National Native American Hall of Fame

10/14/2026

On This Day in 1964

Sixty-two years ago today in Tokyo, 2018 Inductee Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Olympic history.

He was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and lost both of his parents by age 12. He found his strength in running, which took him to the University of Kansas on a track scholarship. In 1964 he was a U.S. Marine Corps officer and almost unknown in world running. Nobody expected him to win the 10,000 meters. In the final stretch, he surged past the world’s best runners and won gold in an Olympic-record 28:24.4. He is still the only American ever to win the event.

After the Olympics, Billy co-founded Running Strong for American Indian Youth, which has spent decades supporting Native communities. He has been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and has received the Presidential Citizens Medal. His story was told in the 1983 film Running Brave.

Today we honor a champion whose run still inspires Native youth to dream big.

10/12/2026

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and many contributions of Native people, past and present.

At the National Native American Hall of Fame, we honor Native leaders in every field, from medicine and military service to law, sports, the arts, and tribal sovereignty. Their stories are part of American history and they belong to all of us.

Today, take a moment to learn the history of the land you’re on, support Native-owned businesses, and share the stories of Native heroes.

10/12/2026

Today we honor 2021 Inductee Marcella Rose Ryan LeBeau, Wígmuŋke Wašté Wíŋ (Pretty Rainbow Woman), of the Cheyenne River Oóhenuŋpa (Two Kettle) Lakota Nation. She was born on this day in 1919 in Promise, South Dakota.

Marcella survived the boarding school era and became a registered nurse in 1942. The next year she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, and during World War II she cared for soldiers wounded in the Normandy landings. She left the Army as a first lieutenant. On June 6, 2004, the 60th anniversary of D-Day, France awarded her the Legion of Honour.

After the war she came home and spent 31 years with the Indian Health Service, including time as director of nursing at the Eagle Butte IHS hospital. She served on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council, co-founded the Native American Indian Women’s Association, and advocated for Native health and justice throughout her life.

In November 2021, at 102 years old, Marcella traveled to Oklahoma City to be inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame. She said:

“To be honored by Native American people is the greatest honor I’ve received.”

10/06/2026

Our leadership came together this week for a productive board meeting, mapping out what's next for the National Native American Hall of Fame as we continue honoring the achievements and contributions of Native Americans across every field.

Pictured left to right:
• Frances Alvarez, Board President
• Tim Harjo, Board Member
• James Pepper Henry, Board Member
• James Parker Shield, CEO & Founder
• Robert Doore, Senior Advisor, Partnerships

10/05/2026

Today we honor the memory of Veronica Lee Homer (Colorado River Indian Tribes — Mohave), a trailblazer whose leadership changed Indian Country.

Born in 1944 in Parker, Arizona, Veronica Lee Homer began breaking barriers early — winning the inaugural Miss Indian Arizona title in 1961 as a college freshman. She went on to serve her people as vice-chair of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, championing fair land-use policies and stronger tribal governance. In 1977, at just 34 years old, she made history as the first woman ever elected president of the National Congress of American Indians, where she advanced tribal sovereignty, the federal recognition process, and the restoration of traditional lands.

A lifelong public servant, she worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and served tribal nations across Arizona, and she was a co-founding board member of Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) — opening doors for the generations of Native women leaders who followed. She continued serving until her passing in 2024, most recently as chair of the First Things First Colorado River Indian Tribes Regional Partnership Council.

Veronica Lee Homer was inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame in 2024.

09/30/2026

This is it! After today the advance rate for the 2026 National Native American Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Gala is gone. Don't miss your chance to save — reserve your seats before midnight.

Join us Saturday, November 21, 2026 at OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City for a night of reception, dinner, and celebration as we honor our Class of 2026.

Get your tickets now: https://givebutter.com/2026-national-native-american-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-gala-copy-plj6lx

09/27/2026

Today we honor the memory of Will Sampson (Muscogee/Creek Nation), born on this day in 1933.

A gifted painter and working cowboy before he ever stepped in front of a camera, Will Sampson became one of the most recognizable Native American actors of his era — best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Chief Bromden in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). Standing nearly seven feet tall, he brought quiet strength and dignity to Native roles at a time when Hollywood offered few, and he was a steadfast advocate for authentic representation of Native peoples on screen. He walked on in 1987, leaving a legacy that opened doors for the Native actors who followed.

Will Sampson was inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame in 2023.

09/25/2026

The advance rate for the 2026 National Native American Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Gala ends October 1 — after that, prices go up. Don't wait.

Join us Saturday, November 21, 2026 at OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City for an evening of reception, dinner, and celebration as we honor our extraordinary Class of 2026.

https://givebutter.com/2026-national-native-american-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-gala-copy-plj6lx

09/08/2026

Congratulations to our NNAHOF Board President, Frances Alvarez, on being named to the 2026 class of 10 Women Rising in Gaming!

This honor, presented by CDC Gaming and Global Gaming Women, celebrates women "whose leadership, impact and commitment to lifting others reflect the very best of the industry" — and if anyone embodies that, it's Frances.

With 25 years in the gaming industry, Frances got her start as a background investigator with the San Pasqual Tribal Gaming Commission after her own tribe opened its casino. She's spent her career championing tribal gaming as one of the biggest economic drivers for Native communities — and as a form of protecting tribal sovereignty itself.

Frances, thank you for everything you bring to NNAHOF and to Indian Country. This recognition is so well deserved. 👏

Join us in celebrating Frances and the rest of this year's honorees, who'll be recognized at CDC Gaming's Day Zero party on September 27 at Resorts World's Alle Lounge on 66.

10 Women Rising in Gaming celebrates five years with 2026 class Rege Behe, CDC Gaming This year’s class of 10 Women Rising in Gaming might be the most geographi

08/31/2026

Sponsor the 2026 NNAHOF Induction Ceremony Gala!

Saturday, November 21, 2026
OKANA Resort & Hotel · Oklahoma City

Help us honor the Class of 2026: Tom Cole, Carol Juneau, Arlinda Locklear, Richard Milanovich, Ernie Stevens, Jr., and Lyle Thompson.

Sponsorships from $5K–$20K include gala seating, VIP reception access, on-screen recognition & more. Program ads start at just $500.

Your partnership ensures Native excellence is recognized & remembered.

Sponsor Link: https://givebutter.com/sponsorship-opportunity-2026-national-native-american-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony-gala-fycuta

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