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< Back Edison Eskeets Edison Eskeets Navajo Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2023 Edison Eskeets is an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribal Nation. He attended and received diplomas from Haskell Indian Junior College, Kansas, and Bradley University, Illinois. A First Team All-American Runner, invested in Native traditional education composed with the mainstream educational school system at large. Edison taught at the Orme School, an international school, and the Native American Preparatory School serving in the following capacities: Chair of the Fine Arts, Teaching the Arts and Humanities, Coaching Track & Field and Cross Country, Academic Dean, Associate Head of School, Head of School. In addition, he served as the Executive Director on behalf of Wings of America, serving Native youth programs throughout Indian Country. Edison made every effort in making a difference within Native communities and went beyond boundaries: fundraising, grant writing, lectures, presentation of Native Arts, collaborating programs with colleges/communities, and seeking funds from government, foundations, corporations, individual donors, state funds, and tribal funds. It is vital to maintain the goodness of all indigenous societies including culture, language, ceremonies, food, and underscoring the history of the Americas, from Chile to Alaska. At one time, there were over 80 million indigenous population in the Americas and today’s count is almost 6 million. Therefore, Education, Athletics, Native programs, Higher Education, Funds, and Leadership must be nurtured. His final employment was under the Hubbell Trading Post at Ganado, Arizona operated by the Western National Parks Association. He is the first Navajo trader to manage the Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo reservation. This environment included education of Native arts: metal smithing, rug weaving, wood carving, painting, pottery, leather works, and trading items with fellow customers. Currently, he is promoting a new book titled “Send a Runner,” a book illustrating the history of the southwest embodied with Native traditional ultra-running. Photo Credits: Joseph Kayne and Fairfield Half Marathon (CT) <Back

< Back “ZA” McIntosh “ZA” McIntosh Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Cherokee Nation, and the Yuchi Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 “ZA” McIntosh has been wrestling since the age of six and has grown into one of Oklahoma’s top young athletes in the sport. He represents Glenpool Wrestling in Glenpool, OK — just south of Tulsa — and has spent his entire wrestling career with the program. He began with Glenpool Youth Wrestling, coached by his father until seventh grade. “ZA” is a four-time Oklahoma State Champion and the only Junior High State Champion for the 2024–2025 season. On the national stage, he’s placed in the top four twice at WOW Tulsa Nationals — considered one of the toughest tournaments in the world. He’s also a United States Junior Open Champion, a three-time Adidas Wrestling National Champion, and a three-time Adidas Nationals All-American and has been named “Outstanding Wrestler” for multiple tournaments. “ZA” has been on multiple national dual teams with wrestlers all across the nation. Rooted in family and faith, “ZA” draws strength from a large, close-knit support system. His family’s constant presence and strong values have shaped him — not just as an athlete, but as a son and a young man. These values push him to pursue greatness, while staying grounded in humility and purpose. “ZA” is proudly Indigenous, representing the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the Cherokee Nation, and the Yuchi Tribe of Oklahoma. Raised in Yuchi language and ceremonial traditions, he comes from the Polecat Ceremonial Grounds in Kellyville, OK. His cultural identity is central to his discipline and mental toughness, and he carries that pride with him in everything he does. While he pushes himself hard in every sport, “ZA” also values balance. Fishing is one of his passions — a space where he finds peace, focus, and a break from the high-energy demands of competition. It's his reset button and a place where he achieves greatness in a different way. “ZA” believes a true champion isn’t just defined by wins, but by mindset, character, and knowing who you are. With discipline, cultural pride, and a deep love for his family, he continues to train with purpose — always striving to be his best on and off the mat. <Back

Dallas Soonias <Back Nehiyaw/Anishinaabe Induction Category: Media/Athlete Year Inducted 2025 Dallas Soonias is Nehiyaw/Anishinaabe. He is registered with The Chippewas of Nawash and has close ties with his father’s band, Red Pheasant. Soonias grew up living off-reserve in Red Deer, Alberta. Soonias was the first male Indigenous person to represent Canada in volleyball, and he did it for 15 years. He was a right side hitter. He was named the 2005 Tom Longboat Award winner. He also received the Inspire Award in the sports category in 2021. In 2023, Soonias wrote, directed, and produced his first short film, Frank Gets the Job Done, which was commissioned by the ImagineNATIVE Film Festival and Telus Storyhive. He had a feature film in development with TeleFilm Canada and was a director for CBC Olympics as well as being an Analyst for CBC Sports covering the 2024 Olympics. Photo: Kristian Bogner for BANFF World Media Festival.

