12TH ANNUAL AARP OKLAHOMA
Indian Elder Honors 2020
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Dear friends, As this pandemic continues to unfold and creates a sense of uncertainty in our communities, one thing that remains unwavering is our elders’ resilience and brilliance. The elders connect and ground us to our past, keep us mindfully present and inspire our future generations to become better curators of communities and cultures. It is truly our honor to spotlight the inspiring stories of our 2020 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder honorees, their work and their dedication to building strong communities and serving others. These honored elders are beacons of hope and inspiration, embodying AARP’s mission and vision, and they inspire others to serve. Each individual makes a powerful difference in their communities, throughout Indian Country and our nation. While we cannot gather in-person during this time of social distancing, we are united together to celebrate and honor each elder’s contributions and accomplishments. We are truly grateful for their commitment to making our communities better. To all of our 2020 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder honorees and past honorees: your record of achievement, service and commitment makes a difference and brings purpose to those around you. You are an extraordinary example of the difference that we all can make in others’ lives and in the well-being and vitality of our communities. We thank you, and God bless.
Sean Voskuhl State Director, AARP Oklahoma
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Evening Events ABOUT INDIAN ELDER HONORS The AARP Oklahoma Indian 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 Indian Elder Honors has recognized more than 550 elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. Past honorees include teachers, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, culture preservationists and everyday community heroes.
ABOUT AARP With 400,000 members in Oklahoma and nearly 38 million members nationwide, AARP is dedicated to empowering Americans 50 andRun older choose they oftoShow tohow go here. 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.
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The Honorees ALVA JAMES “JIMMY” ATKINS Pawnee Nation Alva James “Jimmy” Atkins is a descendant of the OtoeMissouria Tribe. His love of heritage and its teachings propel him to work tirelessly to preserve the culture of the OtoeMissouria Tribe. He is a constant fixture at tribal functions. Mr. Atkins enjoys sharing traditional teachings and customs with younger generations. Mr. Atkins and his wife are active members of the Native American Church Otoe Chapter. He is a spiritual man who is well-balanced with the Creator. Tribal members often seek out this respected elder for advice and prayers.
CAROLE AYERS Choctaw Nation Carole Ayers’ service and contributions to the Choctaw Nation are vast. A keeper of her heritage, Mrs. Ayers is fluent in her native Choctaw language and volunteers as a language teacher at the District 9 Child Development Center. Mrs. Ayers additionally serves as president of the Durant Senior Community Center. She was employed as a registered nurse for 35 years. During that time, painting was her hobby. When she retired, Mrs. Ayers’ focus turned to Choctaw art and honing her craft. She says her mother is responsible for her love of color. Mrs. Ayers depicts Native Americans of all tribal nations in authentic regalia. She views her artwork as a way to preserve and share Choctaw dress and customs for future generations.
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JUSTIN BOLEN Cherokee Nation Justin Bolen generously shares his time and talents with community members of all ages. He coaches recreational and competitive youth baseball teams. Mr. Bolen also teaches archery, hunting, fishing and tomahawk throwing. He shares life lessons along the way. The pandemic forced the tribe where Mr. Bolen worked in maintenance to close. He could have chosen to stay home, but he began working with the Title VI elder nutrition group. Mr. Bolen recognized the need for meal delivery to elders. He told his children, “If I can make a few people happy during the day, it makes me feel rewarded.” Since the pandemic began, 2,000 meals have been delivered each month. A talented songwriter, Mr. Bolen has worked with country music artists Randy Travis, Ken Mellons and Tony Stampley. When he is not working or volunteering, you will find Mr. Bolen hunting, fishing, songwriting and spending time with his grandchildren.
GEORGE BRISCOE II Comanche Nation George Briscoe’s ongoing commitment to Indian Country is extensive and impactful. Mr. Briscoe currently works on the ImPACT Tribal Consortium grant, which addresses opioid-related overdoses in tribal nations. He also worked on systemic reform evaluation through the National Science Foundation. Mr. Briscoe works with veterans at Pawnee Nation College and multiple nonprofit organizations. His non-profit work includes taking veterans on guided waterfowl hunts throughout the U.S. and Canada. His efforts with veterans and support of the LEAD Foundation, an environmental reclamation non-profit organization, is his lifelong passion.
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ERMA JEAN BROWN Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes Erma Jean Brown was born in 1933 on her grandmother’s farm in Geary. She learned early the value of hard work. Daily life on the farm involved milking cows, slopping hogs and plowing fields. Her life changed abruptly when Ms. Brown was six, and she left home to attend the Concho Boarding School. Ms. Brown lived at the school year-round until graduation. Although she did not realize it at the time, the lessons she learned would later serve future generations. Ms. Brown was a military wife for 33 years and lived in Germany for several years. While there, she volunteered thousands of hours with the American Red Cross and served as director of the American Youth Association. Ms. Brown’s calling ultimately led her to the Chemawa Boarding School in Oregon, where she counseled and educated students for 20 years. She worked at the boarding school until she was 74. During that time, Ms. Brown positively impacted hundreds of lives. To this day, many of her former students call her “Mom” or “Grandma.” Her kindness, compassion and generosity are evident to everyone who comes in contact with Ms. Brown.
JOE KINSLEY CANARD Thlopthlocco Tribal Town Joe Kinsley Canard was born in Wewoka to Angus Duncan Canard and Charlie Canard. Mr. Canard attended Sandspring Country School, Tiger Flats, Bearden High School and Okemah High School. His extensive career spanned locations in both Arizona and Oklahoma. Mr. Canard was employed with Lund Furniture, Ferguson Factory, Blue Bell garment factory, Cal Gas and Amerigas. He currently works at the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town Golden Pony Casino. He is recognized as a tribal leader whose work ethic is unparalleled. Mr. Canard is married to Genevieve Andrew and has four children.
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WYNONA COON Absentee Shawnee Tribe Wynona Coon is a distinguished elder whose love for her tribal nation and people is demonstrated through devoted service spanning three decades. She serves as the self-governance director for the Li-Si-Wi-Nwi Health System and Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Authority. Ms. Coon, a nationally recognized self-governance expert, is one of few in the U.S. still serving her tribal nation in this capacity. She was instrumental in the first compact between the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and the U.S. government. As an advocate for Native American issues, Ms. Coon compels leaders to engage in complex negotiations for tribal housing, education, transportation, meals for the elderly and health care services. Her advocacy efforts resulted in measurable health improvement outcomes for the Tribe. Ms. Coon supported establishing suicide and bullying hotlines and a customer service hotline dedicated to tribal members. She was also the primary liaison during the first visit by a sitting surgeon general to a tribal health facility. She facilitated Veterans Day events and fought for veterans to receive health care services within the Absentee Shawnee Tribe Health System. Ms. Coon is a cultural leader who vigorously defends her tribal nation’s rich culture and traditions. She lives the traditions and teachings of Tecumseh, who said, “A single twig is weak, but a bundle of twigs is unbreakable.”
