American Indian Achievement Awards
Banquet and Silent Auction
Saturday, November 17, 2018, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Stewart Facility Gym, Carson City, Nevada
The Nevada Indian Commission celebrates National American Indian Heritage Month by hosting the American Indian Achievement Awards Banquet and Silent Auction at the Stewart Facility Gym, Carson City, Nevada. This spectacular annual event brings together all Nevadans to recognize the contributions of those in our communities who positively impact Nevada’s American Indians. All proceeds benefit the preservation of the historic Stewart Indian School.
Awards are based on the following criteria:
American Indian Community Leader of the Year
• Must have demonstrated leadership abilities
• Must be a positive role model
• Must have contributed to the advancement of American Indians in Nevada
American Indian Youth Ambassador of the Year
• Must be 18 years or younger
• Must be free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
• Must have demonstrated leadership abilities
• Must have demonstrated academic achievement in Nevada
American Indian Youth Services/Role Model of the Year
• Must have demonstrated leadership abilities
• Must be a positive role model to American Indian youth
• Must have contributed to or supported the advancement of American Indian youth in Nevada
Contributor/Supporter of the Year
• Must have contributed to or supported the advancement of American Indians in Nevada
Past Winners
| American Indian Community Leader | Youth Services/Role Model | Youth Ambassador | Contributor/Supporter | |
| 2018 | Laurie A. Thom | Christina Thomas | Barrick | |
| 2017 | Fawn Douglas | Loni Romo | Quecholli Fortunate Eagle | Julia Ratti |
| 2016 | Ralph Burns, Robert James and Johnnie Williams Jr. | Patricia Williams Hicks | Sierra Reel | Scott Nebesky |
| 2015 | Joseph Holley | Saundra Mitrovich | Alexandria Williams | John Oceguera |
| 2014 | Aletha Tom | Paula Smith | Calista Cruz | Ben Rupert |
| 2013 | Arlan D. Melendez | Dr. Debra Harry | Jordan M. Williams | Paulette Cummin |
| 2012 | Wayne Burke | Harriet Allen | Dakota Watters | Flora Greene |
| 2011 | Wanda Batchelor | Sheryl Hicks | John Rupert | Hilman Tobey |
| 2010 | Mervin Wright Jr. | Lori Pasqua | Ayden Moirnet Finau | JoAnne Peden |
2018 American Indian Achievement Awards Banquet and Silent Auction Sponsors:
2018 American Indian Achievement Awards Banquet and Silent Auction Advertisers:
Charter Advertising • Daughters of the American Revolution • Elko Convention and Visitors Authority • Nevada’s Indian Territory • Nevada Women’s History Project