< Back Harrison J. Funmaker Harrison J. Funmaker Ho-Chunk Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Harrison Funmaker wanted to be a prize fighter since he was a little boy. His father Bob Funmaker Sr. was his first trainer. Funmaker had his first professional bout in the summer of 1989. He lost a six round split decision in the heavyweight division. His motivation was just beginning to be the best he could be. His next bout was against the same opponent in his debut and he knocked him out in the second round. Funmaker turned pro in Green Bay, WI. Matt Baulie was his trainer/manager in the beginning. Boxing took him around the world including Israel, twice to New Zealand, and to Canada. He fought in three world title fights. He became the World Indian Heavy Weight Champion at Mohican Casino in March of 2003. He was named the Mid-American Champion during the same fight. He was a sparring partner to Tony “TNT” Tubbs and Carlos “King” Molina, the IBF Super Welter Weight World Champion. Funmaker fought Eric “Butterbean” Esch three times and beat him during the third fight. He defeated him in Milwaukee at the US Cellular Arena in 2009. The fight is on YouTube with over 1.3 million views. He was on ESPN in 1990 and was also on ESPN Fight Classics. Fellow 2025 NAIAHF Inductee Lou Askinette trained Funmaker the last half of his career. Funmaker had a 23 year professional career and four decades as a fighter. He won 23 out of 41 fights. Funmaker hopes to inspire young fighters to follow their dreams. Fighting as a pro taught Funmaker many things but the main lesson was to be grateful. He had the opportunity to speak at six schools in the McKinley County School District on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico. He spoke about life as a prize fighter, what is was like to be on the road, in the ring and at home with his six kids. He wishes to share with all young native kids who have dreams they wish to follow, and let them know it can happen and it is all achievable. <Back

< Back Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra Oglala Lakota Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota. Growing up in the heart of the Pine Ridge Reservation, Sierra inherited a rich legacy from his parents: his father, Bennett 'Tuffy' Sierra Sr., a rodeo champion and renowned cowboy, who instilled in Melvin the champion attitude and effort necessary to succeed. This dedication was further shaped by his mother, Elizabeth Big Crow-Little, and stepfather, Ernie Little, whose ranch taught him the importance of hard work and responsibility. Sierra took this invaluable upbringing and translated it into a legendary rodeo career, earning his place as a Professional Bull Rider and Lifetime Card member of both the PRCA and the Bull Riding Hall Of Fame. His ascent began with champion titles in high school and college, including the 1985 South Dakota High School Regional Champion and the 1986 Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association Finals Champion. His dominance continued at the collegiate level, where he was a 2x Great Plains Intercollegiate Region Champion and a three-time College National Finals Rodeo Association Qualifier, and the 1990 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Bull Riding Season Leader unfortunately an injury sidelined Melvin before the NIRA National Finals which saw him fall to #3 in the National Standings at seasons end. Professionally, Sierra was a consistent force beginning with the 1988 NRCA Finals Champion, 1989 Reserve National Champion Bull Rider CNFR. He also captured the prestigious 1992 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Badlands Circuit Champion where Melvin qualified for the 1993 Dodge National Circuit Final Rodeo in Pocatello Idaho. His list of achievements includes the prestigious 1996 Indian National Finals Rodeo World Champion. He also consistently qualified for top events, including seven-time Badlands CFR qualifier and seven-time INFR Qualifier and a trip to the 1992 Bullnanza held in Guthrie Oklahoma showcasing his status among the Top 30 PRCA Bull Riders. Finishing with a 2001 Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Schemitzun Reserve World Champion Bull Rider and qualifying for the 2004 INFR, Soboba California. His competitive drive placed him among the elite of the sport for over two decades. Equally impressive is his commitment to education. A 1991 South Dakota State University graduate, Sierra also earned his M.Ed. in Administration in 2004. He has served 12 years teaching and 20 years in school administration, holding roles as a school principal and coach for various sports. A respected figure, he shares his expertise as a Bull Riding Instructor at multiple schools and camps and as a certified Rodeo Judge for youth, open, Indian Rodeos, and even the Professional Bull Riders-PBR Rapid City event. He continues to dedicate his time and knowledge to mentoring young athletes and students. Melvin 'Smiley' Sierra embodies the champion spirit instilled by his father and the ethic of hard work learned on his mother and stepfather’s ranch. Photos: Bennett 'Tuffy' Sierra and Dan Hubbell <Back