PHILLIP CROSS Caddo Nation Phillip Cross is a lifelong learner, teacher, artist and respected Caddo elder from Anadarko. He believes tangible links to the past strengthen the Caddo culture. Mr. Cross shares his talents with younger generations and encourages them to learn traditional songs. He is also a master bow maker and archer. He authored the book, “The History of Caddo Bows and Arrows.” Mr. Cross says he shares his knowledge as a way to connect the past with the future. His expertise and years researching Caddo grass homes were called upon three years ago. In 2017, Mr. Cross led a volunteer crew to construct
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a 25-foot grass thatch home at the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in Alto, Texas. Mr. Cross holds a degree from Oklahoma State University in mechanical engineering.
JOKAY DOWELL Quapaw Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe and Cherokee Nation JoKay Dowell’s community service and strong convictions are evident throughout her work and life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Northeastern State University. Ms. Dowell has written for the Native American Times, Indian Country Today, Native American Times and Native Oklahoma Magazine. She has also written for First American Art Magazine, Native Americas Journal, The Cherokee Phoenix, Tahlequah Daily Press and Indigenous Women’s Magazine. A talented photojournalist, Ms. Dowell’s work was shown at Gilcrease Museum. She also worked as a licensed practical nurse at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and the Claremore Indian Hospital. Ms. Dowell’s history of advocacy and activism has focused primarily on Indigenous peoples’ rights, human rights, anti-war actions and the environment. She served as faculty-in-residence at the University of Oklahoma’s National Education for Women’s Leadership Conference and attended the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. In 2016, Ms. Dowell and her daughter took supplies to the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. They stayed for five weeks in resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. In 2017, the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission awarded Ms. Dowell the Will Anquoe Humanitarian Award.
REBECCA DREADFULWATER United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians Rebecca Dreadfulwater has dedicated her life to caring for others. She is the Title VI director of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and provides direct services to elders. Programs include caregiving, case management, home meal delivery, elder abuse prevention, transportation, legal and home modification
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services. Throughout the pandemic, Ms. Dreadfulwater has worked tirelessly to ensure these programs continue and are delivered safely to elders. Ms. Dreadfulwater also served as a partner for Quilt for Now. The project collects answers to questions about safety, threats and everyday decision-making to understand catalysts for political polarization in America.
NANCY HANSEN EDWARDS Cherokee Nation Nancy Hansen Edwards is a full-blooded Cherokee, born at home in the hills of Delaware County. At the age of five, she was forced to attend government-operated boarding schools. She remained in this system through junior high. When she reached high school, she switched schools and graduated from a public high school. She then graduated from Haskell Indian Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. As part of the Indian Relocation Program in the 1960s, Mrs. Edwards moved to Denver, Colorado. Eventually, she returned to Oklahoma and worked for the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs for 33 years. During her employment, Mrs. Edwards became the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. Mrs. Edwards is known for her kind and gentle soul, as well as her tenacity and strength. Following retirement, she began working with children and minority families in the foster care system. Mrs. Edwards seeks to instill self-confidence, provide emotional support and teach self-care in a safe and secure environment. She also served as a foster parent. She teaches her grandchildren that although there will be life struggles, Native people are strong and resilient and can overcome and lead. A fluent speaker of the Cherokee language, Mrs. Edwards epitomizes the Cherokee spirit. She is a proud member of the Native American Indian Women’s Association and volunteers for the Red Earth Festival.
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VESTENA “FOXIE” EMERSON Seneca-Cayuga Tribe Vestena “Foxie” Emerson’s Seneca name is Sookooweh. Growing up, she traveled across Oklahoma and Missouri, performing as a hoop dancer. After graduating high school, she moved to Oregon, where she lived for nearly 40 years. While living in Oregon, Ms. Emerson was asked to perform the Lord’s Prayer in Native sign language and give cultural presentations in schools. Ms. Emerson returned to Oklahoma 26 years ago to be closer to her family and tribal people. Since then, she has been an active and respected member of the Cowskin Longhouse and often assists Faith Keepers. She also served on the Delaware County Inter-Tribal Youth Council for more than a decade and taught tribal youth the Seneca-Cayuga culture and history. Throughout her life, Ms. Emerson has generously shared her extensive knowledge about her Tribe’s history and traditions. She performed across the country with the Painted Horse War Dance Society and served as a senior princess. She also danced at the Gathering of Nations powwow and performed during the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies. Ms. Emerson proudly carried the Seneca-Cayuga flag at the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian.
MAE DEAN ERB Cherokee Nation Mae Dean Erb is a Cherokee Nation citizen, and her clan is Long Hair. Mrs. Erb is from Blackgum Mountain, where she lives on her family’s land. The land has been in her family since the Cherokee removal to Indian Territory more than 180 years ago. Mrs. Erb is a first-generation college graduate and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She dedicated her 50-year career to improving access to higher education for Native American students. She focused on preparing students in the classroom. Mrs. Erb also met with families and explained the admissions process. Her constant dedication was honored in 2002 when Mrs. Erb was named an Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist.
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In 2003, she received a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship to learn origami as a teaching method. She lived in Okinawa, Japan, for two years before returning home and teaching origami to rural and Native American students across Oklahoma. Mrs. Erb also worked at the American Indian Resource Center, which helps Native American students apply for college and transition to higher education. Today, she continues to work part-time for Webber’s Falls public schools. Mrs. Erb was in her 70s when she took up running, and she completed her first marathon at age 75. She promotes a healthy lifestyle for Native American elders and actively participates in the Cherokee Nation WINGS program.
DARRELL G. FLYINGMAN Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma Darrell G. Flyingman is a member of the Cheyenne Kit Fox Clan. His commitment to community and country has positively impacted countless lives. A decorated veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam, Mr. Flyingman retired as a Master Sgt. He earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration and used that expertise for his work at the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs. Mr. Flyingman served as tribal governor for the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes. In this role, he formed the Cheyenne & Arapaho American Legion Post 401 to provide assistance to veterans and their families. His work included color guard, gun salutes and Tribal representation at powwows. Mr. Flyingman currently serves as a district legislator.
JESS “MICK” FREEMAN JR. Muscogee Creek Nation Jess “Mick” Freeman Jr. is a retired veteran, federal government employee, Sunday school teacher and dedicated community volunteer. He is a member of the Katcv Clan and lives on the outskirts of Holdenville with Ruth, his wife of 36 years.
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Mr. Freeman was one of the final students to attend Euchee Mission Indian Boarding School. He completed his education at Central High School in Tulsa. Following graduation, Mr. Freeman served his country in the U.S. Army, 7th Cavalry Division, during the Korean War. After his tour of duty, Mr. Freeman continued to serve the country. He was in the Army National Guard for seven years and the Air National Guard for 21 years, where his highest rank was a tech sergeant. Mr. Freeman attended Central State, now called the University of Central Oklahoma, and Rose State College. He earned an airplane mechanic license and repairman certificate in electronics. Mr. Freeman worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for nearly 28 years. He also worked at Tinker Air Force Base as a B-52 technician. While living in Moore, Mr. Freeman faithfully attended Glorieta Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for 20 years. For two decades, Mr. Freeman was a member of the chainsaw crew and chaplain of the Baptist Disaster Relief Team. When strangers across the country needed help, Mr. Freeman was present. He assisted with disaster relief following hurricanes in Florida and Louisiana and went to New York after 9/11.
