2025 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards

The Phoenix Indian Center proudly announces the return of the Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards. The awards, now entering its 42nd year, are given in eight categories for nominees who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and commitment to the advancement and development of the cultural, educational, social, economic, or political welfare of the American Indian Community. Categories include:

• Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement Award
• Phyllis J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement Award
• Changemaker Award 
• Business of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year 
• Friend of the Community 
• College Student of the Year
• High School Student of the Year

The deadline to submit nominations have closed. Winners will be announced soon. 

SAVE THE DATE: The Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards program will be held at the Heard Museum on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.

For questions, call 602-264-6768 or email leadershipawards@phxindcenter.org

The Phoenix Indian Center and Phoenix VA Health Care System will honor the sacrifices of our Indigenous soldiers, recognize their accomplishments, and hear from their families and fellow tribal citizens. Join us for this special remembrance event and laying of the wreath ceremony.

Event Activities Will Include:

• Navajo Code Talker Descendant Reflections: Ronnie Towne & Dawn Manuelito
• Michael Welsh, Deputy Director, Phoenix VA Health Care System: Sharing of Key Services for Native American Veterans & Families
• Shine Jozefiak (Navajo) Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force Veteran: A Native American Veteran’s Perspective
• Laying of the Wreath & Remembrance Ceremony by the Pee-Posh Veterans Association, Veterans & Active Duty Military Members
• On-site VA Health Care Enrollment, Social Work Resource Tables & Phoenix Indian Center Program Information Tables

Directions/Parking

• Enter through the Central Avenue/West Side entrance
• The Ceremony will be at the central Flagpole Memorial
• Free parking & handicap accessible parking available
• Light refreshments will be provided

Registration is not required to attend. For questions, contact June Shorthair at jshorthair@phxindcenter.org or call 602-264-6768.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, May 23
• Time: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Location: Steele Indian School Park
• Address: 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