms. Baggett graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Masters of Social Work degree. Her commitment to the welfare of Indian children and families is evident throughout her impressive social work career in both tribal and federal settings. Her impact stretches over 30 years of service as she worked in Alaska, Texas and Oklahoma at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and as Social Services Director for the Choctaw Nation. She served as the Child Protection Coordinator for the BIA in Washington DC, where she testified before the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs and worked on the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. Through her work at the Administration for Children and Families she increased child welfare grants to tribes within Region VI to 90%.

Howard Barnes Delaware Tribe

Mr. Barnes is a true Delaware elder. His mother was a full blood Delaware and his father was of Cherokee descent. He graduated from Chilocco Indian School and joined the Navy in 1943. Discharged in 1946, he returned to Ochelata and went to work at Reda Pump, now known as Schlumberger and retired after 35 years. Mr. Barnes’ contributions to the tribe have been significant as is his community involvement. Today, he continues to hold true the values with which he raised his family.

Eugene Big Soldier Iowa Tribe

Eugene is a cultural leader for the Iowa Tribe and its citizens. Following in his family’s footsteps, Mr. Big Soldier and his siblings founded the Central Oklahoma Tribal Society. They participate in the dance circles, stay involved in tribal and religious ceremonies and consider themselves Keepers of their traditions. As a young boy, Mr. Big Soldier’s father brought him into the arena as a Straight Dancer. Today, he stays active as a Gourd Dancer. Service to his tribe includes elected positions on the Business Committee, Election Board and Grievance Committee. Despite his impressive accomplishments, Mr. Big Soldier says his greatest achievements are his two children and grandchildren.

Wayne Blalock Peoria Tribe

A highly respected elder in the Peoria Tribe, Mr. Blalock is actively involved in the Annual Peoria Powwow and recently co-directed the Peoria Tribe’s first indoor Powwow which drew dancers and singers from across the country. Mr. Blalock is always willing to serve his tribal members and fellow Native Americans. He willingly serves on the Peoria Tribal Business Committee and works at the Peoria Tribal Housing Authority. He is often called upon, and graciously agrees, to speak at numerous tribal funerals, ceremonies and events.

Chief Chester Brooks Delaware Tribe

Chief Brooks has served his tribe for 25 years with distinction and pride in many capacities, including on the Housing Commission, the Trust Board, as a tribal counselor, Assistant Chief and, now, as the tribe’s current Chief. Chief Brooks possesses a vast historical knowledge of his tribe that he willingly shares with younger generations. One of Chief Brooks’ great ambitions is to help the tribe become more economically sound and to provide important services and programs to his beloved Delaware (Lenape) people.

Therese Buffalohead Ponca Tribe

Ms. Buffalohead represents the Native culture honorably in all she does. Although she is not Osage, working for the Osage Nation Head Start for 26 years gave Ms. Buffalohead the opportunity to teach the Osage language and customs to the Head Start children. In an effort to bring cultural awareness to her community and educate the non-Native Americans in town about Native American traditions, she held Native dances and was the first to host a Hand Game in Skiatook.

Vice-Chairman Linda Capps

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Vice-Chairman Capps’ impact is far-reaching as she has touched the lives of countless students in her roles as teacher and Indian Education Director at Tecumseh Public Schools. In addition to her educational service, she has served as Vice-Chairman of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation since 1990. During her tenure, the Nation has increased its assets at an incredible pace, and today is the largest employer in Pottawatomie County. Vice-Chairman Capps always looks for opportunities to improve the quality of life for her people and surrounding communities. She was honored recently with one of Shawnee, Oklahoma’s most prestigious public service awards, the Gordon Richards, Sr. Service Award. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Sciences and Art of Oklahoma, a Master’s of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma and an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities.

Karyn Braswell Cherokee

Nation

Ms. Braswell is a graduate of Seneca Indian School, attended Chilocco Indian Boarding School and studied nursing at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She served on the Tulsa Public Schools school board and in the 1970’s founded a church. She recognized Vinita high school students did not have enough to eat, sought solutions and quickly developed a backpack program to provide food for students’ families who have few resources for meals. Today, Ms. Braswell is involved with the Rogers State University powwow and supports Native Americans in cinema class to encourage Native American identity and development.

