Suzan Shown Harjo. Photo from West Virginia University

Activist, author and scholar Suzan Shown Harjo (Cheyenne / Muscogee Creek) will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony at the White House today.

The medal is the nation's highest civilian honor. It recognizes "individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors," the White House said earlier this month..

Harjo, a leader on repatriation, sacred sites, mascots and other issues, is among 19 recipients this year. They will presented their awards by President Barack Obama.

The ceremony will be webcast at www.whitehouse.gov/live. It is due to start at 2:15pm Eastern time.

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