The National Native American Hall of Fame will host its 2026 Induction Ceremony Gala on November 21, 2026, celebrating the enshrinement of six distinguished Native Americans. This year's event promises to be a prestigious and culturally enriching occasion, honoring the outstanding contributions of these individuals to the Native American community.
Event details regarding the 2026 Inductees, Sponsorship Opportunities, Program Ad and Media specs, Event Tickets, Location & Lodging, and Transportation, are included below.
1. 2026 INDUCTEES
The National Native American Hall of Fame proudly presents the 2026 Induction Ceremony & Gala, honoring the Class of 2026: Tom Cole, Carol Juneau, Arlinda Locklear, Richard Milanovich, Ernie Stevens Jr., and Lyle Thompson.
2. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to join us in honoring this year's inductees by selecting a sponsorship level or reserving an ad in our Induction Ceremony Commemorative Program. Your support is a meaningful way to celebrate this occasion and stand alongside this year's honorees during an unforgettable evening of tribute, community, and inspiration.
- CLICK HERE to view Sponsorship Opportunities.(opens in new tab)
- CLICK HERE to view Program Ad Space pricing.(opens in new tab)
- CLICK HERE to view Ad, Media, and Video specifications.(opens in new tab)
3. EVENT TICKETS
Your are cordially invited to an evening of recognition, inspiration, and cultural celebration honoring individuals whose extraordinary contributions have shaped and strengthened Native American communities. We invite you to join us as history is made. Advance event ticket purchase at a limited-time preferential rate of $150 per seat is available only through October 1, 2026.
4. LOCATION & LODGING
INDUCTION CEREMONY GALA
🕔 Cocktail Hour & Entertainment: 5:00 PM
🕕 Ceremony & Banquet: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
👔 Attire: Cocktail
📍 OKANA Resort, Sunrise Ballroom, 1st Floor - Convention Center
639 First Americans Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129
LODGING:
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Chickasaw Nation-owned, OKANA Resort, from Friday, November 20, through Sunday morning, November 22. The Hall of Fame will provide one double room for each inductee. Each registered hotel guest will receive two complimentary indoor waterpark passes. Additional passes may be purchased for $30.00 each and will be charged directly to the guest’s room. Note: The cut-off date for room reservations is October 21, 2026.
- CLICK HERE to reserve your lodging.(opens in new tab)
- CLICK HERE to view the OKANA Resort map.(opens in new tab)
5. TRANSPORTATION
The Will Rogers World Airport has public transportation options providing solutions to take you to/from the airport and the OKANA Resort. These include Taxi, Uber, Lift as well as Limo and Shuttle services. The OKANA Resort does not offer Airport Shuttle services.
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For additional information or questions, please contact:
👤 Cheryl Anquoe
📧 cheryl@nativehalloffame.org
📞 405-250-6931
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME 2025 Induction Ceremony Gala
Over 260 guests attended the 2025 Induction Ceremony Gala, which was held on November 1st at the OKANA Resort and Water Park in Oklahoma City.
The 2025 inductees have made contributions across a range of categories and includes:
W. Ron Allen
Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Category - Government
Ross Anderson
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma / Chiricahua-Mescalero Apache, Category - Athletics
Notah Begay III
Navajo / San Felipe / Isleta, Category - Athletics
Dwight W. Birdwell
Cherokee Nation, Category - Military
Deb Haaland
Laguna Pueblo, Category - Government
Lynn Valbuena
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Category - Government
CLICK HERE to learn more about our inductees.
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME 2024 Induction Ceremony Gala
The 2024 Induction Ceremony Gala, was held on October 5th at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the 6 legendary inductees who were honored at the ceremony.
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME 2023 Induction Ceremony Gala
Over 260 guests attended the 2023 Induction Ceremony Gala, which was held on October 14th at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
Joe De La Cruz
Quinault Indian Nation, Category: Government
Will Sampson
Muscogee Creek Nation, Category: Entertainment
Leslie Marmon Silko
Laguna Pueblo, Category: Writing
Mark Trahant
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Category: Journalism
Richard "Dick" Trudell
Santee Sioux Nation, Category: Law
LaNada War Jack
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Category: Advocacy
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME 2022 Induction Ceremony Gala
The National Native American Hall of Fame held the 2022 Induction Ceremony Gala on Saturday, November 5th at the First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City.
James Parker Shield, Little Shell Chippewa, Hall of Fame founder and CEO, said, “This year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees have made significant impacts in Indian Country. Each one has brought about dramatic improvements and substantive changes to the lives of Native people and communities."
NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HALL OF FAME 2021 Induction Ceremony
The National Native American Hall of Fame held the 2021 Induction Ceremony on Saturday, November 6th at the newly opened First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City.
“We are very excited to recognize the stellar achievements of this year’s class of inductees at the newly celebrated First Americans Museum. I have every confidence that the Hall of Fame honorees will inspire our youth and future generations of Native Americans. In addition, greater numbers of non-Natives will learn of Native contributions and their legacies will live on,” said James Parker Shield, CEO of the National Native American Hall of Fame.
First Americans Museum
659 First Americans Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129
Photo courtesy of the First Americans Museum
2021 Event Cancellation (due to the COVID-19 virus)
Throughout 2020, the National Native American Hall of Fame (NNAHOF) closely followed the news surrounding the COVID-19 virus and its related public health risks. Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the virus, the NNAHOF joined other Native American communities, sponsors, and state and national partners in working to limit and eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic by canceling the 2020 Induction Ceremony.
We were disappointed that we were unable to hold this event but felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global pandemic. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to continuing our mission and hope to celebrate with you in 2021!
– Miigwech!
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