Don Childs

Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Most deserving of this honor is Don Childs who is an Air Force veteran and member of the Otoe-Missouria Veterans. Members often turn to this elder, who participates in tribal dancing, for knowledge about traditions and culture. Mr. Childs lends his expertise to the Northeastern State Friends and Alumni Association, is a Green Country Federal Credit Union board member, Otoe-Missiouria Tax Commission member, and lifetime member of the Sand Springs Community Services, to name a few. Mr. Childs is known for always being willing to lend a helping hand, speak on behalf of the tribe and do so with conviction and compassion.

John Wayne Cloud

Cherokee Nation

Mr. Cloud, a Vietnam veteran, is highly respected by many generations for his commitment to bettering the lives of veterans and their families. He helped start the Tulsa County Veterans Treatment Court which was just the third in the country. Mr. Cloud served as the primary Veteran Service Officer and educated veterans about benefits and assisted with claims. Mr. Cloud also volunteered his time at the American Legion Post #1 and spent countless hours at the Tulsa Vet Center. His expertise proved invaluable when he filled in at the Cherokee Nation Vet Center. His advice was sought out as he helped guide the veteran community into a better tomorrow.

Charles Coleman Thlopthlocco Tribal Town

Mr. Coleman has shaped the lives of multiple generations through his work and volunteerism. He attended Euchee Boarding School, Jones Academy, Haskell Institute and, as evidenced by his career path, understood the importance of education. His distinguished career includes roles as teacher, acclaimed coach, a 17 year appointment as the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer by the Secretary of the Interior. He chaired the Muscogee Creek Nation Health Systems, serving on the Business Committee as well as serving our country for 17 years in the Army. Despite the many accomplishments, Mr. Coleman says he may be best known as Tuna’s companion. Tuna is his support dog.

Myrtle Denney

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Ms. Denney is a captivating, award-winning actor, fluent in the Creek language and a treasured member of the American Indian community. In 2015, she was recognized as “Artist of the Year” for her talent on the stage and small screen. She is an active member of the Montesoma Indian Baptist Church, where the tradition of singing Creek hymns is practiced. Ms. Denney is known for offering her skills and talent in any endeavor which focuses on the preservation of the Creek tribe. A lifelong learner, Ms. Denney continuously seeks out new information, loves meeting people, and traveling.

Virginia Fanning

Eastern Shawnee Tribe

Beloved Shawnee elder Ms. Fanning is described as “tough as nails” with an indomitable spirit. Born on the hottest day of the year in 1936, she grew up one of six children outside of Quapaw. After graduating from Baxter Springs High School, she was called to the nursing field and earned her LPN from Board of Education School of Practical Nursing. She worked as a Community Health Representative (CHR) at the Miami Tribe for 14 years. In 1996, she was appointed to the tribal election board where she held the position for 20 years. This grandmother of three says her favorite memories are when she had her children, Cindy, Michael and Jamie.

Rosa Taylor Gilmore Choctaw Nation

Nation

Beverly Cowan Cherokee

Ms. Cowan is an active elder in the Cherokee Nation who has dedicated her life to education by making sure every student she has touched has access to options and maximizes his or her academic abilities. After retiring with more than 40 years’ experience as a Special Education and Learning Disabilities teacher, she puts her skills to work as Vice President of the Rogers County Cherokee Association with language classes, culture and art classes. She tutors students at no cost, and provides free guidance to parents who are trying to navigate school systems and administrators. Ms. Cowan is a rare commodity in an under-valued vocation.

Ms. Gilmore is considered a role model of faith, family, culture and community. A full-blooded Choctaw, Ms. Gilmore has served as officer, committee chair, volunteer, and in 2010 was honored as Female Distinguished Elder of the Choctaw Nation. She served as President of the Women’s Missionary Union and taught Sunday school, church camp and Vacation Bible School at her church. She teaches arts, crafts, and serves lunch to persons with disabilities. The matriarch of her

family, she has been a powerful, positive influence on her three children, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Ms. Gilmore’s energy and devotion place this distinguished elder in everyone’s heart.

