OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Oklahoma Native American Elder Honors held its 16th annual ceremony that celebrated a total of 48 Native American Elders across 17 different Oklahoma tribal nations. Four of the 48 elders are Mvskoke citizens that include Jackson Chaney, Mary Harjo, Debbie Lindsey and Jimmie Carole Fife Stewart. Two citizens from Kialegee Tribal Town were also recognized, Mahaley Harjo and Nellie Roberts. These elders were honored for their “achievements, community service and impact.” Among the honorees included veterans, tribal leaders, educators, cultural preservationists and artists.
AARP Oklahoma State Director Sean Voskuhl provided opening remarks, asserting that this year’s class of elders are the role models their communities need.
“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,” Voskuhl said.
The ceremony saw a performance by the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, an in-memoriam tribute and a presentation of Colors by the Chickasaw Nation Color Guard. The Dr. John and Tewanna Edwards Leadership Award was presented to Robyn Sunday-Allen, a citizen of Cherokee Nation.
This Year’s Mvskoke Honorees
Chaney served as project engineer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for 20 years. He designed bridges and highways across Oklahoma, including portions of Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 75 and Muskogee Turnpike. He also appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court in Cherokee, Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations of Oklahoma v. The United States regarding ownership of the Arkansas River. After retirement from the BIA, Chaney served as a project engineer for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, where he oversaw the construction of more than 100 miles of county roads and bridges, as well as the construction of the Koweta Indian Health Clinic and the River Spirit Casino and Hotel.
Mary Harjo worked 19 years as a social worker in child welfare, hospice and tribal welfare. She was the first tribal liaison for the state of Oklahoma and volunteered working with incarcerated Native American inmates in state and federal prisons. According to Mary Harjo, she attributes her body of extensive works to her faith.
“I couldn’t ask for a better life than to be surrounded by so much wisdom and knowledge,” Mary Harjo said. “Every endeavor, every blessing, and my strong faith, I owe to God. Because, with God, I can do anything.”
Debbie Lindsey currently serves as the Assistant Vice President, Tribal Relations Manager of Sovereign Bank. She previously served as a tribal government liaison in health care that focused on Indian health facilities and Oklahoma tribal governments. She is the co-chair of the Force 50 Foundation’s “Native American Warrior Project”. She notably established the initiative, Harper’s Book Donations, which donates books to tribal daycares and Head Start programs.
Stewart is a multimedia artist whose works depict Mvskoke culture and life. A great deal of research goes into Stewart’s influences, including southeastern archaeological art and design, pre-removal and removal histories, oral elder stories and contemporary Mvskoke life. Stewart currently teaches adult courses on Muscogee culture, quiltmaking and bookmaking. She was one of three recipients of the Chief’s Choice Award at this year’s Living Legends ceremony in June.
From Kialegee Tribal Town, citizens Mahaley Harjo and Nellie Roberts are both educators. Mahaley Harjo served for 30 years as a teacher at Wetumka Public Schools. She assisted students participating in the MCN Challenge Bowl and served as the treasurer of the Kialegee Tribal Town Business Committee from 1998-2000. Roberts also served at Wetumka and Dustin Public School districts through the Johnson-O’Malley program. She served on the Muscogee Nation Indian Community Board as treasurer.
Regardless of the industry or notoriety, Voskuhl believes every honoree is worthy of the recognition they received. According to Voskuhl, the purpose of the event is to highlight those who unselfishly serve those within their respective communities.
“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.
For a full list of this year’s AARP Oklahoma Native American Elder Honor recipients, visit the AARP website.
