The birthday celebration takes place this Saturday, February 7. Image from Facebook

The Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma is celebrating the birthday of its eldest member.

Lorena Kihega DeRoin was born in 1915. She overcame racial barriers to become as a nurse's aide and, later, a licensed nurse, before working for the Chilocco Indian School.

She ended up working for the tribe's elders program for 32 years. She retired at the age of 98.

“I like to be around people. It makes you feel good and it makes you feel alive. I love working with old people,” DeRoin said in a press release issued by the tribe.

DeRoin's celebration takes place at the tribe's cultural building in Red Rock.

Get the Story:
Oldest Otoe-Missouria Tribal Member Celebrates 100 Birthday (The Native American Times 2/4)