Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards

2022 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards

Do you know someone that has demonstrated excellence of leadership in the Arizona American Indian community? Nominate them for this prestigious award today! Nominations are open to the general public. Co-workers, friends, family, businesses, and organizations may nominate an individual or business.

Click here to complete your nomination today! Deadline to nominate is April 30, 2022.

View the 2021 award recipients and watch the program below.

James RidingIn (Pawnee)

Kent C. Ware Lifetime Achievement Award

Retired, Arizona State University

Barbara Poley (Laguna and Hopi)

Phyllis J. Bigpond Lifetime Achievement Award

Retired, Hopi Foundation (Lomasumi’nangwtukwsiwmani)

Frances Stout (Tohono O’odham)

Spirit of the Heard Award

(presented by the Heard Museum)

Christopher Sharp, M.S.W., M.P.A

(Colorado River Indian Tribes)

Man of the Year Award

Director of the Office of American Indian Projects & Clinical Assistant Professor, Arizona State University

Ethel Branch (Navajo)

Woman of the Year

Interim Executive Director & Board Chairperson, Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund

Titan Facility Services

David Beaver – CEO (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska)

Business of the Year

Raul Mendoza (Tohono O’Odham)

Friend of the Community

Retired, Educator and Coach

Medicine Wheel Riders

Volunteer of the Year

Rez Riders

Volunteer of the Year

Shay Allison (Navajo)

College Student of the Year Award

2021 Graduate, Arizona State University

Trinity Manuelito (Navajo)

College Student of the Year Award

Junior, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Online

Stephen Louis (Navajo)

High School Student of the Year Award

2021 Graduate, Higley High School

Angel Polk (San Carlos Apache)

High School Student of the Year Award

Senior, Xavier College Preparatory High School

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