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< Back Kiki Smith Kiki Smith Comanche Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Kiki Smith fell in love with basketball at a young age. Born Dec. 17, 2004, in Topeka, Kan., to Darold Smith and Harmony Burgess-Smith, Kiki had a ball in her hands as a soon as she could walk. A proud member of the Comanche Nation, Kiki played for Legendary Elite on the Native Basketball Circuit during her travel prep career. She remains an active part of the organization, speaking with youth players about playing at the collegiate level. Kiki is a Yellowfish descendant. Her heritage also includes the Kiowa, Cheyenne, Absentee Shawnee and Caddo tribes as well. Kiki played her high school ball at Topeka High School, where she was a four-time 6A All-State selection, garnering three first team nods, while also being named to the All-Centennial League Team all four years. Averaging over 20 points per game, while making nearly 50 3-pointers, in both her junior and senior campaigns, Kiki was tabbed the Centennial League Player of the Year. Kiki was not recruited heavily out of high school and spent her freshman season at Hutchinson Community College, where she rewrote the record books. Kiki guided the Blue Dragons to a perfect 37-0 record and the NJCAA DI National Championship. Averaging 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game, while shooting 55.9% from the field and 44.4% from distance on 82 made 3-pointers, Kiki was named the NJCAA DI Player of the Year and a First Team All-American, as well as the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Player of the Year. Kiki then transferred to Arkansas for her sophomore season, where she averaged 10.2 point per night. She ranked second in the SEC and 28th nationally with a 40.6% shooting clip from behind the arc. Following her lone season in Fayetteville, Kiki continued her athletic and academic career at Purdue. In her first season with the Boilermakers, she leads the team in scoring and ranks as one of the best 3-point shooters and passers in the Big Ten. <Back

Dano Thorne Category Coach Tribe Coast Salish Cowichan and Nez Perce Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 12/18/1961 A First Nations life-long advocate for sport, recreation, youth, and sport from grassroots to international level. A national level coach and coach instructor and founding member national aboriginal coaching modules the first master coach in this program, instructor in national coaching certification program, life skills coach mentor, suicide prevention mentor, physical literacy and multi-sport mentor, technical advisor to national and provincial sports groups and technical advisor and interim board member of world games movement. A lifetime professional commitment to create and develop sports and recreation for youth across North America. As an athlete, Indigenous Team Canada Indoor Soccer 1989-1998, Pro Soccer 1986-1988, Premier League Men’s Soccer 1979-1999, Duncan United Indigenous Men Provincial Champions and numerous MVP honors, and British Columbia (BC) Champions in 1990 and 1991. As a head coach, men’s teams won BC Champions 3 times in 1990, 1991, and 2001 and women in 1992. Men national runner-up 2001, women world champions 2015, 2017, Cuba U20 2019 and women North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) champions in 1993 and 1995. As an advocate and leader including being a board member, NAIG Council, Aboriginal Sport Circle, Team BC chef de mission, Special Olympics North America, National Indigenous Physical Activity Cultural Circle, founder NIFA Soccer Society, member of national sports committee appointed by sport minister and numerous other committees. Awards and honors include five-time BC Coaching Awards, three-time National Coach Awards, first ever Indigenous National Coach of the Year 1999. Graduate National Coaching Institute 1995 and presently completing the Canada Sport Institute Master Coaching Diploma. A two time athlete of the year as Cowichan Tribes Athlete in 1976 and 1979. With his 2015 team world champions he was inducted into the BC Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021. Dano has holistic approaches and remembers his cultural teachings of his family and elders. He is recognized for humility and integrity, respect of diversity and working for all people of indigenous ancestry and beyond. Believe who you are and live your dreams to all youth. Dano has been walking the red road for 33 years and enjoys his life daily. Has a strong spiritual belief with the Creator. Home 2026 Banquet About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Cory Bomberry Cory Bomberry Mohawk Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2016 Cory Bomberry was a member of the Mann Cup-winning Six Nations Chiefs in 1994 and 1995. He was also a member of the Iroquois Nationals World Indoor Championship Silver Medal teams in 2003, 2007, and 2011. Bomberry had a 14-year career in the NLL playing with the Rochester Knighthawks between 1997 and 2003, Arizona Sting for one year and Buffalo Bandits for three years. He scored 235 goals, was an NLL champion in 2008 with the Buffalo Bandits and he was in six NLL Finals. Bomberry had more than 40 assists in four consecutive seasons from 2001-2004. He had over 400 assists in his career. He also won almost 50% of over 1,500 face-offs in his career. In 2009, he returned to the Rochester Knighthawks and played one more season before ending his career. During his 13 years as a pro, Cory was twice named the National Lacrosse League Native American MVP. This award was given by the Turtle Island News. <Back