Mary Gray-Bighorse Osage Nation

Ms. Gray-Bighorse has provided decades of service to youth through mentoring, cultivation and defense of Native American culture. As a mother of five and grandmother of 21, she is an advocate for healthy lifestyles by teaching commercial tobacco prevention and keeping tobacco sacred. As an activist, she traveled to Wounded Knee to defend Native American culture in the 1960’s. She teaches beading on broadcloth classes, the Osage language, makes Osage Cradle Boards and has been a chosen lady singer for all three districts of Osage ceremonial dances. Her art, in the form of quilts, is housed in the Smithsonian.

Mary Jo Green

Chickasaw Nation

A Chickasaw Nation employee for 23 years, Ms. Green was instrumental in establishing the first senior citizen nutrition program for the tribe. Upon retirement in 1998, Ms. Green was elected Chickasaw Tribal legislator. She has served as a member of the SilverHaired Legislature, AARP Chickasaw Chapter Past President, Roff Chapter of Eastern Star and the Southeastern Area on Aging Advisory Board Past President. She is a 45-year member of the Ada Business and Professional Women’s Club and in 2012 was recognized as Woman of the Year. Other honors for Ms. Green include; Outstanding Employee in the State of Oklahoma, Professional of the Year in the field of aging, Indian Health Services Directors Award and the Betsy D. Smith Award.

Viola Sutton Hatch Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes

Ms. Hatch is a founding member of the National Indian Youth Council and was a member of the Red Power Movement and American Indian Movement at Wounded Knee. She attended school in Canton and the Concho Indian Boarding School where she successfully sued Canton schools regarding the right of students to obtain an education. She served on the national 1970 Special Recommendation on Indian Affairs delivered by President Nixon and the 1976 American Indian Policy Review Commission to address civil rights, federal programs, and sovereignty. She has opened senior and youth centers to address high Indian drop-out rates, homelessness, Native economic development programs, and tribal human services. She volunteers her time as a cultural, heritage and activist speaker. She serves on Southern Arapaho Language Advisory Board and is a Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes board member.

Don Hayes

Chickasaw Nation

Mr. Hayes is the embodiment of an elder who has touched the lives of others on many fronts. A decorated U.S. Army combat veteran, he is a member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society, Federal Aviation Administration Special Agent, Federal Executive Board of Oklahoma mediator, and board member and Southwest Representative for the Native American/Alaskan Native Coalition. Mr. Hayes holds degrees from Oklahoma State University and the University of Central Oklahoma. Mr. Hayes is a former adjunct professor at Oklahoma State University, member of the Oklahoma Powwow Club and is a Southern Straight Dancer and Gourd Dancer. Mr. Hayes is also a professional boxing and mixed marital arts judge, retired football official, and a former Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women pageant judge.

Darlene Henneha Seminole Nation

Ms. Henneha serves as the Eufaula Band Treasurer, has served as the Eufaula Band Representative on the Seminole Nation General Council, was appointed to the Seminole Nation Election Board where she served for two terms and for 16 years was chairman of the Seminole Nation Enterprise. Her work continues at the Creek Nation Community Hospital where she has been for 29 years. Ms. Henneha is also an active member of Indian Nations Baptist Church where she is the Sunday School Director and teacher.

Charles (Chuck) Eugene Hessert Osage Nation

Mr. Hessert, Wah-Tsa-Moie, is proud to be a Native American and feels passionately about preserving and enhancing the culture of the Osage Nation. Mr. Hessert has proudly represented the Osage people as the Assistant Chair of the Osage Nation Energy Service Board, an appointment made from the Chief of the Osage Nation and approved by the Osage Congress. This deserving elder also participates in many Osage Nation cultural events and strives to educate his loved ones about the Osage culture as he passes down his knowledge to future generations.

Beverly Hughes

Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Ms. Hughes’ work for the tribe prior to the landmark Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act, played an integral part in the development of the tribe’s presence today. She published the first edition of the tribal newspaper, the Hownikan, which now has a print circulation of more than 15,000. Ms. Hughes also played a vital role in developing the tribe’s first seal and codifying the correct spelling of the tribe with officials at the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, who had erroneously spelled it “Pottawatomie” instead of the proper “Potawatomi.” Her efforts on behalf of the tribe were essential in putting what became known as Citizen Potawatomi Nation onto the path of economic and cultural sustainability.

