American Indian Distinction

The Phoenix Indian Center, Inc. continues a 31-year legacy of presenting leadership awards to the American Indian community in the greater Phoenix area. The American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards recognize leadership within the American Indian community and those who work on behalf of the community.
Annually, both adult and youth awards are presented. Adult awards are presented to individuals who have shown exemplary leadership through their work or business and demonstrated creativity and initiative in their profession with regards to and representing the American Indian community. The individual has also has provided a valuable service to the community by devoting time and energy to improving quality of life for other American Indians, and is seen as a leader amongst peers, affecting positive change in the profession, workplace, school and community.
Youth awards recognize individuals who have strong academics, have shown leadership in self or through school clubs and activities, and demonstrated excellence in creativity and initiative. They also represent leadership and are perceived as leaders amongst peers, educators and community.
The 2013 awardees will join a prominent list of past awardees which have included over the years Dr. Peterson Zah, Delia Carlyle, Vice President Bernadine Bernadette, Dr. Eddie Brown, Ivan Makil, Dr. George BlueSpruce, Bev Warne, Miguel Bravo, Pace Pacific, Frybread House and more.
Adult award categories consist of Man and Woman of the Year, Kent C. Ware and Phyllis BigPond Lifetime Achievement Awards, Business of the Year and Friend of the Community (non-American Indian person or business). Youth award categories consist of College Students of the Year (male/female), High School Students of the Year (male/female) and Junior High School Students of the Year (male/female).
Nominations can be submitted to leadershipawards@phxindcenter.org or mailed to Phoenix Indian Center, Inc., Attn: Leadership Awards Committee.  Nominations are due by Friday, May 31, 2013 by 5 p.m.  The awardees will be recognized at a banquet on November 19, 2013 at 6 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Tempe.
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