Authors, teachers, chiefs and veterans among honorees
OKLAHOMA CITY – American Indians from across Oklahoma gathered for AARP Oklahoma’s first Indian Elder Honors November 17th in Oklahoma City.
Fifty American Indian Elder Honorees were recognized from more than 30 tribes at the event which featured the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers and was attended by several hundred people.
Among the honorees were authors, poets, educators, chiefs and governors; elders who have kept their cultures alive by saving traditional dance and language; and those who have fought for federal recognition of their tribes and nations and veterans – including the last surviving Native American from the Bataan Death March.
AARP National President-Elect Lee Hammond was on hand to deliver the keynote address and help present medallions along with AARP Oklahoma Volunteer State President Marjorie Lyons and State Director Nancy Coffer.
Hammond praised the honorees and noted AARP’s commitment to reach diverse populations. He also reminded the audience of AARP Founder Dr. Ethel Percey Andrus’ moto, “to serve and not be served.”
“It was a beautiful night to salute these American Indian Elders,” said Lyons. “AARP Oklahoma has pledged to continue working with Oklahoma Indians to understand their unique needs and find ways that the association can help them age with dignity.”
Honorees were:
James Anquoe, Kiowa – fearing that traditional tribal songs might be lost, Jim approached the Oklahoma Historical Society to assist in preserving songs of all tribes. He is head of the Southern Style Drum Group and the Red Stone Singers. Jim has served in an advisory capacity for the creation of publications on pow wow culture on Southern Plains, the creation of the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, the Oklahoma History Center and has provided direction and support in building the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. In addition to serving many years as chairman of the Kiowa Museum, he has contributed to on-going research on the Kiowa people by the Smithsonian Institution and on the creation of the National Museum of the American Indian.
Tony Arkeketa, Ponca Tribe -- Tony has sung the sacred songs of his people for 55 years. He drafted the first Tax Code for the Ponca and spearheaded litigation efforts to defend the Code, which was ultimately successful in Federal Court in the 10th Circuit. Tony has devoted his energy to preserving tribal languages and is considered an expert in the field of Ponca customs and traditions.
Turner Bear, Jr., Muscogee (Creek) – educator, coach, mentor. Mr. Bear has worked with Indian Students in higher education for more than 40 years. He is a former employee of the Bureau of Indian Affairs where he served as Higher Educator Program Director. He provided personal and professional guidance for Indian students for 17 tribes from Eastern Oklahoma. He also worked for the Cherokee Nation as Higher Education Program Director and served on advisory boards for Carl Albert State College, Rogers State College, Northeastern State University Center for Tribal Studies, Oklahoma State University Center of Excellence of Native American Science, Engineering and Mathematics, the Board of Trustees for Bacone College and the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame Board.
Gene Bible, Muscogee (Creek) – served in the 45th Infantry Division and is noted for his volunteer work helping to refurbish homes. Gene is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Kennedy Brown, Chickasaw – served at Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation from 1987 to 1991 and currently serves as a Special Assistant to the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He is Chairman of the Chickasaw Historical Society, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Chickasaw Foundation and a delegate to the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Tribes of Eastern Oklahoma. He also serves as a Board of Director for the Mental Health Services of Southern Oklahoma, Ada City School Foundation and Ada Boys and Girls Club.
Dr. Guyneth Bedoka Cardwell, Caddo – retired educator and poet. She collects Caddo oral history and uses the stories to capture the traditions of the Caddo way of life in free verse poetry that has been published in books, magazines and curriculum guides. Her most widely read and award-winning poem is “Moccasin My Feet”.
Allan Colbert, Muscogee (Creek) – minister of the gospel, educator and coach. He has always kept his identity as a member of the Mvskoke people; he sings the Mvskoke Hymns daily. Allan’s Mvskoke nickname is “Natohke” which means one who always makes someone laugh. Allan believes in progressive tribal government; he believes in empowering the youth to assume the leadership of our sovereign nations. He believes in positive attitude and positive action; he is a very proactive leader for those he mentors. His mentorship has raised future leaders who are well prepared for government of our people.