< Back Rainelle Jones Rainelle Jones Cree Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Rainelle Jones is part Cree on her mother’s side and grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland with her two parents Michelle Jonasson-Jones and Thomas Jones, and her younger siblings Reis, Ria, Renee & Ryla Jones. Playing on varsity basketball and volleyball freshman year at Oxon Hill High school, she soon committed to the University of Maryland for volleyball as a freshman in 2015. Soon selected as PrepVolleyball's No. 32 Senior Ace in 2016 and 2017, Rainelle Jones was one of 22 players selected to the USA High Performance Youth A1 Team. Coming to the University of Maryland in 2018, Rainelle Jones, freshman through her grad year of college played and contributed to Maryland becoming one of the best Blocking teams in the Big10 and NCAA. Meanwhile, in the 2020-2021 season, she was the first athlete to kneel during the National Anthem as a fight for social injustice. Using the NCAA NIL opportunities, she worked with merchandise companies raising awareness with slogans and a vision for the future as an activist. Becoming a guest speaker for Maryland Athletics in conferences, classes, podcasts, and events as a student-athlete. In addition to being a spokeswoman for the Big10 volleyball and athletics since 2021. In 2022, Rainelle graduated with an American Studies degree and a minor in Leadership Studies. On the court, by her graduate year, she reached her 700th career kills and becoming the #1 in program history leading Maryland Volleyball in total Blocks. A 4x Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, a 2x Big Ten and NCAA blocks per set leader, and historically the first student-athlete in Maryland Athletics to be #1 in the NCAA ever. Rainelle is currently signed to play overseas professional volleyball. Photo Credits and Captions: University of Maryland volleyball game and roster photo, year 2022 <Back

< Back Bobby Ross Bobby Ross Songhees Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Bobby Ross was the first Indigenous athlete to gain world recognition as a leading player on the Canadian men’s national rugby team. A proud member of the Songhees Nation on Vancouver Island, Ross has been honored with induction into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame (2019), Victoria Sports Hall of Fame (2020), and Rugby Canada Hall of Fame (2021). He represented Canada at three Rugby World Cups in 1995, 1999, and 2003. Growing up in Victoria, Ross was an exceptional multi-sport athlete. At St. Michaels University School, he was part of a dominant rugby team that went undefeated (14–0) in his final year. After graduation, Ross was selected to the Canadian Junior Baseball Team and competed at the 1987 World Junior Championships, where he batted .376 and helped Canada win a bronze medal. A baseball scholarship took him to Washington State, but his passion for rugby brought him back to Canada. He played for the University of Victoria (UVic) and captained the Canadian Junior Rugby Team on a tour of Wales in 1988. In his first UVic match against rival UBC, Ross sealed the win with a dramatic 55-metre drop goal at the final whistle. Ross earned his first international cap in 1989 against Ireland at just 20 years old. Over a 14-year international career, he was capped 57 times and became one of Canada’s finest players. Known for his exceptional kicking ability, he scored 421 test points, ranking third all-time for Canada and 14th internationally at the time of his retirement. Although he played multiple positions, Ross was most influential at fly half, where his vision and leadership stood out. At the club and professional levels, Ross won multiple Island and Provincial titles with the James Bay Athletic Association and later played professionally in Wales with Cardiff. He captained Canada at the Under-19, Under-21, and senior levels and returned from retirement for the 2003 World Cup, earning Man of the Match in his final game. Off the field, Ross continues to contribute to rugby through his involvement with Thunder Rugby, supporting Indigenous athletes and recognition in the sport. <Back

Provincial Nominees George Attla Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Wally Leask Alaska Sports Hall of Fame John Brown Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Reggie Joule Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Herb Didrickson Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Elliott Sampson Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Fred Simpson Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Albert Smoke Peterborough & District Sports Hall of Fame Ron Brown Manitoba Sports & Manitoba Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame Joe Keeper Manitoba Sports & Mani to ba Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame Angela Chalmers Manitoba Sports & Mani to ba Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame Reg Leach Manitoba Sports & Mani to ba Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame Jack Jacobs Manitoba Sports & Mani to ba Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame Jill Mathez Manitoba Sports & Mani to ba Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame Robert Bernard Mi'kmaq Sports Hall of Fame Seymour Doucette Mi'kmaq Sports Hall of Fame George Tex Marshall Mi'kmaq Sports Hall of Fame Sarah Lynn Knockwood Mi'kmaq Sports Hall of Fame Chad Denny Mi'kmaq Sports Hall of Fame Jesse "Cab" Renick Chickasaw Hall of Fame Jack and Gerry Brisco Chickasaw Hall of Fame Tom Longboat Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame

