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Choctaw Nation tribal member and 2020 Oklahoma Indian Elder Honoree Carol Ayers shares her artwork. Courtesy photo
DURANT, Okla. - Choctaw Nation tribal member Carol Ayers was among 41 Native American elders virtually recognized at the 12th annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors.
Each honoree received a celebration box including their 2020 AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors medallion, program, a gift card and a sweetgrass braid.
“I’m extremely honored to be listed among those who have received this honor for keeping and upholding our culture. I want our language to be preserved and I’m really hoping to do that by sharing our language with others,” said Ayers.
Ayers’ service and contributions to the Choctaw Nation are vast. She is fluent in her native Choctaw language and volunteers as a language teacher at the District 9 Child Development Center. After 35 years of working as a registered nurse, Mrs. Ayers’ focus turned to Choctaw art and honing her craft. She says her mother is responsible for her love of color. Mrs. Ayers depicts Native Americans of all tribal nations in authentic regalia and views her artwork as a way to preserve and share customs for future generations.
The AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors awards were established in 2009 to celebrate Native American elders who have positively impacted their community, family, tribal nation and nation. Since its establishment, AARP Oklahoma has honored 550 Native American elders from Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations.
“As this pandemic continues to create a sense of uncertainty, one thing that remains unwavering is our elders’ brilliance and resilience,” said AARP Oklahoma State President Joe Ann Vermillion.
About the Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with nearly 200,000 tribal members and more than 10,000 employees. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, the historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma.
The Choctaw Nations vision, Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,» is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.