ANNA GIVENS Seminole Nation Anna Givens is a lifelong Oklahoma resident and a proud member of the Raccoon Clan and Rewalke Band. Growing up, her parents and grandparents taught her the Seminole and Muscogee Creek customs and traditions. Ms. Givens is an accomplished seamstress with experience in Seminole patchwork, and her beautiful handiwork is always admired. Her cooking, especially her fry bread, is also highly sought after. Ms. Givens’ generous nature and desire to protect others has touched many lives. After lovingly raising her children and relatives, she felt called to become a foster parent. Since opening her home, she has adopted five children. Anyone who knows Ms. Givens recognizes that once she “adopts” you in her heart, you are one of her children forever.
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BILL HORTON Cherokee Nation Bill Horton is the epitome of a selfless, thoughtful elder who generously shares his time and skills with others. Mr. Horton bravely served his country in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during the Vietnam War. Always prepared, Mr. Horton grew up carrying a pocketknife. As a result, he can slice you a piece of watermelon, open a can, cut your fish bait or help a child cut a string to fly a kite. Mr. Horton served on the tribal election board for three years. He is an active volunteer in his community. Mr. Horton is known for his resiliency and ability to face any situation with a solution. Friends say he stands fearlessly in this world and makes his way in it by helping others.
DENISE KEENE Osage Nation Denise Keene worked tirelessly with the Osage Nation Head Start program for more than 40 years. She devoted her life to enriching the lives of Osage youth through early childhood education. Ms. Keene began her career as a teacher. She provided early education to thousands of students and taught them about the Osage culture. She later became a coordinator for Head Start in Washington, D.C. and was named National Head Start Coordinator of the Year in 1994. Described as a “steady anchor,� Ms. Keene and has positively impacted thousands of lives throughout her career, which spans more than four decades. Ms. Keene currently serves as a curriculum specialist at the WahZhaZhe Early Learning Academy.
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VARENE MARTIN Thlopthlocco Tribal Town VaRene Martin has dedicated her life to the financial education and stability of tribal nations and their members. Ms. Martin grew up in Tulsa and received her college education from Oklahoma State University. She relocated to California after graduation and established herself in the finance and insurance industries. Ms. Martin held the position of senior vice president of business development for Pacific American Securities. Ms. Martin leveraged her vast finance knowledge and experience to help organizations and citizens in Indian Country. She assumed the positions of tribal and corporate relations director and first vice president for the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Board of Directors. In this role, Ms. Martin establishes relationships between tribes across the nation and NAFOA. Her work brought financial information and opportunities to Native people through advocacy, leadership development, education and events. Additionally, Ms. Martin serves as a tribal advisor for FS Advisors in a business development capacity. Ms. Martin also serves as an advisory board member to the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma. She is a member and co-chair of the National Congress of Indian’s Economic Development, Finance, and Employment subcommittee. Ms. Martin previously served as a board member for the San Diego American Indian Health Center. Her accolades include recognition as one of the “Fifty Faces of Indian Country” by Indian Country Today Media and Network. She was also featured in Indigenous Post’s “The Annual Hot List.”
D.J. MCCARTER Cherokee Nation D.J. McCarter has led the Elm Tree Baptist Church congregation in Tahlequah for more than 28 years. Each month, he organizes visits from his congregation to area eldercare centers to bring music and hope to those in need. Pastor McCarter also directs the Cherokee Indian Baptist Choir, a role he has held for 17 years.
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This dedicated group of Cherokee elders sings in the Cherokee language at events across the Cherokee Nation. Pastor McCarter often serves double duty at special events organized by the Cherokee Nation, providing a blessing for the event and leading the choir’s performance. Pastor McCarter also works to preserve and promote the use of the Cherokee language. Under his leadership, Elm Baptist Church hosts missionaries twice a year to study with Cherokee-speaking members of the church. Thanks to Pastor McCarter’s efforts, the Cherokee language has gained exposure around the world. Pastor McCarter received the Community Leadership Award during the Cherokee National Holiday for his work with the Cherokee Baptist Association. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Fellowship Bible Institute in Tulsa. In addition to his work with his church and Cherokee Nation, Pastor McCarter supports local causes. He has lead food collection drives for community pantries, sent Christmas boxes to Indian reservations across the United States and served as a chaplain with the Cherokee Nation hospice care.
THEDIS MITCHELL Wichita and Affiliated Tribes Thedis Mitchell has devoted her life to serving the needs of her fellow Oklahomans. Mrs. Mitchell’s first position in service came after her high school graduation with employment at Indian City. She wore her traditional Wichita dress and served as a guide for tourists visiting the venue. After completing high school, Mrs. Mitchell studied business at Haskell Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas. She earned her degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1973 and began a career with the Indian Health Service. She was quickly promoted to administrative officer. Mrs. Mitchell was ultimately named director of the Indian Health Service’s Clinton Unit, which included Clinton Indian Hospital, Watonga Health Center and the El Reno Health Center. Mrs. Mitchell worked closely with the Cheyenne/Arapaho tribal leadership to assure quality health care was provided to the 13 counties of Cheyenne and Arapaho country. Mrs. Mitchell retired as chief executive officer of the Clinton Service Unit after more than 31 years of dedicated service.
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WILLIAM “BUDDY” MOORE Muscogee Creek Nation William B. “Buddy” Moore has displayed exceptional leadership on behalf of Oklahoma children and families through his distinguished service as a Muscogee Creek citizen, high school teacher, coach and administrator. Mr. Moore began his life in leadership as an athlete in Tahlequah, where he was an excellent student and sportsman. His true passion was on the field as a football player, and this passion continued at Fort Scott Junior College in Fort Scott, Kansas. Mr. Moore earned a Master of Education and began a long career as a high school teacher, football coach and high school administrator in three states. Coach Moore, as he was known to his students, taught school lessons in class and life lessons both on and off the field. He retired after more than 30 years in the profession. He continues to serve the community by driving a school bus for elementary children. Mr. Moore has passed on a sense of pride in heritage to his children and grandchildren to whom he is also known as “Coach.” Although his grandchildren have been raised outside of Oklahoma, he has dutifully taught them about Native American history and Oklahoma history, building their background knowledge through visits to Oklahoma historical sights and museums.
SAM MORRIS JR. Sac & Fox Nation Sam Morris’s life is filled with music that has touched individuals, both young and old. Mr. Morris graduated high school from Shawnee, where he was a member of the high school band. After returning from active duty during the Vietnam War, Mr. Morris pursued a college career and graduated from Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas. He continued his education with a bachelor’s degree in music education at Northeastern State University, followed by a master’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Mr. Morris began his career by organizing a band with Native American students from surrounding areas at the Riverside Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian School
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in Anadarko. The band marched in parades and performed in Native American expositions. He continued to teach music through classes such as music honors, band and choir at Anadarko, Stilwell, Fort Gibson, and Tahlequah Sequoyah school systems. Mr. Morris’s 48-year career dedicated to music has positively impacted thousands of students. Many of his students pursued careers in music education as a result of his leadership and inspiration.
