Native Excellence Awards

Presented at the Native Excellence Gala, the Native Excellence Awards amplify and celebrate individuals who exemplify Indigenous excellence and whose leadership inspires, uplifts, and paves the path forward for the Indigenous community.

The nomination form is now closed. We appreciate all the submissions we have received and would like to express our gratitude to those who have nominated outstanding individuals.

This year, “Native Excellence” will be recognized and honored in the following areas:

• Knowledge Keeper
  The Knowledge Keeper is presented to an individual who carries traditional knowledge and holds the responsibility of practicing, learning, reflecting, and cultivating ways to encourage Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Changemaker
  The Changemaker is presented to an individual who serves as a champion for the advancement of Indigenous communities. They lead with creativity and compassion, strive to empower others by taking action, and create transformational change.
• Lifetime Achievement
  The Lifetime Achievement is bestowed upon an individual who has served the Indigenous community for over 20 years. Their work has a significant impact on the advancement of the Indigenous community at the local, state, and national levels.
• Native Excellence Alumni Award
  The Native Excellence Alumni Award is presented by the University of Utah American Indian Alumni Chapter to an alumnus who enriches, empowers, and engages graduates of the U through professional development opportunities, alumni engagement events, and opportunities to connect with current faculty, staff, and students in addition to the U Alumni network at large
• Native Excellence at the U
  The Native Excellence at the U is for a University of Utah staff or faculty who are awe-inspiring examples of wisdom, dedication, and excellence at the University of Utah.
• Native Excellence in PK-12 Education
  The Native Excellence in Education is presented to an educator who has gone above and beyond to elevate and illuminate Native Excellence in PK-12 education.
• Native Excellence in Higher Education
  The Native Excellence in Higher Education is presented to an educator who has gone above and beyond to elevate and illuminate Native Excellence in post-secondary education.
• Native Excellence in the Community
  The Native Excellence in the community is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Indigenous community through their time, actions, and dedication. They have demonstrated outstanding leadership by facilitating partnerships with all sectors impacting Indigenous populations. 
• Community Partner Award
  The Community Partner is presented to an organization who has gone above and beyond to elevate and illuminate Native Excellence in the community by strengthening community-engaged learning experiences and opportunities tied to civic engagement and fostering stronger partnerships between the local community and the University of Utah.
• Native Excellence in Health Equity
  The Native Excellence in Health Equity is presented to an individual, group, or organization that has promoted health equity across Indigenous communities by championing programs, practices, and policies transforming equitable access to health and social services.