Ruthe Blalock Jones

Shawnee Tribe

A descendant of Chief Blackhoof, Chulundit is the tribal name of Ms. Blalock Jones. She is a lifelong learner and lover of the arts. She works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen, ink and pencil and is an awardwinning artist. At the age of 13 she placed in her first art show at the Philbrook Museum. Many awards and honors would follow, such as the Governor’s Art Award (1993), induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame (1995), Red Earth Festival’s Honored One (2011) and the American Indian Circle of Honor Award (2014). She earned an Associate’s degree from Bacone College, a Bachelor’s degree of fine arts from The University of Tulsa and Master’s degree from Northeastern State University. She is a retired Associate Professor from Bacone College and has coauthored a non-fiction book, Woody Crumbo.

Nancy Keil Osage Nation

Ms. Keil grew up in the Osage Nation Gray Horse District and always participated in the Osage Ilonska ceremonies. Following her retirement in 2008 from the Indian Health Services, Chief Big Horse appointed Ms. Keil to the Osage Nation Health Authority Board, where she now presides as co-chair. Mrs. Keil has received multiple awards during her career, including the Superior Work Award, Outstanding Work Award and a 30 year Service Award from the Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service. Ms. Keil is credited with leaving a positive impression on many of the youth who attended the religious education classes she taught for more than 15 years at Sacred Heart Parish in Fairfax.

Gary Kodaseet Kiowa Tribe

Mr. Kodaseet’s dedication to serving Indian elders has spanned more than four decades. For 28 years, until retirement, he worked with the Administration on Native Americans and the Administration on Aging. He served as the interim Executive Director of the National Indian Council on Aging and Secretary of the Kiowa Gourd Clan. He is a veteran of the Korean War, Marine Corps Sergeant, and member of the Native American Marine Corps Association. He was recently appointed to the Haskell Alumni Association of Oklahoma board of directors. Today, he serves on the Oklahoma State Council on Aging, the Oklahoma Indian Council on Aging, is an AARP Oklahoma volunteer and is often called upon to emcee Indian powwows.

Frank Leonard Miami Tribe

Mr. Leonard is a respected, hardworking tribal elder with a selfless commitment to all. He has served as a tribally-appointed board member and Vice Chair of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Business Development Authority since 1999 and is an elected member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Grievance Committee. His service to the tribe is enhanced by his professional experiences working with B.F. Goodrich. Through volunteerism, Mr. Leonard coaches pee wee football, helps with high school football and steadfastly continues to serve his Tribe, its leadership, its businesses, his fellow members, tribal youth, members of other tribes and the community at large.

Jacob Littledave United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees

Mr. Littledave is a highly decorated Marine Sergeant with multiple Purple Hearts. He is credited with saving numerous lives throughout his military career with two tours in Vietnam. Following his discharge, Mr. Littledave spent 30 years in law enforcement and working with veterans. He is the official Tribal Veterans’ representative for the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees and spokesman for the Creek Nation, Choctaw Nation and Chickasaw Nation for tribal recognition for Tribal Veterans Representatives. As the only accredited Native American Veterans representative in Eastern Oklahoma, he has successfully helped thousands of veterans with claims. Mr. Littledave is also a former champion straight dancer, sings at the drum and is a published author.

Rosalee (Rose) Marshall Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Ms. Marshall has a servant’s heart and is dedicated to the improvement of her tribal nation, community and each citizen it serves. For the last 23 years, she has worked for the Muscogee Creek Nation Department of Health at the Okemah Indian Health Center. In addition to her full-time duties, Ms. Marshall was elected as the Mayor of the City of Cromwell for four years where she spearheaded the “Rainy Day” fund – a first in Cromwell’s history. Additionally, her sense of duty to the American Indian community also led her to serve on the board of the Cromwell Indian Community.