JUANITA PAHDOPONY Comanche Nation Juanita Pahdopony’s love of Comanche culture and history through the arts, film and literature has spanned an influence in Indian Country, as well as across the globe. She began her education foundation through an academic scholarship at Oklahoma City University, where she studied in American Indian/Alaska Native Education. She graduated in 1990 with a Master of Education. This degree paved the way for her to teach at Oklahoma City University, University of Arts & Sciences of Oklahoma, Cameron University, Comanche Nation College and Elgin Public Schools. During her tenure at Comanche Nation College as a teacher, dean of academic instruction and interim president, Mrs. Pahdopony established educational programs built on high standards of cultural performance and academics. She recruited students with teaching skills who were willing to mentor students for cultural performances in the Lawton arts community. Mrs. Pahdopony also served as the technical advisor for the AMC Network Entertainment’s program, “The Son.” In this role, she advised the production’s costume designers, dialogue coach, writers, actors, casting agents and producers to ensure indigenous cultures and traditions had an accurate representation, voice and presence. Mrs. Pahdopony’s professional accomplishments include membership on the board of directors for the Southern Plains Indian Museum Association, National Advisory Caucus and the Wordcraft Circle of Native Writers and Storytellers. She is also a member of the board of trustees for the Jacobson Foundation in Norman.
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Mrs. Pahdopony has given numerous art-related presentations and has exhibited her work at galleries throughout Oklahoma, Texas, New York, Washington and beyond. Mrs. Pahdopony’s recognitions include the Lawton Arts and Humanities Council Artist of the Year in 1994 and its 2017 Roma Clift Montgomery Citizen of the Humanities. The City of Lawton awarded her the Crystal Eagle Award for honored elder lifetime achievement during its Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019.
IRA M. PHILLIPS Cherokee Nation Ira M. Phillips has served his community and the Cherokee Nation in cultural and business development for nearly four decades. While living in Memphis, Tennessee, Mr. Phillips formed the Far Away Cherokee Association and served as president until he returned to Tahlequah in 1986. The group held cultural events, started a powwow and raised funds to provide college scholarships for Native American youth. Mr. Phillips was recruited by Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller in 1986 to direct the Cherokee Nation’s economic and business department. His efforts spurred numerous business ventures and casinos. He also represented the Cherokee Nation and Chief Mankiller at local, state, national and international events. Mr. Phillips was recognized by the State of Oklahoma and the U.S. Department of Commerce for international business growth. Mr. Phillips also co-founded the Cherokee Gourd Clan with Charlie Soap and served as president for several years. He was a straight dancer at powwows and the head man dancer at Bell’s first powwow. Mr. Phillips served as the commissioner of labor for the State of Oklahoma and was a trustee for the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority. He has been a member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Tulsa Chapter for many years and served on its board of directors. Mr. Phillips received the Alice Timmons Founders Award from the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women in 1994.
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FRANCES RAMSEY Cherokee Nation As a teen, Francis Ramsey received an early start as a community ambassador when she began working at the Vinita McDonald’s. She reflects fondly on her time spent meeting and serving travelers and customers. Later, she took a position at Eastern State Hospital in Miami. For 27 years, she worked diligently in her position with housekeeping and food service. She enjoyed ensuring the hospital’s patients were well fed and received good care. During her time at the hospital, Ms. Ramsey was elected to serve on the board of the Eastern State Hospital’s Employee Credit Union. When Ms. Ramsey is not enjoying her 10 children, 40 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren, she can be found at the Serenity Mission Baptist Church, where her son serves as pastor. She spends several hours each week serving on the mothers’ board, tending to the needs of the congregation and cooking community meals. Ms. Ramsey is also well-known as a passionate Cherokee patriot and spends her time encouraging fellow Cherokee Nation citizens to become involved with tribal affairs. She works tirelessly to help register members to vote in tribal, state and federal elections.
NICKI REVARD-LORENZO Osage Nation Nicki Revard-Lorenzo is from the Pawhuska District. XuhEh-Doin is her given name. Ms. Lorenzo graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in anthropology. She earned a Master of Education from Dominican University. Ms. Lorenzo served as a teacher, education specialist, superintendent/principal and businesswoman working with district, county, state, and federal education codes. She also served as a superintendent/principal for Pomo Tribe students. Ms. Lorenzo diligently worked to financially meet the educational needs of students and upgrade the learning environment with the support of the tribal council.
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While in California, Ms. Lorenzo served on the board of the Oakland, Californiabased American Indian Public Charter School, which addressed the needs of urban Indian youth. She was also a member of California Indian Education and National Indian Education Associations and served as president of the GFWC Heeko women’s service club. After returning to Oklahoma, Ms. Lorenzo served as an advocate for the Pawnee/ Osage Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program from 2011 to 2017. In this role, she advocated for children in foster care. Ms. Lorenzo also helped manage the Osage County CASA office, which included training volunteers, preparing reports and speaking in the Osage Nation and Pawnee Nation courts. Ms. Lorenzo currently serves as chairperson for the Osage Nation Home Health Board. She is an active participant in the Osage I’n-Lon-Schka ceremonial dances.
ROSE ROBERSON Wichita and Affiliated Tribes Rose Roberson is the highest-ranking Wichita tribal member active within the U.S. Federal Government. She is a member of the U.S. Government Federal Executive Board, which administers functions directed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. She is also the first Anadarko High School graduate to be named superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Anadarko Indian Agency. In this role, Mrs. Roberson oversees the administration of services for the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Comanche Nation, Apache Tribe of Oklahoma, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Caddo Nation, Delaware Nation and Fort Sill Apache Tribe. Under her direction, the Anadarko Indian Agency was the first agency to deploy background screening kiosks for tribal social service agencies’ federal background checks in the foster care system. Mrs. Roberson graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2005. She is a devoted family woman and active in the Anadarko community. Mrs. Roberson has served as the president and is a member of the Anadarko School Board. She holds memberships with the Philanthropic Education Organization Sisterhood and the Washita Valley Community Action Council. Mrs. Roberson is also active in donating time and resources to causes involving animals, especially bulldogs.
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MARK ROGERS Cherokee Nation Mark Rogers’ leadership, guidance and encouragement are demonstrated through his support for tribal members of all ages, as well as elected officials and employees. As executive director for the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System, Mr. Rogers’ dedication to his position is evidenced through tribal health program improvements, education and wellness initiatives. Rogers is an active leader and participant in tribal and community activities, representing the Tribe at local and state levels. Always willing to lead or lend a hand, Mr. Rogers’ success reflects the exceptional care received by those seeking Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System services. If Mr. Rogers identifies a need in the community, he is the first to find a solution. Most recently, he led efforts to secure personal protective equipment for community members and staff. He has served as an adjunct professor of public health at the University of Oklahoma. Mr. Rogers currently serves on the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board. He also actively participates in the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Veterans Association as an honor guard member for special tribal events. Mr. Rogers holds a doctorate in health care policy from Trident University International and a health policy analysis certificate from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mr. Rogers is certified in health care compliance through the Health Care Compliance Association and is a certified medical practice executive through the Medical Group Management Association.
QUINTON ROMAN NOSE Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes Quinton Roman Nose has been an educator for more than 20 years. Mr. Roman Nose worked in kindergarten through 12th-grade for most of his career. His dedication to Indian education was apparent by his profound impact on Native youth in his community, motivating them to complete their educations.
