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< Back Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis Seaconke Wampanoag Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis hails from East Providence RI, is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and is the first Indigenous Woman fighter to become a World Champion. As a Professional Boxer, Reis has attained six World Titles in two weight classes and is currently the WBA, IBO and WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and is on the “Road to Undisputed”. Kali made history when she participated in HBOs’ first ever Women’s televised in 2018. She uses her boxing platform to spread awareness on various issues such as the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). Living up to her given name Mequinonoag, translated to Many Feathers/Many Talents, Kali is a certified Motorcycle/Small Engines Technician and has worked as a Residential Counselor since 2009. She has found healing in sharing her story and mentoring troubled youth with a relatable approach, as well as traveling to speak with and support various communities in hopes of being a positive example to “Never throw in the towel no matter what punches life throws at you”. In 2021, Kali made her acting debut with the lead role in the film ‘Catch the Fair One; in which she also received a writer’s credit. This film highlights the MMIW epidemic & earned a Special Jury Mention award at the Tribeca film festival. Recently, an Indie Film Spirit Award nominee for Best Female Lead Actress was announced for Reis’ performance. This mixed Cape Verdean/Native American has a “Voice for the Voiceless.” <Back

< Back Eddie Rogers Eddie Rogers Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2026 While driving through Walker, Minnesota, countless drivers pass a bronze bust statue outside the courthouse not knowing it is there. It is Eddie Rogers. Eddie Rogers was born in Libby, Minnesota on April 14, 1876, near the site of the 1850 Sandy Lake Tragedy. His father was a pioneer lumberman and mother was Ojibwe. His Ojibwe name was Ay-Nay-Way-We-Dung translated to Echo in the Woods. Rogers attended Carlisle Institute in 1897, one of the first boarding schools that were determined to erase the ethnic identity of native students and assimilate them into American citizens. Rogers began playing football at Carlisle and quickly rose to star athlete status and served as team captain in 1900. In 1901 Rogers came home to Minnesota and enrolled in law school at the University of Minnesota. He joined the football team and was named captain in 1903. During the same season the Golden Gophers had an 11-0-1 record winning the Big Ten title and Rogers was named third- team All-America. The next season Rogers returned to Carlisle as head coach and had a 9-2 record. He was there one season and again came home to Minnesota and in 1905 he coached the College of St. Thomas football team to a 14-9-1 record. In 1907 his team was undefeated at 7-0. Rogers soon began his longtime law career. In 1910, he was elected Cass County attorney, a position he held for over 45 years. In 1912, he was elected as the chief of a council including 10 Ojibwe tribes. He served as the vice president of the National Council of Indian Affairs and was a charter member of the National Congress of American Indians. Rogers had a 62 year career in law retiring at age 90. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968 and in the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1973. <Back

< Back Dennis J Danforth Sr. Dennis J Danforth Sr. Oneida Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Dennis Danforth Sr., “Teyohahase – Good Road,” is a member of the Oneida Nation (WI). Danforth earned his Associates degree in Business Management and currently works for the Oneida Comprehensive Housing Division. A devoted husband to Margaret Danforth and an amazing father to seven children and a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren. Danforth began his boxing journey at 10 years old with his brothers at the Oneida Mission Boxing Club in Oneida, WI. This was the beginning of shaping a lifetime of family, healthy relationships, and core values through hard work, fitness, and commitment. Danforth’ high school years began at West De Pere High School, and in his junior year in 1974 he transferred to the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, South Dakota. Danforth was a multi-sport athlete playing football, basketball, track & field, and boxing. Trained by the late Joe O’Brien, a former Ojibwe boxer and a Marine veteran, Danforth learned valuable lessons of self-control, strategy, focus, sportsmanship, and was a boxing standout. Although Danforth was offered a football scholarship to Black Hill State University, his love of boxing took him on a journey that shaped his lifetime of self-discipline, humbleness, and competitiveness that he shares with his children and grandchildren. Danforth fought in the welterweight and middleweight classes. His greatest accomplishments as a boxer were being invited to the 1976 Olympic Trials and being a three-time National Indian Athletic Association two-weight class champion. Danforth won the 1977 South Dakota State Championship, the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Championships in Minneapolis, and eventually crowned the 1977 Golden Gloves Welterweight Champion. He received a bid to the U.S. National Golden Gloves Tournament in Hawaii, where he joined Team Minnesota. He fought hard in Honolulu where he was defeated in a controversial split decision to a former three division world champion professional fighter. Danforth was also a two-time Wisconsin State AAU Boxing Tournament champion and participated in three National AAU Boxing tournaments throughout Indian Country. Danforth now enjoys passing on core values through coaching, singing for his community, and inspiring others to learn their culture, language and always be proud of who they are. <Back