Ethel Cook, Ottawa – serves as Second Chief of the Ottawa Tribe. She is well respected for her dedication to the needs of the Ottawa people, especially the elderly.
Phillip Coon, Muscogee (Creek) – a full blood, Mr. Coon enlisted in the Army during World War II where his unit saw fighting on Corrigedor. Faced with lack of weapons, artillery, and manpower, the American Troops battling there fell prisoner to the Japanese, and were forced on a 60- mile walk that became known as the ‘Bataan Death March. Many American troops were tortured and killed along the way, including his friend Cherokee Jacob Cornsilk, but words of encouragement and faith that Phillip had received from his elders, teachers, and friends while growing up helped him to survive. At age 90, he is the only Native American alive that is a Bataan Death March Survivor. Three generations from this family have defended this country’s honor, son Mike served in the Vietnam era and Grandson Keith is now serving in Iraq.
Gracie Dailey, Seminole – served on the Seminole Nation Tribal Council for 15 years. She attended Seminole Public School, Bacone University and Haskell Indian High School. Gracie served 12 years in the civil service and worked many years at Stillwater Medical Center. She is member of the Oklahoma Indian Education Association and has contributed much to her tribe and many students that attended Indian schools.
Lorena DeRoin, Otoe-Missouria – at age 94 still comes to work nearly every day at her job at the Otoe-Missouria Senior Citizens Center where she has worked for 29 years. Mrs. DeRoin was the first Native American woman to serve as the president of the National Chapter of American War Mothers and today serves in the Otoe-Missouria Chapter of the American War Mothers as their Chaplain.
Eula Doonkeen, Seminole – In the 1960s, Eula and her husband Al, matched funds for a building to house an urban Indian clinic in Oklahoma City. She helped write the by-laws and constitution for Urban OKC Indian Center, known as the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic. She served as President of the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women and as Southeast Vice President of National Congress of American Indians. She was the first woman to serve as Vice Chief of the Seminole Nation and today is serving her second term as General Council Representative from her Mekvsukey Band of the Seminole Nation. A fluent speaker of the Seminole Language, she was featured in Disney films, ‘Squanto, Indian Warrior’, the saga ‘North & South’ and ‘Lonesome Dove’.
Jerry Douglas, Delaware Tribe – has served the Delaware Tribe for nearly 20 years and since 2006 has been Chief. Under his leadership, federal recognition of the Delaware Tribe was restored in August 2009. He has been a tribal representative on the Grand Gateway Board and is currently serving on the Education Committee, Economic Development Committee, and on the Claremore Indian Hospital Board.
Tewanna Edwards, Chickasaw – great-niece of Choctaw Code Talker Otis Leader has been an advocate for American Indian families as a Chickasaw Nation Peacemaker within the Chickasaw Nation District Courts, Advisory Board Chairperson of the Chickasaw Nation Boys & Girls Club of Chickasha, Member of the National Indian Education Association, Substance Abuse Counselor, Sunday School Teacher, City Manager, Tribal Princess Pageant judge, Gambling Addiction Counselor, published author, Missionary, and Public School Indian Education Volunteer. She was instrumental in the United States decision to honor Choctaw and Choctaw-Chickasaw Code Talkers in World War I.
Martha Bull Frog Ellis Edwards, Absentee Shawnee – fluently speaks her native language and is the second oldest member of the tribe. She was known for her turtle shell shaking at stomp dances. She attended Chilocco Indian School. She provided care and home for seven extended family members and one bed-ridden brother-in-law for over 10 years.
Mary (Spooner) Ellis, Sac and Fox Nation – has been an active member of the Sac and Fox Veterans Women’s Auxiliary since its beginnings in the 1950’s. In her earlier days she was one of the tribe’s traditional cooks, and is possibly one of the longest active/serving elders (42 years!).