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Mr. Roman Nose transitioned to the executive director of education for the Cheyenne and in Arapaho Tribe and, subsequently, to executive director for the Tribal Education Departments National Assembly. He has spoken at the Oklahoma Capitol and Washington, D.C. as an advocate for Indian education. Mr. Roman Nose earned a master’s degree in gifted/talented education at Oklahoma City University. He currently serves on the Riverside Indian School Board, Bacone College Board of Regents and is the chairman of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Health Board. Mr. Roman Nose volunteers for the American Baptist Home Mission Soviet and New Baptist Covenant, as well as serving as a moderator for the Watonga Indian Baptist Church. He previously served as president of the Oklahoma Indian Higher Education Scholarship Administrators Association and National Indian Education Association.
JERRY SHAW Osage Nation Jerry Shaw has spent more than 50 years as an educator of Native American history, culture and contemporary issues. Throughout the decades, Mr. Shaw worked in the public school system and as a professor at Wichita State University. He currently serves as a board member for the Osage Nation Traditional Cultural Advisory Committee, which assists the Osage Nation Historic Preservation with Osage culture and tradition conservation. Mr. Shaw belongs to the Grayhorse District. He served as whipman for 12 years and head committeeman for 12 years.
ANNAMARIA SIMPSON Citizen Potawatomi Nation Annamaria Simpson has spent decades impacting the needs of others as a long-haul truck driver. Most recently, Ms. Simpson’s truckloads carried personal protective equipment. Ms. Simpson diligently delivered critical items to help protect health care workers and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Ms. Simpson’s work also extends as a long-haul truck educator of young Native American women. She has trained young women from Canada’s First Nations to the Navajo Nation and all in-between, teaching a new career to the next generation.
ROBERTA SUE SLINKARD Osage Nation Roberta Sue Slinkard grew up in Osage County, where her passion for serving others began as a child. Mrs. Slinkard enjoyed cooking for all around her, including Osage tribal members and elders. After attending Northeastern State University, she returned to the Osage reservation with her husband. Mrs. Slinkard began a career with the Osage Nation Title VI Program 35 years ago and currently serves as its director. Over the years, she developed the elder nutrition program into a highly successful entity. Mrs. Slinkard is devoted to her staff and the adults served by the program. She is an advocate for all Osage members regardless of age and ensures all individuals have the needed resources to be successful.
AUGUSTA “GUS” SMITH Muscogee Creek Nation Music leads the heart of Augusta “Gus” Smith. Mrs. Smith serves as the song leader for the Native Stone Baptist Church in Sapulpa. She also serves as director and choir coordinator of the Native American LINK (Native Praise Choir), which performs both throughout the country and abroad. Mrs. Smith conducts the choir comprised mainly of tribal elders from several different tribes. She works tirelessly to schedule practices, appearances and make travel arrangements for more than 50 choir members.
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Mrs. Smith attended Bacone College and earned a master’s degree in library media and information technology from Northeastern State University. Mrs. Smith was an educator for more than 40 years in Alaska and Oklahoma. She also worked as a librarian. During her final years of teaching, Mrs. Smith focused on working with high school students for college preparation. She also served as a missionary with her husband, Mike, prior to retirement.
MARGIE TESTERMAN Chickasaw Nation Margie Testerman is considered by those who know her as a “go-getter.” After Mrs. Testerman raised her family, she earned a Master of Education and taught school until 1993. Mrs. Testerman’s enthusiasm for sharing and working with people did not end at retirement. She began writing poetry and penned “Footprints Still Whispering in the Wind” in 2013. The book was a testament to her upbringing and native heritage. In March of 2018, Country Sampler Magazine published an article about Mrs. Testerman’s handiwork of burlap bunnies. The magazine featured her work, and more than 110 bunnies were ultimately placed throughout the community. As an elder, Mrs. Testerman appreciates the importance of being active, both physically and mentally. She was selected as grand marshal of the 2019 Cushing Christmas parade by the Cushing Chamber of Commerce.
DARA THORPE Absentee Shawnee Tribe Dara Thorpe lives the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System’s mission of “Prevention, Progress and Pride” in all she does. Serving as both deputy director and director of behavioral health for the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System, Ms. Thorpe ensures all related programs are integrated across many different disciplines. Ms. Thorpe’s programs promote mental health and wellness initiatives, which help remove the stigma of behavioral health challenges. She created an integration of behavioral health and primary care, resulting in cross-communication of the whole-person needs of behavioral health patients.
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These efforts ensure that physical, mental and spiritual needs are addressed and maintained in a safe, caring setting. Ms. Thorpe has relentlessly sought to provide many avenues for healing for behavioral health patients, including the operation of the longest-running and only Native American traditional sweat lodge in central Oklahoma. Her work includes coordinating homeless tribal members’ refuge and safety from living on the streets. Ms. Thorpe also coordinated HIV/AIDS resources to all professional staff within the health system, educating them on services and programs available to the population in need in a caring, professional, and patient-centric dignified manner. Ms. Thorpe serves as a tribal consultative representative to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Additionally, she is a member of the Baptist Women’s Native American Choir Group. Ms. Thorpe has a deep faith and serves her community through service before self in all she does.
DANNY TIGER Seminole Nation Danny Tiger has the true characteristics of a Native warrior, serving native and non-native people locally and worldwide. Sgt. Tiger belongs to the Bear Clan and is a member of the New Comer Band. While attending East Central University, Sgt. Tiger enlisted in the Army National Guard. His tour of duty included Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Iraq. While in Iraq, Sgt. Tiger served along with his son, who was stationed at a nearby base. His unit was featured in “Warrior Tradition,” a PBS documentary. The unit held a powwow for the soldiers, which allowed them to practice their native traditions. Sgt. Tiger also made traditional Seminole foods for his fellow soldiers. He retired from the military as an E-6 staff sergeant rank after 26 years of service. Sgt. Tiger then began his career with Oklahoma National Gas Company, from which he retired after 30 years. He continues to serve his community in retirement. Sgt. Tiger is a deacon and elder at Community Indian Baptist Church in Kellyville, where his son is an ordained minister.
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JACKIE “JACK” TOWNSEND Cherokee Nation Jackie “Jack” Townsend is well-known as a man with a big heart, always willing to help the Pawnee community and the Pawnee Tribe. Mr. Townsend served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 with the 87th Infantry and was stationed in California and Germany. The 2019 Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo honored Mr. Townsend with a quilt of valor for his military service. After discharge from the military, Mr. Townsend worked as a maintenance mechanic for the Navajo Reservation Indian Health Service for 11 years. When asked why he chose to work for Indian Health Service, Mr. Townsend said he was concerned about the health and welfare of Native people and wanted to help. Mr. Townsend then transferred to the Pawnee Indian Hospital until his retirement in 1989. After retirement, he worked for the City of Pawnee in the parks and recreation department for three years. Mr. Townsend has embraced the culture of the Pawnee Tribe in addition to his roots in the Cherokee Nation. Mr. Townsend has helped the Goodfox family with ceremonial Pawnee funeral feasts for more than 40 years. Mr. Townsend continues to serve the Pawnee Nation and its tribal members during their most difficult times of need. He believes that tradition is important and wants to help continue encouraging the ritual and culture of future generations.