Jane McGiesey Seminole Nation

Ms. McGiesey was the first registrar for the Seminole Nation. Singlehandedly, she enrolled 8,500 members by handwritten records. A devoted member of the Wind Clan and fluent in Seminole, she recognized the need to preserve the Seminole language and was involved in the development of the first language book. Ms. McGiesey was elected and served 17 years on the Seminole Nation Governing body, the General Council and represented the Eufaula Band where she served as chairwoman. She was a faithful Sunday School teacher for 58 years until she retired.

Mrs. Dean McManus Chickasaw Nation

Mrs. McManus is a full blood Chickasaw who has positively impacted the world we live in with her many contributions. She was an employee of the Chickasaw Nation for nearly 25 years serving as a CHR, Director of Human Resources, and Director of Training and Development before resigning to run for the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature. She is a member of the Legislative, Finance, Health and Tribal Historical and Cultural Preservation committees. She has also served on the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes and as a board member of the National Indian Council on Aging. Mrs. McManus has received multiple awards commending her leadership, service and outstanding contributions.

Dr. N. Scott Momaday Kiowa Tribe

Dr. Momaday is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and winner of the White House Medal of Arts. He shares his insight as an author of numerous books, poems, and short stories. He has been awarded 22 honorary degrees, and is the founding trustee of the National Museum of the American Indian. Dr. Momaday is an acclaimed professor and has taught at Stanford University, University of Arizona, and presently teaches at the University of New Mexico and St. John’s College in Santa Fe. The Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma is very proud and honored to have Dr. Momaday as a citizen.

Ardina Revard Moore

Quapaw Tribe & Osage Nation

Ms. Moore was raised by her grandfather, Victor Griffin, who was the last chief of the Quapaw Tribe, and her grandmother, Minnie Griffin. As one of the last remaining speakers of the Quapaw language, she has made it a life goal to preserve the culture and language of the tribe and proudly developed and implemented an education curriculum designed to preserve the language for future generations. She is one of the founding members of the Dhegiha Language Society. She has served as an adjunct professor at the Northeastern A&M College. Ms. Moore is a 2011 inductee into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame has served in multiple leadership roles including Secretary-Treasurer, Tribal Historian and Genealogist and currently serves as the chair of the Quapaw Tribal Cultural Committee.

Sylvester Moore

Choctaw Nation

Mr. Moore graduated from Haskell Institute and entered the military, spending two years in France. A respected veteran, Mr. Moore has served as Choctaw Nation Tribal Council Sergeant-at-Arms for the last 15 years, is a longtime member of the Governing Board for the Choctaw Nation Health Service Authority, and member of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Institutional Review Board. He volunteers at the Talihina Community Center, which provides meals and activities for tribal members, and also serves on the board for the Kiamichi Housing Authority to provide low cost housing. In an effort to preserve the Choctaw language, he is a member of the Choctaw Elder Singers, which has traveled to Washington D.C., Carlisle Indian School, Williamsburg and New York.

Frank Osborne, Jr. Delaware Nation

Mr. Osborne, a direct descendant of Black Beaver, Delaware Scout, Interpreter and Chief, has a love of aviation which spans 70 years and began in a corn field. As he was cultivating corn, two planes flew overhead and he was captivated. Soon after, Mr. Osborne bought a calf for five dollars, raised and sold it for 80 dollars and used the money for a pilot’s license. He enlisted in the Air Force a few credits shy of graduation, and would later get his GED. Frank flew seven years with the Military Air Transport Service, flying over countries and continent such as Africa, Europe, Arabia, Turkey, England and Iceland and was also a navigator on a Bombardier B27. After WWII, he flew B-29s with the 3rd Photo Reconnaissance Outfit mapping the Marshall and Marianas Islands. He retired a Major from the Air Force after serving 22 years. He also served as the Veterans Administration Counselor for 22 years. Since retiring from the VA, Mr. Osborne became a civilian flight instructor.

Walter Phelps Choctaw Nation

Mr. Phelps is a veteran who served in the United States Air Force. Along with his wife of 46 years, Betty, Mr. Phelps volunteers with the Crowder Seniors helping in the kitchen and preparing meals for his community. He also faithfully drives the bus taking District 12 seniors on events several times a week. His wish is that when he is no longer able to help others, his family will carry on his work. Mr. Phelps was also recently honored as the 2015-2016 Choctaw Nation’s Outstanding Male Elder.

