Nominations open for the 15th annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors

Nominations are open for the 15th annual AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors, which celebrates 50 Native American elders who have positively impacted our country, state, communities and Indian Country. The application deadline is March 31.

Since 2009, the annual event, previously known as AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, has recognized nearly 700 elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. AARP Oklahoma state director Sean Voskuhl said, “AARP Oklahoma seeks to recognize elders who embody AARP’s mission and vision and inspire others to serve. The Native American elders we recognize demonstrate the difference we can make in others’ lives and our communities.” 

Previous honorees include teachers, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, and culture preservationists. Click here for the 2022 program, which includes honorees' biographies and a complete list of honorees from 2009 - 2022. The AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors celebration will occur in the fall of 2023.

To submit an application, please complete the form below.

Nominees must be enrolled members of one of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations and age 50-plus. Nominees should demonstrate leadership and will be selected based on impactful contributions to their community, tribal nation and country. Only complete applications will be considered. Nominees do not have to be AARP members. AARP Oklahoma will select honorees.

For more information or questions, contact Mashell Sourjohn at 405-715-4474 or msourjohn@aarp.org. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 31, 2023.