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JOE WAHNEE JR. Comanche Nation Joe Wahnee is a full-blooded Comanche tribal member. He was a well-known southern fancy dancer during his younger years and danced throughout Oklahoma and the U.S., representing his tribe and culture. Mr. Wahnee graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University and Arizona State University. He worked for the Indian Health Service in several positions for 33 years. He ultimately retired after serving as hospital director at Mescalero Apache Tribe in New Mexico. He returned to Oklahoma and was hired as general manager for the Comanche Red River Casino. Mr. Wahnee was then elected as secretary/treasurer for the Comanche Nation. During his time with both the Indian Health Service and the Comanche Nation, Mr. Wahnee was committed to the best possible outcomes for all he served.
BARBARA JEAN FALLEAF ANNA WALLACE Delaware Tribe Barbara Jean Falleaf Anna Wallace is half-Delaware from the Turtle Clan. She is a graduate of Haskell Indian Institute, where she completed her training in commercial cooking. While raising her children, Ms. Wallace and her husband, Ezra, a full-blooded Choctaw, conducted presentations at various school functions, informing students of Native culture. Ms. Wallace previously served as a member of the Bartlesville Indian Women’s Club and the tribal election board. She is an active member of the Delaware War Mothers. Ms. Wallace resides on her family’s allotted land in Copan. She enjoys reading, sewing, loom beading, ribbon work, basket weaving, and making beaded keychains, tulip purses and moccasins. Ms. Wallace has constructed most of the regalia her children and grandchildren wear today.
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DARLENE HOVAKAH-WOLF Kiowa Tribe Darlene Hovakah-Wolf is full-blooded Kiowa. Her Kiowa name, Ghoon-ee-day ahn-mah means “woman that has come a long way.” Ms. Hovakah-Wolf attended Bacone Indian School and Bacone College in Muskogee. She participated in golf, softball and basketball and was named “Most Outstanding Female Athlete” and crowned football queen. Ms. Hovakah-Wolf attended Southwestern State University in Weatherford and Northeastern State University in Tahlequah and ultimately earned a radiology technician certification. Ms. Hovakah-Wolf worked at the Clinton Indian Hospital, Lawton Indian Hospital and Lawton Indian Health Services to help others. Ms. Hovakah-Wolf always walked confidently in her faith. She attended the First American Kiowa Baptist Church of Hobart and was an active member of the American Baptist Women’s Association. Ms. Hovakah-Wolf believes Daw-kee (God) richly blessed her and that a life worth living includes giving back to her tribal nation. She proudly served as tribal director of the American Indian Exposition. Ms. Hovakah-Wolf viewed this role as an opportunity to respect and honor her beloved Kiowa culture and traditions.
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Past Recipients ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE Ms. Johnnie Mae Bettelyoun Ms. Mary Birdtail Mr. George Blanchard Ms. Redena Blanchard Miller Mrs. Charlene Edwards-Whittington Ms. Martha Bull Frog Ellis Edwards Mr. Walter Larney Ms. Jenifer Sloan Ms. Esteline Sloan Schulenberg Mr. Larry Spybuck Mr. Melpherd Switch Ms. Meredith Wahpekeche Ms. Pauline White Wahpepah Ms. Reta Marie Wilson-Harjo
Ms. Ann Louis Bedoka Donaghey Ms. Gayle Cussen Satepauhoodle Ms. Mary Lou Davis Mr. Randlett Edmonds Mr. Joeseph (Joe) Exendine Ms. Billie Ruth Hoff Mr. John Wayne Kionut Ms. Jereldine (Jeri) Redcorn Ms. Carol Ross Ms. Janie Tartsah
ALABAMA-QUASSARTE TRIBAL TOWN Mrs. Sinah BirdCreek Mr. F.B. Fish Chief Nelson Scott Harjo Mrs. Evelyn McLemore Ms. Diana Moppin Mr. Turner Scott Mrs. Lucinda Tiger Mr. Jack Yargee Mekko Robert L. Yargee Chief Tarpie Yargee Ms. Winey Yargee
CHEROKEE NATION Dr. Richard Allen Mr. Buel Anglen Mr. Jack Baker Ms. Dianne Barker Harrold Mrs. Karyn Braswell Ms. Rosa Carter Mr. John Wayne Cloud Ms. Beverly Cowan Sgt. 1st Class Ret. Norman Crowe Ms. Carol “Jane” Davis Mr. Gary Farris Dr. John Farris Mr. Bill Glass Jr. Mr. Joe Grayson Mrs. Winnie Guess-Perdue Mr. James Franklin Hail Mr. Dennis “Jay” Hannah Dr. Pamela Jumper Thurman Mr. John Ketcher Mrs. Doris “Coke” Lane Meyer Ms. Rebecca “Becky” Meyer Mrs. Marcella Morton
APACHE TRIBE Mr. William (Bill) Tennyson Berry Mr. Harry Kaudlekaule Mr. Gregg Klinekole Jr. Mr. Nathan (Jumbo) Tselee CADDO NATION Col. Louis (Buddy) Bedoka Dr. Guyneth Bedoka Cardwell
CADDO NATION, KAW NATION & OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE Mr. Dwight Pickering
Ms. Mary Rector Aitson Mr. Jimmy L. Reeder Ms. Lucinda Robbins Ms. Fan Robinson Mr. Calvin Rock Mr. Crosslin Fields Smith Mr. Henry Smoke Mr. Curtis Snell Mr. Charlie Soap Mr. Bud Andrew Squirrel Mr. Hickory Starr Ms. Ollie Starr Ms. Betty Starr-Barker Ms. Ida Sue Stopp Mr. Ross Swimmer Mr. Joe T. Thornton Mr. Raymond Vann Mrs. Ronda Williams CHEROKEE NATION & OSAGE NATION Mr. J. C. Elliot CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO TRIBES Col. Ralph Dru Ms. Irene D. Hamilton Chief Lawrence Hart Dr. Henrietta Mann Mr. Charles Pratt Mr. Harvey Phillip Pratt 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 Mr. Richard Dean Williams Mr. Robert Wilson