Dr. Rosalin Miles Lytton First Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Dr. Rosalin Miles is a member of the Lytton First Nation and is known in her native language as Maaj meaning "first light of day". She is a pivotal figure in advancing Indigenous sports on both national and international stages as the Founder and Executive Director of the Indigenous Physical Activity and Cultural Circle (IPACC). Miles organized 10 National Indigenous Physical Activity and Wellness Conferences, and 11 Active Spirit Walk and Runs. These events have fostered a robust network for Indigenous athletes and sports enthusiasts, promoting cultural exchange and athletic excellence. Recognized by the House of Commons and honored with Vancouver Quadra’s Hidden Hero Award, Miles’ dedication to IPACC underscores her commitment to elevating the profile of Indigenous sports. Her role at the University of British Columbia (UBC) as a Research Associate and Indigenous Scholar in the Indigenous Studies in Kinesiology program further amplified this commitment. Miles earned her Master’s degree in Human Kinetics and became the first First Nations kinesiologist. Miles’ Master’s degree expertise, particularly in the physiological and psychological aspects of soccer, benefited teams like the UBC women’s soccer team where she worked as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and at the University of Central Florida (UCF) for their women’s soccer team. She received the UBC Alumni Award for Volunteer Leadership, and the Robert Small Boy Award “Heroes of Our Time” Scholarships from the Assembly of First Nations. As a Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) in British Columbia and Florida, Miles played a critical role in supporting CSCS accreditation recognized by the NSCA Bronze Award. Her doctoral studies at UCF in Education, combined with her Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Management provided her skills to lead and inspire in the field of sports management and education. Miles’ experience as a strength and conditioning coach at UCF, and later at University High School in Florida, where she broke barriers as one of the first female Indigenous football coaches in Florida, highlighted her pioneering spirit. She also received the NSCA High School Professional of the Year for the United States. At the University of Arizona she worked with the men’s baseball and women’s volleyball teams, and volunteered with Olympic and professional athletes. Miles competed in softball in Japan, as a champion in BC and National powerlifting, and as a fitness competitor at both the USA and World Nova Fitness challenges. Dr. Rosalin Miles work has enhanced the visibility and success of Indigenous coaches, athletes, and researchers, and has also forged lasting connections and opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding in the world of sports.

< 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

Kelvin Sampson <Back Lumbee Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2022 Kelvin Sampson (Lumbee, North Carolina) is a 33-year head coaching veteran at Houston, Indiana, Oklahoma, Washington State and Montana Tech. Sampson has compiled a 681-336 record during his career. He has led his teams to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 11 in 12 years with the Sooners from 1994 to 2006. During his Oklahoma tenure, he guided the Sooners to 10 consecutive 20-win seasons, the 1999 Sweet 16, the 2002 Final Four and an Elite Eight appearance in 2003. Sampson is one of only 15 coaches in NCAA history to lead 4+ schools to the NCAA Tournament. With the Cougars’ run to the 2021 NCAA Final Four, Sampson became one of only 16 coaches to lead multiple schools to the Final Four. In only seven seasons at Houston, Sampson is the only coach in school history to lead the Cougars to six consecutive 20-win seasons and became the second-winningest coach in program history during the 2020-21 season. He already ranks as the school’s career leader with a .723 winning percentage. In his career, he has been named a National Coach of the Year four times. Sampson has received six conference Coach of the Year awards from four different leagues and guided every program he has led to multiple 20-win seasons during his stints. As a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Sampson is the first and only Native American basketball coach to lead a program to the Final Four with the Oklahoma Sooners 2002 and Houston Cougars 2021.

< Back Joseph Giovannetti Joseph Giovannetti Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Joseph Giovannetti, a proud Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation member and accomplished middle-distance runner, was born in Eureka, California. His athletic prowess first shone at Eureka High School; in 1967, he claimed victory as the Humboldt-Del Norte counties varsity mile champion, marking the beginning of his stellar career. In 1968, he clinched the North Coast Section Division III 880 title and set the EHS 880 school record with a time of 1:55.7. At Humboldt State College (now California State Polytechnic University), Giovannetti’s running talent flourished under the guidance of renowned coach Jim Hunt, displaying remarkable consistency and excellence in middle-distance running. He qualified for the NCAA College Division national championships all four years of his college career. One of his most notable achievements came in 1971 when he finished eighth in the NCAA College Division 880 national championship finals. This would be recognized as a First Team All-American honor by today's standards. Giovannetti's list of accomplishments is extensive. He set multiple records, including the Humboldt State 660 record, co-holding the HSU 880 record at 1:51.8 (equivalent to 1:51.1 in 800 meters), and contributing to HSU's 4X880 yards relay team in 1971. His excellence extended to other events as well, playing a key role in HSU's Sprint Medley Relay record in 1970 and the No. 2 all-time 4X440 relay team in 1971 against Sacramento State University. Off the track, Giovannetti has made significant contributions to his Indigenous community and academia. He was a Professor Emeritus of Native American Studies at Humboldt State University, making invaluable contributions from 1994 to 2018. He earned his Ph.D. from Sierra University and has been an active member of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council since 2007. Joseph Giovannetti's legacy is one of resilience, achievement, and advocacy. His journey as an athlete and scholar has left an indelible mark on the Indigenous community. As a citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Giovannetti serves as an inspiration to future generations, showcasing that determination and dedication can lead to greatness both on and off the track. <Back