Chief Bill Follis, Modoc – respected tribal leader, Chief Follis is Chairman of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, a member of the Board of Regents of Rogers State University, a member of the Board of Directors of the Claremore Indian Hospital and a member of the Northeast Inter-Tribal Council. He was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to a national task force of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Chief Lawrence Hart, Cheyenne Arapaho – one of 44 Peace Chiefs of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Nation and one of four current Principal Chiefs. Chief Hart broke the sound barrier with the U.S. Marines on the same day he was named a Peace Chief. He established the Cheyenne Cultural Center in Clinton where he is currently director.
Jacob Fixico, Kialegee Tribal Town – Leader and representative of Kialegee Tribal Town since 1989. He actively promotes culture and is known for his arts and crafts and beautiful beadwork. He has helped in community activities including distributing food to the needy.
Melinda Ann Gibson, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town – fluently speaks her native language, she has volunteered endless hours over the past 15 years as volunteer in the feeding program at the Fellowship of American Indians Church. Serving in the at-risk-area, she is a positive role model to thousands of children.
Lupe A. Gooday, Sr., Fort Sill Apache – Organized and established the annual Fort Sill Apache Celebration which recently marked its 30th Anniversary. Life-long member and participant of the Dance of the Mountain Spirits. In 2003, along with his grandsons, he re-established the Fort Sill Apache War Dance. Served as Executive Director of the Fort Sill Apache Housing Authority and established 15 homes. Served on the Fort Sill Apache Business Committee for nine years and has served as chairman of the Lawton Indian Hospital PHS Advisory Board for the past seven years.
Barbara Goodin, Comanche – has been an integral part of the organization that established the official Comanche alphabet, Comanche Language Dictionary and material to help Comanche’s learn their native language. She and her husband Kenneth have been integral in preserving Comanche family history through their research.
George Elton Howell, Pawnee – upon retirement from the Indian Health Service, Mr. Howell returned to Pawnee where he was elected President of the Pawnee Nation. He encouraged revision of the tribal constitution for government stabilization, acquired state coverage benefits for tribal employees and has been instrumental in forging a cooperative relationship between the City of Pawnee and the Pawnee Tribe.
Juanita Johnson, Kickapoo – A tireless advocate on behalf of Kickapoo Elders, Juanita is Interpreter and Elder Resource Coordinator for the tribe. Fluent in the Kickapoo language, she interprets between the tribal member, the doctor and the patient’s family when they are in the hospital and can often be found making home visits.
John Ketcher, Cherokee – a tireless community volunteer fluent in the Cherokee language, John worked 10 years at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas as resident director. In addition, he was director of student activities and resident living at Concho Indian School in El Reno. He has served on the Cherokee tribal council and was Deputy Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for 10 years.
Doris Jean Lamar McLemore, Wichita and Affliliated Tribes – the last living fluent speaker of the Wichita Language, Doris has been more than instrumental in helping to preserve the Wichita Language. If not for her work with linguistics professor David Rood of the University of Colorado, the Wichita Language would probably be lost.
Bill Mashunkashey, Osage – A World War II Army veteran who fought on Iwo Jima, Mr. Mashunkashey was an advisor on Indian Affairs to former Governor David Hall. Elder of the Buffalo Clan, he is responsible for naming children. In 1988 he published his memoir titled “What is Down the Road for the American Indian,” in an effort to encourage Indians to look out in the world and become more self-sufficient.
Nadine Mayfield, Miami – respected elder, she served for more than 20 years as a member of the Grievance Committee and worked for federal recognition of the tribe. She was honored as Elder Princess of the Miami Nation Pow Wow.
Florence Whitecrow Matthews, Quapaw – served on the Quapaw Tribal Business Committee from 1980-1984 and has served on the committee since 1999. She is on the cultural committee and reaches out to help youth in many ways. Flossie holds a Master’s degree in education and retired from Haskell Indian Nations University.
William Nadeau, Citizen Potawatomi – his Potawatomi bloodline stems from three branches of his family tree: Nadeau, Plomodon and Bourbonais. A World War II veteran, he was a member of 22nd bomb group, 2nd squadron, working on Okinawa servicing B-24 bombers. After the war, he returned to farming, drove a school bus and eventually worked rebuilding aircraft parts at Tinker Air Force Base for 15 years. He is an esteemed Potawatomi Elder and is recognized for his gentle spirit.