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Past Recipients CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO TRIBES & SIOUX U.S. Mr. Matheson Hamilton CHEYENNE AND ARAPAHO TRIBES & APACHE TRIBE Mr. Albert GreyEagle CHICKASAW NATION Mr. James (Jim) Anderson Mr. William “Bill” Bomboy Mrs. Jeraldine “Jerry” Brown Mr. Kennedy Brown Ms. Pauline Carpenter-Brown Mr. Thomas W. Cooper Ms. Irene Digby Mr. Bill Duckworth 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 Mr. Neal McCaleb Ms. Merry Monroe 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 Mr. Stephen Wall Mr. Bennett (Ben) Clark White Ms. Patricia Ann Woods
CHICKASAW NATION & CHOCTAW NATION Mr. John Edwin Anderson Mr. Levi Orphan CHOCTAW NATION Mr. Jack Austin Sr. 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 Mr. Ernest Hooser Ms. Nellie Hunter Mr. Sylvester Moore Ms. Mona Lea Perry Mr. Walter Phelps Ms. Norma Price 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 Rev. Donald Eugene (Gene) Wilson Ms. Evangeline Wilson Mrs. Robin Woodley CHOCTAW NATION & CHICKASAW NATION Mrs. Tewanna Edwards CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION Mr. David Barrett Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett Ms. Loretta Barrett-Oden
Vice Chairman Linda Capps Mr. Leon Cross Ms. Mary Deathrage Ms. Beverly Hughes Mr. Alan Kelly Mr. Joe Miller Mr. William Nadeau Ms. Mary Ann Powell Ms. Carmelita Skeeter Mr. Doyle Thompson Ms. Margaret Zientek COMANCHE NATION Chairman Wallace Coffey Mr. Kenneth Coosewoon Mrs. Rita Coosewoon Mr. Conrad Galey Mrs. Barbara Goodin Ms. LaDonna Harris Mr. Barthell Little Chief Ms. Martha (Adele) Mihesuah Ms. Josephine Myers-Wapp Dr. Cornell Pewewardy Mr. Bill Shoemate Mr. Jack Shoemate Ms. Sherry Smith Mr. Milton Sovo Mr. Thurman Ray Tshsuda Mrs. Deloris R. Twohatchet Dr. Robbie Wahnee Dr. Linda Sue Warner Rev. Videll Yackeschi COMANCHE NATION & KIOWA TRIBE Mr. Leon Hawzipta Ms. Cornelia Quoetone-Karty CREEK NATION & SEMINOLE NATION Ms. Lahoma Schultz, Ph.D. DELAWARE NATION Ms. Kelly Flow Ms. Georgia Gallegos
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Mr. Tom Holder Mr. Frank Osborne Jr. Ms. Linda Sue Poolaw Ms. Mary D. Rice Mr. Jim VanDeman Ms. Glayds Yackeyonny DELAWARE TRIBE Mr. Allan R. Barnes Mr. Howard Barnes Chief Chester (Chet) Brooks Councilman Larry “Joe” Brooks Mr. Raymond M. Cline Mr. Jerry Douglas Asst. Chief Bonnie Jo Griffith Mrs. Annette Ketchum Mr. Dee Ketchum Mr. Lewis Ketchum Mr. Charles Randall Mrs. Bonnie Thaxton Ms. Mary Watters EASTERN SHAWNEE TRIBE Mr. John Daughtery Jr. Mr. Larry Dushane Mr. Charles Enyart Ms. Virginia Fanning Ms. Beverly Sue Hauser Rendel Mrs. Norma Kraus Chief Glenna Wallace EUCHEE (YUCHI) TRIBE Mr. Richard A. Grounds, Ph.D. Ms. Maxine Wildcat Barnett Ms. Amy Sue Yargee EUCHEE (YUCHI) TRIBE & MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION Mrs. Vada Foster Tiger Nichwander EUCHEE (YUCHI) TRIBE, MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION & CHOCTAW NATION Mr. Arthur K. James
FORT SILL APACHE TRIBE Mr. Leland Michael Darrow Mr. Lupe Gooday Sr. Mr. Benedict Kawaykla Mr. Michael Pratt Kawaykla IOWA TRIBE Mr. Eugene Big Soldier Ms. Linda Big Soldier Mr. Jacob “Jake” Big Solider Jr. Ms. Joyce Big Soldier-Miller Ms. Kathryn Josie Springer Gashwazrah Ms. Ruby Nell Gibson Logan Ms. E. Bernadette Huber Ms. Joan Mayes Mr. Franklin (Frank) Murray Mr. Victor Roubidoux Ms. Janice Rowe-Kurak Ms. Mae Sine Ms. Jackie Sine Young Ms. Emma Louise Smith Mrs. Rachel Lynn Walkup KAW NATION Ms. Mary Butler Mr. Charles (Sonny) Holloway Mr. Curtis Kekahbah Mr. Guy Munroe Mr. Luther Pepper Ms. Jacque Secondine-Hensley Ms. Wanda Stone Ms. Tahagena (Gena) Warren Ms. Lynn Williams KAW NATION & MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION Mr. James Pepper Henry KAW NATION & OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE Ms. Eva Munroe-Jones
Ms. Leola Barnett Mr. Jacob Fixico Ms. June Fixico Rev. Bill Hobia Ms. Brenda Leftwich Ms. Susie Martinez KICKAPOO TRIBE Mr. Clarence Deer Ms. Judy Deer-Coser Ms. Jenell Downs Ms. Juanita Johnson Ms. Emma Murdock Mr. Cecil Wahpekeche Ms. Francena Wahweah Wahpepah Mr. Lawrence 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. Frances Harried (Della) Doyebi Mr. Parker Emhoolah Mr. Gary Kodaseet Ms. Cornelia (Pat) Kopepassah Honorable Philip LuJan Dr. N. Scott Momaday Mr. Burt Patadal Mr. John Pinezaddleby Mr. Luke Toyebo Sr. Mr. Gene E. Tsatoke Mr. George (Chuck) Tsoodle Mr. Vernon Tsoodle Ms. Modina Waters Ms. Dorothy Whitehorse-DeLaune Ms. Julian Q. Whorton Dr. Diane Willis Ms. Francine Worthington
KIALEGEE TRIBAL TOWN Ms. Jennie Anderson-Lillard
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Past Recipients KIOWA TRIBE & APACHE TRIBE Mr. Duke Tsoodle KIOWA TRIBE & CHOCTAW NATION Mr. Dixon Palmer Mr. Lyndreth L. (Tugger) Palmer Ms. Georgette “G.G.” PalmerSmith Mr. Matthew (Mac) Whitehorse MIAMI TRIBE Mr. James Battese Mr. Royce Carter Mrs. Judy C. Davis Mr. Tim LaFalier Mr. Jerry Lankford Mr. Frank Leonard Mrs. Nadine Mayfield Mr. Wilbur (Webb) Tipton Ms. Mildred Walker Mayor Neal Watson MODOC TRIBE Ms. Judy Cobb Chief Bill Follis Mr. Phil Follis Mr. Ted McCullum Ms. Ramona Rosiere Mr. Jack W. Shadwick MUSCOGEE (CREEK) 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. Allen 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 Ms. Leona Fish Principal Chief James Floyd Ms. Pauline Haney Mr. Eugene Harjo Mrs. Joy Harjo-Sapulpa Justice Leah Harjo-Ware Mr. Keeper Johnson Ms. Matilda King Ms. Candy Fish Klumpp Ms. Rebecca Lindsey Ms. Rosalee “Rose” Marshall Ms. Susie “Sue” Morgan Mr. Scott Roberts Mr. George Phillip Mr. George Thompson Mr. Jon Mark Tiger Mr. Richard Ray Whitman Former Speaker Thomas Leroy Yahola OSAGE NATION Ms. Jerri Jean Branstetter Ms. Anita Fields Ms. Mary Gray-Bighorse Mr. Charles Eugene “Chuck” Hessert Ms. Nancy Keil Mr. Charles Lookout Mr. H. Mongraine Lookout Ms. Anita Lookout-West Capt. Richard Luttrell Sr. Mrs. Sheri Mashburn Mr. Bill Mashunkashey Mr. Franklin McKinley Mr. Steven Pratt Mr. Charles Harold RedCorn Councilwomen Kathryn RedCorn Ms. Mary Elizabeth Ricketts Mr. Romaine Shackelford Mr. George A. Shannon Mr. Ronald Blaine Shaw