< Back Marvin Camel Marvin Camel Salish Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Marvin Camel had his first fight at twelve years old in Polson, Montana. His father, Henry Camel, a boxer, was his trainer. Although he lost his first fight, it was the beginning of his boxing career. Camel is the first Native American champion across all weight classes and made history as the first world cruiserweight champion in two organizations. He won the World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight championship in 1980 and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title in 1983. Camel is a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He encourages others to persevere in boxing and in life. Now in his 70s, Camel stays active, running every day and continuing to work. <Back

< Back Michael Red Tomahawk Sr. Michael Red Tomahawk Sr. Standing Rock Sioux Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Michael is a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Nation. He is the great – great grandson of Chief Marcellus Red Tomahawk of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Cannon Ball ND. He is also the grandson of the late Milo Red Tomahawk Sr. of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Michael has excelled in the sport of powerlifting in many different federations from the state, regional, national and international levels. Michael also was awarded the USPA IRONMAN AWARD 2021-2023 given out by the USPA-ND for not only competing in but also placing in every USPA sanctioned meet from 2021-2023. His USPA medal count was 24 Gold Medals, one Silver and three Bronze with six state records in both tested and non-tested. In 2024 Michael competed in three federations, the XPC the WRPF and the WPPL. In 2024 he got invited to compete in the WRPF at the WRPF USA Northwest Regional in Portland Oregon. Michael set not only three new WRPF ND State Records but also set three WRPF USA National Records in the Masters 110KG 45-49 RAW category. Michael finished 2024 ranked #6 in the nation in the WRPF USA Drug Tested division. At the 2024 WPPL NATIONALS Michael won the gold medal in the Masters 125KG 45-49 RAW division and finished with a #1 national ranking. In 2025 Michael competed at the WPPL WORLDS 2025 placing 4th in the OPEN 110KG, 3rd in the Masters 110KG 45-49 and winning the Masters Deadlift Only as well as the OPEN Bench Only. Michael ended 2025 with a #7 ranking in the WPPL Masters 110KG 45-49 division. <Back

< Back Carey-Leigh Vyse Carey-Leigh Vyse Cayuga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Carey-Leigh Vyse is a member of the Cayuga Nation and the Deer Clan. She was born and raised on the Six Nations Reservation. She is a mother of three children, including Lyla-Shae, Lahnee-Leigh and Macqoy Vyse. She is married to Danny Vyse, who is an achieved lacrosse player. She is an elementary school teacher on her reservation. Vyse played softball on the infield for Team Canada from 2011-2017 including one year on the Jr. National team and six years on the Sr. National team. She studied, played and started as the third baseman at NCAA D1 Syracuse University. Vyse was on teams that were the Canadian National Champions in 2006, 2008, and 2011. She won the All-Star Short Stop Award at Canadian Nationals three times in the same years. Her Brantford Bobcats Team was inducted into the Ontario Softball Hall of Fame. Vyse competed in the 2012 World Championships held in Whitehorse, Yukon where they placed fourth. She took a year off in 2013 to have her daughter. She made a comeback the very next year, and became the first mother to be named to the Sr. Team. Her team placed fourth in the 2014 World Championships held in Netherlands, Amsterdam. In 2016 her team placed third at the World Championships held in Surrey, BC. She played six years total for the Canadian Women’s National Team and competed in three World Championships and one Pan American Qualifier. From 2016 to the present, she has competed in the Native Canadian Championships where she has played for Red Nation and in most recent years, has played for Six Nations E.C.M (Every Child Matters) and has won Native Canadian Championships with both teams. She won the All- Star Infield Award each year from 2016-2024. She has played in the All-Ontario’s Native Fast-pitch Championships as well since she was 16 where she and her Six Nations teams has earned championship titles. Vyse made the final roster for Team Haudenosaunee and earned a bronze medal at the first 2024 Women’s World Box Lacrosse Championships in Utica, NY. <Back

