Delton Cox smiles with AARP representatives after being presented his honorary medallion. Pictured are, from left, Associate State Director Mashell Sourjohn, Regional Vice President Nancy Stockbridge, Choctaw Tribal Council Member Delton Cox, and Oklahoma AARP State President Joe Ann Vermillion.
Cox Honored for Service
By Brandon Frye
Choctaw Nation
Oklahoma City, Okla. - Delton Cox, long time tribal council member and speaker of the tribal council, was among 50 honorees at the 7th Annual AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, held Oct. 6.
One by one, as their names were called and a short summary of their accomplishments read, honorees stood to the applause of the assembled audience as an AARP official presented them with a medallion.
“Of course, I appreciate the honor, it shows recognition for some things I have done over the years,” Cox said. “I am not done yet, though. It’s not a period at the end of the sentence. It’s just one event, and I have a lot more I’d like to get done before I cash in my chips.”
During his time spent in service to the Choctaw people, Cox has been vital to many facets of the Choctaw Nation. Most notably, he has served district 4 as councilman for 14 year, a role he continues to fulfill. He also served as speaker for eight years.
As speaker, his is voice reached out to attendees during most official Choctaw gatherings, introducing the council members and cracking jokes. He recently stepped down from this position during the Labor Day Festival of 2015. He said it was a great honor and privilege to serve as speaker, and it was time for another deserving councilman to have the experience.
Cox previously served as tribal treasurer, worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and helped to make life better for hundreds of youth while serving as director of the Jones Academy School.
Cox served on the Choctaw Constitutional Committee in 1983, was instrumental in preserving Wheelock Academy, and has been a strong advocate for the Choctaw language and historic preservation programs during his career with the Nation.
He has worked with senior citizens in the North LeFlore County area to help raise money for cultural activities, classes, and language lessons. He is devoted to the healthy lifestyles of senior citizens.
But most of all, Cox said he is proud of the expansion and growth district 4 experienced during his service as councilman.
“The whole idea I had was serving the people, doing what is best for the people,” Cox said.
He added, in regards to the job growth he helped bring to LeFlore County, “It’s all about bringing jobs to people, they need a hand up, not a hand out, to take care of themselves and their family.”
District 4 also experienced forward momentum with health, commerce, and education during Cox’s time as councilman. This can be seen with advances such as the development of a food distribution center, recycling center, clinic expansion, casino expansion, community center, travel plaza, and recent construction of a tribally owned Chili’s franchise.
“We have come a long way,” Cox said. “We have been standing on the shoulders of the people who came before us. We got to where we are because of what they did. And we always have to remember who was in control, God almighty, creator of all.”
Joe Ann Vermillion, AARP Oklahoma State President, said, “The common thread among these honorees is the wisdom and impact they have had on their tribes, family, and community.”
“This night, in this place, as Oklahoma tribes and Nations join together in a spirit of harmony and peace, we reflect and give thanks for the lives they have lived and the innumerable ways they have passed on their legacies to future generations,” Vermillion added.
The AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honors, which has recognized 350 elders from all 39-federally recognized tribes and Nations in Oklahoma since its inception in 2009, is the largest gathering of its kind in the state.
“All Oklahomans are standing on the shoulders of people like tonight’s honorees,” she said. “Whether they are well known or exhibit the quiet devotion to family and community, collectively, this year’s AARP Oklahoma Indian Elder Honorees represent what is best about Native American people in Oklahoma: love of family, dedication to culture, and respect for all people.”
Anyone interested in joining the AARP Oklahoma Inter-Tribal Community Group can send an email to: ok@aarp.org. For more information about AARP Oklahoma’s Native American outreach, visit the AARP Oklahoma Indian navigator website at: www.aarp.org/okindiannavigator.