< Back Ronald Melchert Ronald Melchert Oneida Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Ronald Melchert hails from the Oneida Nation by the Green Bay of Lake Michigan. Ronald Melchert started training as a boxer in 1969, in the basement of the historic Parish Hall in Oneida, Wisconsin, coached by Matt Powless and coach Harold King. He participated in regional meets throughout Wisconsin and Illinois and became the first Heavyweight champion of the National Indian Boxing Association winning both in 1974 and 1975 in Reno, Nevada. Melchert is a Registered Landscape Architect who has owned his own business since 1982. His experience includes working on primarily Native American projects throughout the United States. Projects include Housing, Governmental Facilities, Community Facilities, Transportation projects, Master planning, Historical Facilities, Parks and Recreation, and Entertainment Facilities of Casinos and Hotels. Melchert’s professional practice and business spans 43 years. Melchert has served as a board member on several Minneapolis not profit organizations serving the inner city Native American community. Ronald is currently the board chairman of the Little Earth of United Tribes Inc., a low income section 8 housing project of 212 units. LEUTC is the only urban HUD project dedicated to specifically Native American residents in the United States. Melchert received an Associate of Arts in Architectural Technology from Madison Area Technical College in 1973, his Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture in 1977 from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and a Master’s of Science in Leadership from Capella University in 2016. Melchert is married to Susan and has three children and seven grandchildren. <Back

Iroquois Nationals 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships Silver Medalists Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Haudenosaunee Nationals are World Silver Medalists The Haudenosaunee National Lacrosse Team, the Iroquois Nationals, were the 2011 Silver Medalist at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in Prague, Czech Republic on May 28, 2011. This was the third consecutive indoor world tournament medal standing for the Iroquois Nationals having also achieved a Silver Medal in the 2007 games in Nova Scotia, and the 2002 games in Toronto. The Iroquois Nationals were undefeated at the end of the first round by beating Team Ireland 23-3, Czech Republic 25-5, and Team USA 11-10. Due to their outstanding record, the Haudenosaunee Team received a bye in the quarterfinals and defeated the home team, the Czech Republic 19-6 in the semi-final game. This win put the Iroquois Nationals team in the Championship game versus Team Canada. It was a hard fought game, the premier Goalie Mike Thompson was injured during the first half and the Iroquois Nationals rookie, Angus Goodleaf stepped into the goal. The final score of the World Championship Game was Canada 13 Iroquois 6. The 2011 WILC Tournament was a Win: Win for the Haudenosaunee National Team. It was less than a year ago when another indigenous squad of 23 premiere athletes stood in anticipation at an airport gate for an opportunity to participate in the 2010 World Lacrosse Championship. This year was different for the Iroquois Nationals, the team boarded the airplane traveling as Haudenosaunee Diplomats, and they received a warm welcome by the host country the Czech Republic. The Iroquois Nationals showed the world a high caliber sportsmanship and completed this tournament by returning home with a Silver Medal. Oyane’! It was an extreme honor felt by all 23 elite lacrosse players to wear the Iroquois Nationals team colors for the 2011 WILC. Gewas Schindler, General Manager said, “Our players have a wealth of professional indoor and field lacrosse experiences along with numerous NCAA Collegiate Lacrosse Championships.” Each of the 23 players have worn the colors of various professional teams but define the epitome of lacrosse is to be a team member of the Iroquois Nationals. In addition to the Silver Medal the Iroquois Nationals received 4 additional individual awards, All World Team and Most Valuable Transition Player in the World –Cody Jamieson, and All World Team and Most Valuable Defensive Player in the World – Sid Smith, team captain. The 2011 Iroquois Nationals team members are: Cory Bomberry, Brett Bucktooth, Ron Cogan, Brandon Francis, Angus Goodleaf, Dean Hill, Stu Hill, Travis Hill, Blue Hill, Peter Jacobs, Cody Jamieson, Isaiah Kicknosway, Mike Lazore, Tom Montour, Jeff Powless, Andy Secore, Jeff Shattler, Sid Smith, Brandon Swamp, Mike Thompson, Holden Vyse, and Roger Vyse. The Iroquois Nationals 2011 Management includes, Head Coach Duane Jacobs, Assistant Coaches Mouse Henry and Stu Monture, General Manager Gewas Schindler, Assistant Manager Ansley Jemison and the support staff of Chester Goodleaf and Frank David. This year, each of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is represented within the 2011 Iroquois Nationals National Team and Staff. The national team also includes two members from the Ojibwa Nation. “We are proud to announce that the National Lacrosse League 2011 MVP is Jeff Shattler; a player named to the 2011 Iroquois Nationals Team,” said Dr. Percy Abrams, Executive Director. The Iroquois Nationals were pleased to be in Prague, the hosts of the third WILC. Dr. Percy Abrams said, “The Iroquois Nationals Team will take this time as an opportunity to thank the Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs and Clan Mothers for their enduring support and primary sponsorship.” “We also like to thank Mr. Curt Styres, Iroquois Nationals alumni, and the Oneida Indian Nation for their sponsorship.” The Iroquois National would like to acknowledge the many volunteers from the Haudenosaunee communities who assisted the program this year. In closing the Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Program extends a “Niawenha” to the People of the Czech Republic for their overwhelming support for the 2011 Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse Team. Dane’tho. The Iroquois Nationals was established in 1983 by the Haudenosaunee Grand Council government as the National Lacrosse Team. In 1989 the Federation of International Lacrosse’s parent organization the International Federation of Lacrosse, sanctioned the Haudenosaunee Iroquois Nationals as the 5th member nation with full membership status. The Iroquois Nationals began their first FIL competition in Perth, Australia in 1990. Each year afterward the Iroquois Nationals have participated, prepared, and/or ranked as a world lacrosse competitor in the game which holds such a deep cultural significance for the Haudenosaunee.

