FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Native American Hall of Fame Formed Capital Campaign Committee to Acquire Hall of Fame Property
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, May 15, 2025 – The National Native American Hall of Fame is proud to announce the establishment of its Capital Campaign Committee tasked with securing funds for the purchase of a property to house the esteemed Hall of Fame. The committee is led by Co-Chairs W. Rick West, (Southern Cheyenne), former Director of the National Museum of the American Indian and most recently, Director of the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, California and Ernie Stevens, Jr., (Oneida), Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association.
Leading the charge as Director of the Capital Campaign is James Pepper Henry (Kaw Nation), bringing a wealth of experience as a former director of various reputable museums such as the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Arizona. The committee comprises distinguished members such as Scott Braly, Project Director, Connect Advisors, LLC, Claremore, Oklahoma; Dr. Belinda Miller (Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma), Director of Tribal Investments, Wyandotte, Oklahoma; Al DiMora, Entrepreneur and Owner/Operator of DiMora Motorcar, Palm Springs, California; and Hector Perez-Pacheco, President and CEO, Perez-Pacheco Consulting, Inc.
“We are thrilled to unveil our Capital Campaign Committee, composed of exceptional individuals dedicated to preserving and celebrating Native American heritage,” said James Parker Shield, Founder and CEO, the National Native American Hall of Fame. “Together, we aim to secure the future home of the National Native American Hall of Fame and ensure its legacy for generations to come.”
For more information about the National Native American Hall of Fame Capital Campaign please contact CEO James Parker Shield at james@nativehalloffame.org.
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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: tresa@nativehalloffame.org