< Back Wade McGee Wade McGee Cherokee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Wade McGee is a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. His athletic career began in high school as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He excelled in baseball and football receiving All-Conference, All-Region and All-State honors. McGee rushed for 2400 yards his senior year with 28 touchdowns earning offensive player of the year award and was highly recruited his senior season in football and baseball. McGee chose to attend Oklahoma State University his first year of college and due to injury, he returned home to work. After two and half years out, he decided to return to school and attend Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas where he joined the football team and started at running back and special team’s returner. McGee earned All-Conference and All-Region honors his freshman year and All-Conference, All Region and All-American his sophomore year. He was ranked in the top five in the NJCAA in rushing, total offense, and touchdowns. McGee also became a record holder at Haskell that still stands today: 267 total offensive yards in a game; 242 rushing yards in a game; 1284 rushing yards in a season; 2417 career yards; four touchdowns in a game; and 18 rushing touchdowns season. McGee averaged 9.4 yards every time he touched the football at Haskell. He was awarded Most Valuable Player for Haskell football in 1992. After several injuries McGee decided to move on from football and on to helping indigenous people across North America. McGee made a national impact in Indian Country by working with fellow NAIAHF member Jim Warne’s Warrior Society Development teaching native youth across the nation. He’s also National Director of Native programs for Bigger Faster Stronger promoting athletic development in Indian country. McGee has coached youth and high school football for over 27 years. McGee’s latest impact is working with the Native Wellness Institute and providing trauma informed training, healing, intergenerational trauma, strategic healing, gathering of Native Americans and other trainings to youth and adults across the nation. McGee continues to make a positive difference for indigenous youth as a coach and mentor and Wade’s son Jerry is also a 2024 NAIAHF inductee. <Back

< Back Gino Odjick Gino Odjick Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Gino Odjick grew up on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation reserve near Maniwaki, Quebec. As a young hockey player he learned to play from his father Joseph Odjick and spent countless hours on the local outdoor rink. The Maniwaki Arena was named after him years later. Gino was drafted in the fifth round and 86th overall at the 1990 NHL Draft. He was called up to the Vancouver Canucks later that year, and made an immediate impact. Gino played in the NHL from 1990 to 2002, including eight years in Vancouver, two in Montreal and also with the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers. In his career he had 64 goals, 73 assists and 2,567 penalty minutes in 605 regular season games. In the 1993-94 season he had a career high of 16 goals and 13 assists. He had a faithful following of fans who valued his physical toughness play and contributions to the Indigenous community. It was common for the fans to yell "Gino, Gino" often during his regular season games and 44 playoff games with Vancouver and Montreal. Gino was a key member of the 1994 Canucks team that lost the Stanley Cup in Game 7 of the final against the New York Rangers. The 2,127 penalty minutes he amassed as a Canuck was the most in franchise history. He retired from the NHL in 2002 due to heart health issues. He was awarded the 2015 Inspire Award for his contributions to the NHL and as a positive role model to Indigenous youth. This was one of the highest honors from the Canadian indigenous community. He was also inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. Gino died at the age of 52 years old on January 15, 2023 from complications related to Amyloidosis, a disease he was diagnosed with in 2014 that affected his organs and heart. University Canada West (UCW) in downtown Vancouver offered The Gino Odjick Grant, a full-tuition scholarship valued at over $40,000. Named after Canucks legend Gino Odjick, this award is available to qualified Indigenous students—male or female—pursuing an undergraduate degree or an MBA at UCW starting this September. This scholarship honors Gino's legacy as a hockey powerhouse, leader, and mentor, providing an Indigenous hockey player the chance to achieve higher education beyond the rink. This scholarship reflects his legacy, fierce determination, and unwavering support to his community and teammates. <Back