Ted Nesvold, Wyandotte – is recognized for his willingness to serve the Wyandotte people. He has served as Commander of the Wyandotte Honor Guard since 1996 and as a member of the Pow Wow Committee since 1998. He also speaks about veterans issues.
Levi Orphan, Chickasaw/Choctaw -- Mr. Orphan, spent over 37 years in the military and 27 years, as a civil servant at Tinker Air Force Base. After retiring, Levi began an incredible new journey at age 58 when he became a wild land firefighter with the Chickasaw Agency Fire Management Team. Although he had no previous firefighting experience, he rose to the highest positions possible in the agency fighting numerous fires throughout the United States in the decade he spent with the Chickasaw team. He assisted in both the Hurricane Katrina disaster and Columbia Space Shuttle search and recovery efforts.
Don Patterson, Tonkawa – has a long history in pow wow activities as both a dancer and singer. He has served many years in Tonkawa Tribal Business Committee, serving seven terms and as the Tonkawa Tribal Historian. He served as Tonkawa Tribal President from 1997-2003 and has served as President since 2008. He has been a road man in the Native American Church.
Norma Price, Choctaw – selected as 2009 Outstanding Choctaw Female Elder for Oklahoma, she was a teacher and coach before becoming a caseworker for Department of Health. Her community involvement includes 27 years of service to Durant Chapter of Salvation Army, the United Way Board of Directors in Bryan County; a Founding Board member of Crisis Control Center for domestic abuse victims; organized the Bryan County Community Services Program as resources referral center and is currently serving as a volunteer for the AARP tax-aide program.
Lucy Belle Schultz, Chickasaw – the only woman to serve as Mayor of Pryor Creek, she was instrumental in Pryor becoming a “certified city” which enabled it to obtain opportunity for community development. Through her support of the Thunderbird Institute, numerous Academy Cadets shadowed her to receive first hand knowledge of the responsibilities of public officials and an insight to public office. For over 25 years she has been a volunteer for local and state organizations and was instrumental in helping secure funding to build the new Senior Center in Pryor.
Dr. Lahoma Schultz, Ph.d, Creek and Seminole – humanitarian, author, lecturer and psychologist. She works with the Ponca Tribe and previously worked with the U.S. Veteran’s Administration, counseling soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and Vietnam Veterans. She is an advocate for children and adults with disabilities. She was recognized by the National Association of Multi-Cultural Rehabilitation Counselors with their national award for “Outstanding Chapter President.” In 2009, she was recognized by NSU as one of their “Centurions” and as the first recipient of the “Distinguished Native American Alumni” award.
Mae Sine, Iowa – The Ioway traditional, spiritual and cultural values instilled in her early life have provided points of reference, balance and harmony in the Iowa way of life. She has served five terms on the Iowa Tribe Business Committee and was an active participant in strategic planning that led to development of educational, health, cultural and tribal assistance programs. In 1977, she assisted her father in preparing his Ioway language classes and booklet titled, “Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Language.”
Leo Smallwood, Choctaw – named 2009 Outstanding Choctaw Male Elder for Oklahoma, Mr. Smallwood was a teacher basketball coach and principal for 38 years. Mr. Smallwood was selected by the Oklahoma Retired Educators’ Association as the VIM in 2001 (Very Important Member) and was inducted in the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in July 2009. All six children, their spouses and 12 grandchildren are teachers.
Wayne Smith, Seneca-Cayuga – known affectionately as “Uncle Wayne,” he is elder of the tribe. A full blood Seneca Cayuga, he is past Chief and lives on his family’s original allotment near Wyandotte. He is very supportive of the Green Corn Feast and tribal ceremonies. His input is widely respected in tribal affairs. A veteran of World War II, he and his ship mates were honored for their role in liberation of the Philippines.
Hickory Starr, Cherokee – has spent more than 30 years working in Indian Health Care. He presently serves as Director of the Lawton Indian Hospital and previously was Interim Director of Indian Health Services for Oklahoma and parts of Kansas and Texas.
