Celebrating Native Leadership

For more than 42 years, the Phoenix Indian Center has proudly organized and hosted its annual awards process, honoring individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the American Indian community in Arizona.

Formerly known as the Native American Recognition Days (NARD) Awards, this longstanding tradition celebrates the legacy of Native leadership and recognizes outstanding individuals, students, businesses, volunteers, and community champions.

Award Categories:

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

Click here to view a list of past awardees.

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.

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

• 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