Cuyler Frank <Back Navajo Induction Category: Media Year Inducted 2026 Cuyler Frank is from Blackhouse Valley, NM, a small community on the Navajo Nation where he grew up and attended School at Newcomb, NM. Cuyler’s first language is the Navajo Language, and he is also a first-generation college student. He has been very influential in radio broadcasting at the Tribal Colleges and University (TCU) levels and specifically at Dine College and Navajo Technical University. Cuyler graduated with his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies in 2006, then earned his graduate degree in 2010. On September 23, 2005, at New Mexico State University he broadcasted his first ever NCAA D1 college football game in the Navajo language when the Aggies faced a nationally ranked Cal Golden Bears. This was Cuyler’s calling into the broadcast industry and found his place as a sportscaster in the Navajo language. After nine seasons as the Navajo language play caller he moved home and became a Public Relations Officer for Dine College and was part of a team that re-established the radio station. At Dine College he was instrumental in re-establishing its low power FM radio station KXWR and currently is the General Manager at NTU’s KCZY radio in Crownpoint, NM. At KCZY radio station he broadcasts local high school football and basketball as well as the university’s basketball games. The university launched their basketball for men and women basketball in 2022 and compete in the region with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. Not only does Cuyler broadcast for the teams he has also extended his skills into rodeo where he also was the first Navajo language broadcaster at the 2023 and 2024 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. Cuyler continues to broadcast the New Mexico rivalry basketball and football games annually. He also broadcasts the annual New Mexico Bowl, a college bowl game that hosts two college football games in Albuquerque, NM. His notable broadcasts are the high school state football and basketball games.

Alfred Jacques Onondaga Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Alfred “Alfie” Jacques, the legendary Onondaga Nation and Turtle clan stickmaker handcrafted more than 80,000 wooden lacrosse sticks during his lifetime. His Onondaga name was Ganoñhsahgaeoñh. There are stories of Alfie and his dad Lou beginning the stickmaking making process and including the traditions in their work. A 1999 Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Famer, Jacques played junior, senior and professional lacrosse in the 1960s and 1970s. He played nearly every position in box and field lacrosse and was a goalie for the 1974 Syracuse Stingers during their one season in the National Lacrosse League. Jacques also coached and served as general manager for the Onondaga Red Hawks, leading them to a Presidents Cup championship in 2010. He was honored with the 15th Spirit of the Tewaaraton Award. His sticks are on exhibit at the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum at USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. Jacques also was enshrined by the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Upstate New York Chapter of USA Lacrosse, now the Upstate Lacrosse Foundation, into its hall of fame in 2014. Jacques was the coach and general manager for the Onondaga Redhawks and he led the team to three Presidents Cup championship appearances in addition to winning a championship in his final season in 2010 with a 13-1 record. Jacques has had several YouTube videos featuring him and his work. These are a few: Alf Jacques / The Stickmaker / US Lacrosse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKb1rArGurA&t=16s and, How Native American Lacrosse Sticks are Carved From Hickory Wood / Still Standing / Insider Business - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_USWpG9xKUg Jacques died at the age of 74 on June 14, 2023. Note: 2023 NAIAHF inductee Barry Powless provided the artwork of Alfie Jacques. He said Alfie gave him a picture of his dad Lou when they visited and he included Lou in the artwork.