Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards

FB Leadership Award Winners 2024 Rotator

2024 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards

The Phoenix Indian Center proudly announces the winners of its 2024 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards. Awards are given in nine 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. Winners in the following categories include:

Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement Award: Jack Ahasteen (Diné)
Phyllis J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Juliette Roddy (Ojibwe and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians)
Woman of the Year: Loris Taylor (Hopi)
Person of the Year: Eddie George/ Navi Ho (Diné)
Business of the Year: Ahehee’ Shidine’e Homecare
Volunteer of the Year: Barbara Tinhorn (Hualapai Tribe)
Friend of the Community: Cooper Davis
College Student of the Year: Angellisa J. Hoffman (San Carlos Apache) – Northern Arizona University
High School Student of the Year: Natasha Juan (Gila River Indian Community)

The Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards program, formerly known as Native American Recognition Days Awards, has continued for more than 35 years. The awards ceremony was held at the Heard Museum on November 22, 2024.

To view event photos, click here

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

To view previous winners, click here.

Congratulations to the 2024 Awardees:

Jack Ahasteen (Diné)

Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement Award

Political Cartoonist and Artist

Dr. Juliette Roddy (Ojibwe and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians)

Phyllis J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement Award

James Wurgler MD Chair, Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health – NARBHA Institute Transformational Fellow at Northern Arizona University

Barbara Teller Ornelas (Diné)

Spirit of the Heard Award

(presented by the Heard Museum)

Eddie George/ Navi Ho (Diné)

Person of the Year Award

Two Spirt LGBTQ+ Community Advocate

Loris Taylor (Hopi)

Woman of the Year

President/CEO Native Public Media

Ahehee’ Shidine’e Homecare

Business Of The Year

Cooper Davis

Friend of the Community

Native American Club Advisor, Loyola Academy and Art and Innovation Department, Sustainability Coordinator at Brophy College Preparatory

Barbara Tinhorn (Hualapai Tribe)

Volunteer of the Year

Angellisa J. Hoffman (San Carlos Apache)

College Student of the Year Award

Northern Arizona University

Natasha Juan (Gila River Indian Community)

High School Student of the Year Award

Thank You To Our 2024 Sponsors

Eagle Sponsor

Falcon Sponsors

More Information

About the Awards

The Phoenix Indian Center is organizer and host of this annual awards process and is proud to continue the legacy of presenting leadership awards to individuals in the American Indian community. This awards process has continued for over thirty-five years and is formerly knows as the NARD or Native American Recognition Days Awards. There are several categories to recognize individuals in Arizona for the exemplary work they do.

Click here to view a list of past awardees.

Who Can Nominate an Individual or Business?

Nominations are open to the general public. Co-workers, friends, family, businesses, and organizations may nominate an individual. We encourage you to notify the individual that you are submitting their name, complete the nomination form fully, and submit with supporting documents such as a resume and awards. Once we receive the nomination information, the Phoenix Indian Center will contact the nominee to congratulate them and obtain additional required information if necessary.

What Is the Criteria for a Nominee?

Adult Award Criteria

Demonstrated excellence of leadership in the community or business
Demonstrated creativity and initiative in their profession with regards to representing the American Indian community
Provided valuable length of service to the community by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for American Indians
Exhibits commitment to service to the community by devoting time and energy to areas outside of their normal business to the American Indian community
Affects positive change in the profession, workplace, school and community
Is respected and seen as a leader amongst peers

College and High School Criteria

Have shown leadership in self or through school clubs, activities and demonstrated excellence in academics, creativity and initiative
Demonstrates strong leadership that is both culturally and non-culturally-based
Is perceived as a leader amongst peers, educators and community.
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above