Duane Pratt, Sr. Pawnee Nation

Former President of the Pawnee Nation, Mr. Pratt is a distinguished elder and Oklahoma Baptist University graduate who is regarded as one of the cultural and spiritual leaders of the tribe. He presided over one of the Pawnee Nation’s oldest ceremonies, the Mourner’s Feast. Over the past 50 years he has pastored churches in California, Oklahoma and Florida. He has mentored many young ministers and helped them grow spiritually so they might go on to pastor their own churches. Today, Mr. Pratt pastors in his hometown of Pawnee.

Councilwoman Kathryn Red Corn

Osage Nation

A fierce protector of the past and guardian of treasures, Ms. Red Corn served 17 years as the Director of the Osage Museum, the oldest triballyowned museum in the country. Her passion for her people is evident as she plays a pivotal role in the development of the Osage Weddings Project which is a partnership between The Sam Noble Natural History Museum and the Osage Tribal Museum. In addition, Ms. Red Corn is serving as an elected Councilwoman to the Osage Nation Mineral Council.

Principal Chief Elizabeth Rhoads

Sac and Fox Nation

Chief Rhoads, now in her second term as Principal Chief, is a strong advocate for Native Americans and indigenous people and works tirelessly to ensure the Sac and Fox culture and heritage is maintained. With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in education, Chief Rhoads has been actively ensuring that the rights of Native Americans are protected, securing quality education, social equality, and affordable housing. She is committed to the growth and well-being of the Sac and Fox Nation. As a visionary, she created a Land and Cattle program for economic and tribal land development.

Fan Robinson

Cherokee Nation

Ms. Robinson retired from Indian Health Services as the Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering where she served over 43 tribes for more than 27 years. A first generation college graduate, Ms. Robinson is intent upon instilling the value of education in her grandchildren and teaching them her first language, the Cherokee language. Giving back is a fundamental part of Ms. Robinson’s life. She serves on the Governing Health Board, on a national accrediting board for universities that have environmental science degrees and the Cherokee Nation Waste Management Board of Directors. Ms. Robinson claims to have the most important job in the world now, as grandmother. She hopes to pass on her Cherokee language to her grandchildren, as it was her first language growing up.

Dr. Ricky Robinson United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees

Dr. Robinson is a Vietnam War veteran who served in the United States Army and rose to the rank of Specialist 5th Class. A first generation college graduate, he achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, a Master’s in Guidance Counseling, a Master’s at the University of Oklahoma in Secondary School Administration with a minor in Indian Education and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Robinson has taught at many levels and believes in preparing American Indian students to be equipped to face our world’s problems. He has worked for Arkansas public schools, Bureau of Indian Education schools and was named the first and only Secretary of Education for the Cherokee Nation. A traditionalist, Dr. Robinson is also very active at his Stomp Grounds and Gourd Clan.

Jenifer Sloan

Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Ms. Sloan wants to better the world she lives in and has never stopped working to make that mission a reality. Her quest for higher education resulted in her graduating alongside her daughter, Leteticia, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work at Oklahoma Baptist University and a Master’s in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Ms. Sloan has changed lives through her work as a tribal Meth/Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Case Manager, and Comprehensive Home Based Counselor. The Absentee Shawnee tribe is proud and honored to have Ms. Sloan as a citizen.

Myles Stephenson, Sr. Wichita and Affiliated Tribes

Mr. Stephenson is the oldest living male of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a full blood Wichita tribal member. This distinguished honoree previously served as President of Affiliated Tribes and President of the American Indian Exposition. Mr. Stephenson maintains an active presence within the tribal community as he shares knowledge, stories, songs and the rich history of the Wichita with tribal members.

