OKLAHOMA CITY – The 17th annual American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Oklahoma recognized one Mvskoke citizen and two Kialegee Tribal Town citizens on Wednesday Nov. 5 at the Native American Elders Honors Celebration. Roy Roberts (Mvskoke), Caroyln Fultz (Kialegee Tribal Town), and Sylvanna Fish Caldwell (Kialegee Tribal Town) were among 49 elders who were honored for “achievements, community service and impact.” The ceremony was held at the First Americans Museum.
According to an AARP press release, this year’s list of honored elders included educators, veterans, artists, tribal leaders, and culture preservationalists. An estimated 300 were in attendance at this year’s ceremony. Regarding this year’s elders, AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl said it was an honor to memorialize their contributions to the community.
“Our honorees’ selfless acts of service truly make a positive difference in the lives of so many, while helping others live their best lives,” Voskuhl said.
Roberts was born in Sunrise, Oklahoma and is Deer and Alligator Clan. He earned an auto mechanics certificate from Haskell Vocational School in 1966 and spent his career as a pipe welder. Roberts is an Army veteran. Roberts oversaw the construction of the softball fields, the rodeo arena, and multipurpose facility for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation under Principal Chief Claude Cox. During his lifetime Roberts has participated in rodeos and is a supporter of the All-Indian Rodeo Association. In 2024 Roberts was selected as a MCN Chief’s Choice Living Legend.
Fish Caldwell was born on August 22, 1945 in Wetumka, Oklahoma. She passed away on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the age of 80. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special and Elementary Education from East Central University. Fish Caldwell served on the MCN National Council as a representative from the Tvkvpvtce district. During her career she served as the director of education for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe, the fiscal director for Kialegee Tribal Town and the director of human resources for Thlopthlocco Tribal Town.
Roberts Fultz is currently the dietary manager for the Okemah Community Hospital. She has worked for the MCN Department of Health for 32 years. Fultz served six years on the Kialegee Tribal Town Business Committee’s advisory committee and four years on the enrollment committee. She is a member of the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals, the National Association of Professional Women and the International Association of Professional Women. Fultz received a peer award from Indian Health Service.
A full list of AARP Native American Elders can be found here.
