Native Excellence
The Native Excellence Gala brings together Tribal Nation heads of state, community partners and members, educators, and students to celebrate changemakers and leaders who are making a positive impact on behalf of the Indigenous community. With prestigious awards bestowed upon nominated individuals, the evening includes a VIP reception, dinner and entertainment to honor and celebrate award recipients.
Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House
155 South Central Campus Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
VIP Reception: 5 – 6 p.m.
Dinner, Entertainment & Award Ceremony: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Native Excellence Gala Keynote
Fawn Wood
Plains Cree/Salish Singer
Fawn Wood comes from the tradition of Round Dance and Hand Drum music. She was introduced to spiritual songs by her parents and grandparents, singing along with them at Pow-Wows from an early age. Through her music, she shares a deep passion for her community and speaks to the strength of Indigenous women. Fawn won the Hand Drum contest at the Gathering of Nation’s Pow-Wow in 2006, the first woman to do so. Wood’s latest album, Kâkike, received the first JUNO Award in the new category Traditional Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year (2022). With over a million engagements on TikTok, Wood has become a social media influencer who utilizes traditional music to revitalize languages and culture.
Native Excellence Awardees
It is with great pleasure that we recognize and honor the following individuals as a recipients of the 2024 Native Excellence Awards.
Rios Pacheco
Knowledge Keeper
Davina Smith
Changemaker
Stella Mae Tsinajinnie
Lifetime Achievement
Dustin Jansen
Native Excellence Alumni
Shai-Anne Nalder
Native Excellence at the U
Cynthia Benally
Native Excellence in Higher Education
Eileen Quintana
Native Excellence in PK-12 Education
Connor K. Warner
Native Excellence in PK-12 Education
Shelby Chapoose
Native Excellence in the Community
Donna Eldridge
Native Excellence in Health Equity
Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake
Community Partner