< Back A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Yuchi Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 A-Tsi-La “G” McIntosh had been wrestling since the age of five and quickly became one of the most accomplished young wrestlers in the country. A six-time State Champion, “G” was also a United States Junior Open Champion, a two-time Adidas Wrestling Nationals Champion, and a three-time All-American at Adidas Nationals. Known for his dominance on the mat, he was named “Outstanding Wrestler” at multiple tournaments and competed on numerous national dual teams alongside elite athletes from across the nation. “G” was a multi-style wrestler, holding state titles in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman — a rare and impressive achievement. He currently attends Glenpool Public Schools in Tulsa County, OK, where he balances academic life with a demanding training schedule. “G” is a dedicated student and plans to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level, with hopes of one day coaching or mentoring the next generation of Native youth athletes. Proud of his Indigenous heritage, “G” represents the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Yuchi Tribe. Raised in ceremonial culture since birth, he comes from the Yuchi Polecat Ceremonial Grounds in Kellyville, Oklahoma — a place that remains central to his identity and spiritual foundation. Family and faith are core to “G”’s life. He comes from a large, close-knit, and supportive family that has been a constant presence throughout his athletic journey. He believes deeply in staying grounded, not just as a competitor, but as a person. “G” also values balance. Outside of wrestling, he enjoys being outdoors — whether it’s around a campfire, in the woods, or simply surrounded by family and nature. This time helps him reset and stay centered amid the pressures of high-level competition. While he trains with relentless discipline and pushes himself to elite levels, “G” knows being a true champion means more than winning — it’s about mindset, humility, and knowing who you are. Champions are built through consistency — in every part of life. Whether it’s training, school, or family. Staying consistent builds confidence, and confidence is the foundation of success on and off the mat. <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

7G Foundation Pauma Band of Luiseño Indian Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2022 <Back The 7G Foundation was founded by Bennae Calac, an enrolled member of Pauma Band of Luseno Indian of Pauma Valley, California. Bennae started 7G to inspire leadership in youth through education, athletics, culture and real-world support for the next seven generations. The Indigenous Bowl is 7G’s signature event that is held annually. In 2020 the Indigenous Bowl was paused due to the global pandemic. However, in December 2021 the 4th Indigenous Bowl was played at the US Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. In 2021, the Indigenous Bowl had 54 Native American high school football players representing 30 tribes from California to British Columbia. For many of the players it was the first time they had travelled outside their state. Stepping into a professional sports stadium not as a spectator but as a skilled player was life changing for these young athletes and as some expressed “a dream come true.” The 7G Foundation is committed to giving young Native American athletes visibility and providing pathways to reach their highest potential in high school, college and beyond. The unique aspect of the 7G foundation is celebrating and honoring the Native American heritage and culture of each of the athletes. Creating safe places that inspire the athletes to thrive has been the bedrock of 7G Foundation.

< Back Angelo Baca Angelo Baca Diné/Hopi Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Angelo Baca is a cultural activist, scholar, filmmaker and currently a doctoral student in anthropology at New York University. He is the cultural resources coordinator at Utah Diné Bikéyah, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the defense and protection of culturally significant ancestral lands. The National Parks Conservation Association recently designated him as one of “10 Under 40” dynamic cultural activists who make up the association’s Next Generation Advisory Council. He has published a widely read op-ed in the New York Times. Shash Jaa’: Bears Ears is Angelo Baca’s latest award-winning film about the five tribes of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition that worked together to protect 1.9 million acres of Utah wilderness through a national monument designation. His work reflects a long-standing dedication to both Western and Indigenous knowledge. Baca is also the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Champion in Cross Country and on the outdoor track in the 3000 meters steeplechase and 5000 meters in 2002-03. He also is a seven-time NJCAA All American in Cross Country, Track and the Half Marathon. Currently, he is training for trail races and long distances runs across Indigenous landscapes in Navajo country. <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