The 16th annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors celebrated 48 Native American elders from 17 Oklahoma tribal nations for their achievements, community service and impact.

Since 2009, AARP Oklahoma has recognized over 700 Native American elders from the state’s 39 tribal nations.

The ceremony was held in Oklahoma City at the First Americans Museum, 659 First Americans Blvd., on November 6.

The floor-to-ceiling windows in The Hall of The People overlooked the First Americans Museum (FAM) Mound, a 21st-century mound that pays tribute to the Oklahoma tribes descended from Moundbuilder cultures.

The FAM Mound served as a poignant backdrop for the ceremony.

AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl welcomed the 300 attendees and said the Native American Elder Honors was created to memorialize the work and contributions of elders who inspire future generations. Voskuhl thanked the honorees for answering the calling to contribute and lift communities.

“Our honorees’ actions bring hope to the hopeless, lighten the load of the heavy, and cultivate unity in our communities while inspiring new generations to become community builders,” he said.

The program included a performance by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, an in-memoriam tribute, an invocation, the Chickasaw Nation Color Guard’s presentation of colors, the Dr. John and Tewanna Edwards Leadership Award to Robyn Sunday-Allen, and the presentation of 48 medallions to the 2024 honorees.

AARP State President Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP Oklahoma Senior Associate State Director Mashell Sourjohn, and former AARP Oklahoma Executive Council Member Tewanna Edwards presented the medallions.

This year’s honorees included educators, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, culture preservationists and everyday heroes.

“Whether our honorees are well-known or exhibit quiet devotion to family and community, all our honorees represent the love of their family, dedication to culture and exhibit respect for all,” Voskuhl said.