< Back Evan James Evan James Métis and Dene Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Evan James was born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in Edmonton and area. Evan is of Métis and Dene heritage. He began life with some health challenges including failure to thrive and stayed with a few different families before becoming a part of his family at 2 and a half years old. Growing up Evan was always physically active but until finding Special Olympics in 2004, unable to find the support and opportunities to participate and compete with others at his level. Evan has participated in a multitude of sports with Special Olympics Alberta Spruce Grove & District. He has competed at eight Special Olympics Provincial Games in four different sports, two Western Canada Summer Games, one Canada Summer Games and five Special Olympics National Games in three different sports earning 60 medals. Evan’s dream of representing Canada at the Special Olympics World Games came true in Austria in 2017 as a speedskater. Evan won gold in the 777m at worlds. Evan has embraced the opportunities he has been given to travel across the province, country, and around the world. Now at 36, Evan is still active in many sports including floor hockey, cross country skiing, softball and soccer. Evan is currently an Athlete Ambassador spreading the message and power of Special Olympics. The opportunities that sport has given Evan have helped him become the determined, multi talented athlete and individual he is today. <Back

< Back Ron Powless Ron Powless Oneida Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Ron Powless was born on March 17, 1931, in Milwaukee Wisconsin and passed away September 9, 2011, in Marietta, GA while enroute to his winter home in Ft. Myers, FL. His father was Merville Powless from the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. His mother, Jesse Snow Powless, was from the Red Lake Chippewa Nation. Ron, the oldest of three brothers, was highly motivated and an athletically talented youth. He played high school football at Morgan Park, Chicago, IL and Washington High School, Milwaukee, WI. His success as a receiver and punter led to his recruitment and scholarship offers. Ron attended Indiana University on an athletic scholarship playing football for the Hoosiers in the Big Ten. Following his time at Indiana, Ron served in the military stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where he was selected to the U.S. Army All-Star football team and played in the first American football game in Tokyo Stadium against the Marine All-Star’s. After his time in the military and playing for the U.S. Army All-Star football team, he continued his education in Mexico City at Mexico City College and later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Marketing and Economics. Ron’s competitive nature led to successful careers with companies like Xerox and Itek before founding his own corporation, International Data Systems. His success allowed him to contribute to American Indian causes and enjoy homes in Wisconsin and Florida. Ron’s legacy lives on as he had a son and daughter both of whom followed him with successful careers and healthy families. <Back

< Back Stevie Ray Doxtator Stevie Ray Doxtator Oneida Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Born on January 26, 1997, Stevie Doxtator began his martial arts journey at the age of 12, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From a young age, Stevie showed discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic, qualities that would later define his athletic career. By the time he turned 18, he had earned his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating years of dedication to the art of grappling and self-improvement. After finishing school, Stevie took some time away from competition to focus on work, but his passion for martial arts never left. Within a couple of years, he returned to training—this time immersing himself fully in Muay Thai, also known as the art of eight limbs. Over the past five years, Stevie has dedicated himself to mastering the striking discipline, training full-time and competing across Canada. Through relentless effort and determination, Stevie rose to become one of the country’s most respected Indigenous combat athletes. He currently holds a record of 12 fights and was crowned Canadian National Muay Thai Champion in the 71-kilogram division in 2025. His achievements represent not only his personal dedication but also pride and inspiration for his Indigenous community. Stevie’s talent and impact have been recognized throughout his career. He was honored with the Indigenous Fighter of the Year Award in 2022 and received Montreal’s Fighter of the Year Award in 2020, marking his consistency, sportsmanship, and excellence inside and outside the ring. Balancing humility with fierce competitiveness, Stevie continues to grow as both an athlete and role model. His journey from a young martial artist to a national champion stands as a testament to perseverance, cultural pride, and passion for combat sports. Through his accomplishments, Stevie hopes to inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes to chase their dreams and represent their heritage with strength and honor. <Back

Teams 1999 Iroquois Nationals 2015 Team Canada Women's Soccer