Melpherd Switch Absentee Shawnee Tribe

Mr. Switch, distinguished member and tribal elder, lives the traditions and teachings of the great Tecumseh who said, “A single twig is weak, but a bundle of twigs is unbreakable”. He serves as a board member of both the Li-Si-Wi-Nwi Health System and Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Authority, Inc. His many accomplishments include the first ever accreditation with the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Healthcare and a successful $26 million I.H.S/ Little Axe healthcare venture and operations that is culturally sensitive to the needs of tribal citizens. He pushed hard for veterans to receive their services at the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System, oversaw the establishment of suicide and bullying hotlines and supported creating a tribal language class for Shawnee youth. Mr. Switch’s love for his tribe, his people and his Indian Country brethren is unbreakable.

Jon Mark Tiger

Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Mr. Tiger is the eyes, ears and voice for elders within the Eufaula Native American community. His mission, for the last 26 years, has been to deliver meals to the elderly. He spent a dozen years with the MCN Elder Nutrition Program in Eufaula, and, prior to that, 14 years with the Eufaula Indian Community Nutrition Program. Mr. Tiger enjoys the visits as much as the people who welcome him into their homes each day. In addition to serving them healthy meals, the visits allow this distinguished elder to check and make sure others are always doing well and are safe.

Virginia Thomas

Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Ms. Thomas graduated from Ponca City High School and attended Oklahoma State University. She achieved her Bachelor’s degree and went on to study for her Master’s degree. Her many roles include that of wife, mother, Stillwater’s First Lady and life-long civic leader. Stillwater benefited from her commitment to organizations such as the Stillwater Arts and Humanities Council, American Legion Auxiliary, Girl’s State, Stillwater Museum Association, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Chairwoman of the Historical Society. Today, Ms. Thomas remains very active in the OtoeMissouria Tribe, most recently calling her State Representative requesting funds for completion of the

Dr. Robbie Wahnee

Comanche Nation

Dr. Wahnee lives a life filled with steadfast determination, perseverance and excellence. The daughter of a WWII Code Talker, she consistently welcomes life’s challenges, learns from them and becomes stronger. By dedicating her life to learning, Dr. Wahnee put herself through college, obtained a Master’s Degree and then went on to achieve a PhD from the University of Oklahoma. Although faced with numerous life-changing physical ailments, this notable elder continued to achieve and succeed. A recent retiree, Dr. Wahnee continues to teach HR Management both locally and abroad, and uses her background to consult with the Comanche Nation College and other world-renowned entities such as Disney.

Cecil Wahpekeche

Kickapoo Tribe

A respected elder, Mr. Wahpekeche actively participates in all tribal activities and serves on the Elder committee. Mr. Wahpekeche graduated from McLoud High School and is an Army veteran, who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He is also very active in his work with veterans. He worked and retired from General Motors in Oklahoma City. A husband and father, Mr. Wahpekeche says he is happiest when he is dancing at powwows and Gourd dancing.

Linda Watson

Choctaw Nation

Ms. Watson’s compassionate heart makes her a priceless member of the American Indian community. Although she officially retired after 23 years from the Choctaw Nation Hospital, she still works there part-time. Her volunteer efforts allow children to attend the Junior Olympics Muscogee (Creek) Nation and she serves as president of the Choctaw Senior Citizens group at Talihina. Ms. Watson was recently selected as Choctaw Nation’s Outstanding Female Elder for 2015-2016.

Walter Watts Wyandotte Nation

Mr. Watts is an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He has been deeply committed to serving his community and Tribal Nation before he was even 18 years of age. Mr. Watts worked at the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier and Union Steward. After retirement, he grabbed his tool belt and focused on mission projects with his church, both locally and in Mexico. Despite the distance from Tulsa to Wyandotte, Mr. Watts continues to be an active Wyandotte Nation citizen and attends his Annual Tribal meeting amongst other community activities.

Randall Whitehorn

Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Known for his immense kindness, members of Mr. Whitehorn’s tribe hold him in the upmost respect. Often, tribal members will seek out Mr. Whitehorn asking him to perform prayer services for their family members. As the Title VI Director for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, he is responsible for providing vital services to the tribe’s elderly community on a daily basis. Whether it is delivery of daily meals to homebound elders or transporting elders, Mr. Whitehorn humbly completes each task knowing the impact it makes on another’s life.

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