2026 AZ American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards Nomination

2026 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards Nomination Form

All nominations must be received by Monday, Aug. 31 at 11:59 PM (MST). Awardees will be invited to participate in the Native American Recognition Days Parade taking place on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Choose One Category for your Nomination: *

KENT C. WARE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Individuals must be American Indian males and have provided significant contribution to the American Indian Community throughout their career/life. These contributions may be cultural, educational, social, economic, political, business or any other areas that impact the lives of American Indian Community.
PHYLLIS J. BIGPOND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Individuals must be American Indian females and have provided significant contribution to the American Indian Community throughout their career/life. These contributions may be cultural, educational, social, economic, political, business or any other areas that impact the lives of American Indian Community.
CHANGEMAKER AWARD: Individuals must be American Indian and have demonstrated dedication, leadership and commitment to the advancement, promotion, and development of the cultural, educational, social, economic, or political welfare of the American Indian Community.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: The business must be American Indian owned and have provided significant contributions to the American Indian Community in the area of economic development or philanthropy.
FRIEND OF THE COMMUNITY: Individuals of non-American Indian decent or non-American Indian owned business that have shown a long-standing commitment to the American Indian Community through their leadership and service.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Individuals must be American Indian (ages 18 and older ) whose volunteer efforts have shown outstanding impact and contribution to the general community in the areas of extent of commitment; accomplishments; dedication; and special achievements.
COLLEGE STUDENT OF THE YEAR: Individuals must be American Indian and have demonstrated leadership ability in the community, school or college as it relates to the development of the cultural, social, educational and/or political welfare of the American Indian Community, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in the 2025-2026 school year.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE YEAR: Individuals must be American Indian and have demonstrated leadership ability in the community, school or college as it relates to the development of the cultural, social, educational and/or political welfare of the American Indian Community, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better in the 2025-2026 school year.

Provide Contact Information for the Person You Are Nominating: *

First

Last

Cell Phone *

Home Phone

Work Phone

Email *

Employer:

Title

Tribal Affiliation *

Mailing Address

Address Line 1

City

State

Zip Code

Is the nominee aware of this nomination? *

Please state the student's GPA

2. Your Contact Information as the Person Submitting This Nomination: *

First

Last

Cell Phone *

Home Phone

Work Phone

Email *

Mailing Address

Address Line 1

City

State

Zip Code

What is your affiliation with the nominee? *

5. Why do you believe this individual deserves to be recognized? Describe how this individual has demonstrated commitment to the American Indian Community. *

NOTE: The following attachments are not required, but are highly encouraged to help support your nomination.

Brief biography

Resume

Description of other awards received and years awarded

Newspaper articles and other documentation of the work completed

Other helpful supporting information