NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES THE 2025 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The National Native American Hall of Fame will enshrine six contemporary Native American icons on November 1st in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The National Native American Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the six outstanding individuals receiving induction into the 2025 Hall of Fame. The 2025 National Native American Hall of Fame class’s contributions to Indian Country span disciplines such Government, Military, and Athletics. They will be honored at a gala on November 1st at the OKANA Resort and Hotel in Oklahoma City.

The 2025 inductees include:

W. Ron Allen, Jamestown S’Sklallam Tribe. Throughout his career Chairman Allen has demonstrated strong leadership, uncanny wisdom, and a genuine commitment to improve the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples across the United States. He maintains a vigilant watch on Washington, D.C. to make sure that actions which could potentially affect tribal sovereignty and self-governance are protected and advanced by Federal laws, regulations, and court decisions. He has staunchly defended and rigorously supports all the promises made whether by treaty, Congressional acts, and the judicial or executive branches of the United States government.

Ross Anderson, Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes, and Mescalero / Chiricahua Apache. In 2001 Anderson was the first Native American to ever place in the Pro Speed Skiing World Championships. In 2006 Anderson solidified the title of being, “the fastest skier in American history” when he established the fastest speed ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere at 154.06 mph. In 2024 Anderson was the first Native American to be inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, and the Ski New Mexico Hall of Fame for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Notah Begay III, Navajo. Notah Begay III is a renowned golfer and celebrated sports educator. He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career including one of Golf Magazine’s Innovators of the Year in 2009 and one of the Top 100 Sports Educators globally. Notah’s achievements include representing the U.S. in the prestigious Walker Cup and Presidents Cup alongside legends like Tiger Woods. His commitment to youth sports is evident through the NB3 Foundation and the establishment of the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship.

Dwight Birdwell, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor by President Biden on July 5, 2022, for his extraordinary valor and fearless actions during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam on January 31, 1968. Birdwell’s unwavering courage and selfless dedication while serving with C Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division exemplify the highest ideals of military service.

Deb Haaland, Laguna Pueblo. Deb Haaland made history in 2021 by becoming the first Native American to serve as the United States Secretary of the Interior. Haaland has shattered barriers throughout her career, paving the way for future generations. From running her own business to serving as a tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, she has been a resolute advocate for her community. She was the first woman elected to the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors and oversaw the operations of one of the largest tribal gaming enterprises in New Mexico, championing environmentally friendly business practices. Haaland is currently campaigning to become the Governor of New Mexico.

Lynn Valbuena, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Valbuena has served in various leadership roles in the tribal government for 50 years. Starting as the Tribe’s first housing commissioner, in 2024, she rose to become the Chairwoman for her sixth term after holding multiple officer positions on the Tribal Council. Her influence extends beyond the Tribe, with active involvement in various regional, state, and national organizations. Valbuena is a trailblazer for women in leadership, advocating for them to pursue executive positions. As the Chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), Valbuena continues to make a significant impact in the realm of Tribal affairs.

For more information about the National Native American Hall of Fame induction ceremony or to purchase sponsorships, please visit nativehalloffame.org or contact CEO James Parker Shield at james@nativehalloffame.org.

About the National Native American Hall of Fame:

The National Native American Hall of Fame is located in Oklahoma City. Its mission is to recognize and honor the inspirational achievements of Native Americans in contemporary history. The organization also serves as a unique resource for identifying and honoring these contemporary pathmakers, new heroes, and significant contributors to American society.

The National Native American Hall of Fame is dedicated to showcasing the incredible resilience and achievements of Native Americans. Despite facing immense challenges such as the legacy of early reservations, the trauma of Indian boarding schools, poverty, discrimination, and racism, Native Americans have not only persevered but excelled in various fields. The Hall of Fame aims to shed light on their triumphs and contributions to society, highlighting how these individuals have not only adapted to their circumstances but have also achieved greatness in every industry and profession. Through honoring their legacy, the Hall of Fame’s objective is to inspire and educate people about the strength and resilience of Native American communities.

In addition to honoring notable Native American achievements, the National Native American Hall of Fame is releasing a new book in June of 2025. The forthcoming book will serve as a tribute to the inductees, shedding light on their extraordinary lives and significant accomplishments. The Hall of Fame has also developed a biography-based curriculum for grades 8-12. The curriculum meets national content standards in literacy, social studies, health, science, and art, and the lessons are designed to introduce students to noteworthy individuals who have been inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame. For information about the Hall of Fame book and curriculum, Email: info@nativehalloffame.org