Mr. Marvin Stepson Jr. Ms. Cecelia Irene Tallchief Mr. George E. Tallchief Mr. Tim Tallchief Ms. Julia Wilson Ms. Rosemary Wood OSAGE NATION, KAW NATION & PONCA TRIBE Ms. Martha Spotted Bear OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE Ms. Joan Aitson Asst. Attorney General Susan Arkeketa Ms. Kim Arkeketa-McHenry Ms. Annette Arkeketa-Rendon Mr. Don Childs Mr. Hank Childs Mrs. Barbara Childs Walton Mr. Joseph 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 Mr. Randall Whitehorn OTTAWA TRIBE Mr. Larry Angelo Ms. Ethel Cook Mrs. Charla Dawes Ms. Sharon Dawes Ms. Sharon Den Hoed Ms. Coweta Ulrey PAWNEE NATION Mr. Neill Bayhylle Mr. Bruce Caesar Mr. Henry Chapman Stoneroads
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Ms. Cordelia Clapp Mrs. Deb Echo-Hawk Mr. John E. Echo-Hawk Mr. Marshall R. Gover Mr. George Elton Howell Mr. Charles A. Lone Chief Jr. Mr. Duane Pratt Sr. Mr. Roy Weeks Taylor Mr. Richard Tilden
Ms. Jean Ann Lambert Mr. Henry McNeer Ellick Ms. Rise Proctor Ms. Rhonda Weaver Ms. Florence Whitecrow Matthews
PAWNEE NATION & WICHITA AND AFFILIATED TRIBES Mrs. Dawna Hare
SAC AND FOX NATION Ms. Peggy Acoya Ms. Judy Crain Baggett Ms. Mary Ellis Mr. Keith Franklin Mr. Henry Buck McClellan Mr. Wallace (Bud) McClellan Ms. Stella M. Nullake-Nanaeto Ms. Lena (Ellis) Pennock Clark Principal Chief Elizabeth Rhoads Mr. John R. (Jack) Thorpe Mr. William Thorpe Mr. Freeland Wood
PEORIA TRIBE Miss Annette Black Mr. Wayne Blalock Mr. Emmett (Bud) Ellis Chief John P. Froman Ms. Carolyn Garren-Ritchey Ms. Roberta Lindsly PONCA TRIBE Mr. Tony Arkeketa Ms. Therese Buffalohead Mrs. Casey Camp-Horinek Mr. Louis Headman Mr. John Lee Kemble Mr. Christopher Lee LittleCook Mr. Steve Pensoneau Ms. Barbara Warner Ms. Eve Williams Ms. Maxine Williams Thompson QUAPAW TRIBE & PAWNEE NATION Mrs. Charlene Leading Fox Button QUAPAW TRIBE Chief John Berrey Mr. Lloyd Buffalo Ms. Grace Goodeagle Mr. Jim Greenfeather Ms. Barbara Kyser-Collier
QUAPAW TRIBE & OSAGE NATION Ms. Ardina Revard Moore
SAC AND FOX NATION & IOWA TRIBE Ms. Stella Wilson SAC AND FOX NATION & MISSISSIPPI CHOCTAW TRIBE Dr. (Rev.) Emerson Falls SAC AND FOX NATION & MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION Ms. Mary Frances McCormick SEMINOLE NATION Ms. Diana Autaubo Ms. Velma Coker Asst. Chief Ella Colman Mr. Joe Coon Ms. Gracie Dailey Ms. Eula Doonkeen Mr. Kotcha Doonkeen Ms. Mary Ann Emarthle
Ms. Nancy Fixico Mr. Enoch Kelly Haney Mrs. Terri Denise Haney Ms. Greta Haney Ruminer Ms. Fannie Harjo Mrs. Darlene Henneha Council Rep. Charlie Hill Ms. Marilyn Jumper Mrs. June Lee Mrs. Jane McGiesey Ms. Priscilla Ann Palmer Johnson Ms. Joanna Palmer-Morris Ms. Dena Tiger-Kloehr Ms. Shirley Walker Mrs. Cynthia Yerby SEMINOLE NATION & MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION Mr. Jerry Haney SENECA CAYUGA NATION Mr. Charles Diebold 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 Mr. James Squirrel THLOPTHLOCCO TRIBAL TOWN Ms. Rosalie Bateman Ms. Grace Bunner Ms. Dorothy Burden Ms. Nora Cheek Mr. Charles Coleman
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Past Recipients Ms. Billie Curry Mr. Chebon Dacon Ms. Melinda Ann Gibson Ms. Elsie Mae Martin Mrs. Elizabeth Trickey
Ms. Mary Louise Stevenson Tselee Mr. Franklin Dale Swift Mrs. Rochelle Swift Mr. Stratford Williams
THLOPTHLOCCO TRIBAL TOWN & MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION Ms. Sandra Dacon-Medrano
WYANDOTTE NATION Mr. Leaford Bearskin 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
TONKAWA TRIBE Ms. Barbara Allen Mr. Don Patterson Mr. Jim Schreen UNITED KEETOOWAH BAND OF CHEROKEES Ms. Ernestine Berry Mr. John William Cornsilk Mr. Sequoyah Guess Mr. John Hair Mr. Woody Hansen Mr. Howard Hansen Sr. Mr. Jim Henson Ms. Dorothy Ice Mr. Jacob Littledave Dr. Ricky Robinson Mr. Albert Shade Mr. Sammy Still Chief George Wickliffe WICHITA & AFFILIATED TRIBES Ms. Shirley Davilla Mr. Clark Inkanish Mrs. Elfreida Irving Ms. Doris Jean Lamar McLemore Mr. Stuart Owings Ms. Marsha Rose Mr. James “Bunny” Ross Mr. Myles Stephenson Sr.
PAST DR. JOHN EDWARDS AWARD RECIPIENTS 2019 Wes Studi, Cherokee Nation 2018 Dr. Judy Goforth Parker, Chickasaw Nation 2017 Dr. Henrietta Mann, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma 2016 Rev. Dr. David Wilson, Choctaw Nation 2015 Dr. Tom Anderson, Cherokee Nation 2014 Chief Gregory Pyle, Choctaw Nation
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AAR P Oklahoma Executive Council Joe Ann Vermillion, State President Modina Allen Wayne Blackmon Tewanna Edwards MaryAnn Morris Mary Overall
AAR P Oklahoma State Office Sean Voskuhl State Director Melanie Henry Associate State Director, Communications and Outreach Melba Knight Senior Operations Associate Joy McGill Associate State Director, Outreach Chad Mullen Associate State Director, Advocacy Mashell Sourjohn Associate State Director, Outreach
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126 North Bryant Avenue Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 866-295-7277 www.aarp.org/ok www.facebook.com/AARPOK @AARPOklahoma 36 | AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors 2020 Indian Elders Honors_2020_REVISED 4.indd 36
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