Wanda Stone, Kaw – former Chairperson of the Kaw Nation and a member of the Business Council for 16 years. Ms. Stone is now Chairman of the Kaw Enterprise Development Authority. She also serves as a Commissioner on the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission.
James Squirrel, Shawnee – In 1869, the federal government caused the former Kansas Shawnees and the Cherokee nation to enter into an agreement whereby they received allotments and citizenship in the Cherokee Nation. Mr. Squirrel, a former chairman of the Shawnees, was instrumental in the federal government’s recognition of the Shawnee Tribe as a sovereign nation in 2000. He has been a ceremonial singer for 35 years.
George Phillip Tiger, Creek – a full blood Creek, he has served on the Board of Regents of Haskell Indian Nations University at Lawrence, Kansas for 20 years and on the Creek Nation Tribal Council for 12 years. He also has served as Chairman of the United Indian Nation for Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas; For 27 years, he has been a television executive with KOTV and KTUL in Tulsa where he has been honored for outstanding public relations for the American Indian on television and radio in Tulsa.
Vernon Tsoodle – Kiowa, After a long and distinguished career in the Marine Corps, during which he served two tours in Korea, earning a Bronze Star for Valor, and two tours in Vietnam, he went on to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He was a founding member of the Native American Marine Corps Association, an association that embraces members of all tribes who have served in the Corps. In 2007, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the Chilocco Indian Agricultural School Hall of Fame.
Barbara Warner, Ponca – first female Executive Director of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission. She was selected as the Outstanding Indian of the Year by the American Indian Exposition in 1997 and received the Oklahoma State Service Award during the annual Native American Heritage Day Celebration in 2008. She is a noted national leader on Indian issues and currently serves as a member of the Governors’ Interstate Indian Council Boar of Directors – the national organization for Indian affairs offices.
Modina Waters (Toppah/Yellowhair), Kiowa -- former Vice-Chairman of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, her professional career spans over 20 years with the Indian Health Service. She was the primary grant petitioner with the Shakopee Sioux Community in Minnesota. Her involvement in this grant as a private citizen led to the Kiowa Tribe receiving a grant of one million dollars to purchase Indian City, U.S.A. Mrs. Waters has served on numerous boards throughout Indian Country and Oklahoma with emphasis in community service and health related issues. As a member of the Kiowa Gourd Clan’s War Mother’s Society, she is an advocate for U.S. Veterans and the cultural life ways of the Kiowa people. She is the great-great granddaughter of 1867 Kiowa Treaty Chief Tdohasan.
Chief Glenna Wallace, Eastern Shawnee – the first woman elected Chief of the Eastern Shawnees in 2006. She has been a member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribal Business Committee for 18 years. She has spent nearly 40 years working in higher education at Crowder College in Neosho, Mo. Chief Wallace was named 2007 Woman Tribal Leader of the Year by Engage Life Program and as one of the Ten Most Influential Woman in the Tri-State Region in 2007. She was the Eastern Shawnee Sr. Princess in 2006 and has a long history of civic and community involvement.
Chief George Wickliffe, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee – Under the leadership of Chief Wickliffe, quality of life for older Keetoowah Cherokees has vastly improved. From stipulating that tribal auto tags bear the logo “Honoring Our Elders,” to implementing a program that provides a biannual stipend for older tribal members, to establishing nutrition sites, providing air conditioners and fans during the summer and propane and funds for utilities in the winter, initiating water and sewage in the homes of elderly and an eyeglasses and dentures program, Chief Wickliffe emphasizes that the elderly are the most valuable asset within the tribe.
Evangeline Wilson, Choctaw – first President of the Choctaw Code Talkers Association, she taught at Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation and Chilocco Indian School. She was a guidance counselor and case worker at Concho Indian School and is very active in volunteer work.
Tarpie Yargee, Alabama Quassarte Tribal Town – Chief Yargee has been instrumental in economic development for the tribe. He has served as second chief twice and is currently serving his second term as chief. He is noted for his kind heart and devotion to tribal elders.
For more information on AARP Oklahoma, visit: www.aarp.org/ok