Search Results

< Back Aloysius “Al” Waquie Aloysius “Al” Waquie Walatowa Pueblo of Jemez Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Al Waquie is known as “King of the Mountains,” one of the best of America’s high-country runners. His Indigenous name is Sho-Nee-Toe, the name of his father’s favorite hunting ground. Al ran as a way of gaining harmony with the land and environment, an ideal that is the spiritual foundation of his tribe’s culture. Al is quoted saying, “My grandfather always told me, ‘Whenever there is a big crowd, just stay away. Be on your own.’" He nearly always ran alone, often heading into the mountains and not emerging for five days. Al lives at 6,000ft elevation and would regularly run at Redondo Peak which sits at over 11,000ft elevation. In 1971 Al was a Cross Country All American at Haskell Jr. College. He was an eight time winner and record holder of the La Luz Trail Run at Sandia Peak near Albuqerque, NM. The grueling La Luz Trail Run is a nine-mile climb up a 12% grade to the top of 10,678-foot Sandia Crest. He was the five time winner of the Empire State Building Run. He negotiated the 86-story, 1,050-foot climb by taking the 1,575 steps two at a time until he reached the finish line on the observation deck and beating his opponents to the top by 26 seconds. Al dominated the 80’s and is currently tied for the second-most men’s victories, winning 5 consecutive times between 1983 and 1987. Al was a two-time winner of Pikes Peak Marathon and record holder; his record is at 3:26:17, a numbing 28-mile trek to the summit of the 14,110-foot mountain and then back down. Other accomplishments was being named the AAU Athlete of Month – August, 1978 and received the Sports Illustrated Merit Award – 1980 and Popay Tricentennial Award – 1980. He was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. He was also featured article in Sports Illustrated and the Los Angeles Times along with numerous other publications. Each time Waquie won a race or conquered the skyscraper, it has been a reaffirmation that, for him, the Indian way is better than modern life. “Running is a religion with my people. It is part of our century-old spiritual ceremonial. It is part of my soul, my reason for being,” Al said in a previous interview. <Back

< Back Danny Hodgson Danny Hodgson Cree Metis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Danny Hodgson was born in Fort Vermilion, AB. and grew up playing minor hockey in Fort McMurray, AB. In 1980-81, at the age of 15, Hodgson began playing junior hockey with the Cowichan Flyers of the BCJHL. After two seasons, he joined the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and was named the WHL Rookie of the Year in 1982-83. The next season, Hodgson finished second in league scoring with 181 points and followed it up with 182 points in 1984-85-while breaking Bobby Clarke’s WHL all-time record for assists. In 1984-85, Hodgson won the Ed Chynoweth Cup with Prince Albert as league champions and then the 1985 Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Champions. He was named the 1984-85 CHL Player of the Year and 1985 Memorial Cup MVP as he set a Memorial Cup record with 13 assists. Hodgson represented Canada two times at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, placing fourth in 1984 and winning gold in 1985 as Team Captain. He continued to win major awards in 1985, as he was named the Canadian Amateur Sportsman of the Year. In 2016, he was named the 27th greatest player of all-time in WHL history. Hodgson was drafted 83rd overall in the fifth round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and spent four seasons in the NHL from 1985 to 1989 playing a total of 114 games for Toronto and Vancouver Canucks. He scored 29 goals and added 45 assists for 74 points over his NHL career and had a career-high of 5 points (1g, 4a) in one game during the 1987-88 season versus the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hodgson played professionally in Europe for 17 more seasons as he played in Austria, Eishockey-Bundesliga (Germany), and the Swiss-A League. While in the Swiss-A league, he won back-to-back titles with the ZSC Lions in 2000 and 2001. As a professional in Europe, Hodgson represented Canada twice at the Spengler Cup, winning the championship 2001, and would play in six more with his club teams Hedos Muchen (1), and HC Davos (5). <Back

Craig Berube <Back Cree Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2022 Craig Berube is the head coach of the National Hockey Leagues (NHL) St. Louis Blues. Since taking over the team during the 2018-19 season, the team was in last place and then led the team to a 38-19-6 record. One of the biggest turnarounds in NHL history occurred and the St. Louis Blues finished as the first in franchise history the winners of the Stanley Cup. He originally joined the Blues as an associate head coach in 2017. Before joining the Blues, he served as the head coach of the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. He played 17 seasons in the NHL in over 1000 games between 1986-2004 for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Washington Capitals, and New York Islanders.

Ryan Salmon Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Ryan Salmon's journey in the world of volleyball began on the beaches of Southern California, where he first discovered his deep passion for the sport. Starting from those humble beginnings, he embarked on an impressive collegiate career, representing UNLV and Kendall College. It was during his time at Kendall College that his commitment to both academics and athletics flourished, earning him recognition as an All-American athlete, and playing a pivotal role in his college team's successes on the volleyball court. Following his graduation, Salmon's devotion to volleyball led him to explore the world as he pursued a professional career in the sport. The California beach culture, which initially ignited his passion, remained the driving force behind his remarkable journey and continued to inspire his dedication to the game. Beyond his achievements in volleyball, Salmon, alongside his wife, Nicole, holds the significant role of Directors at the Minnesota Juniors Volleyball Club. In this capacity, he leverages his extensive knowledge and experience to nurture young talent, providing aspiring athletes with the opportunities and guidance needed to reach their full potential. Through his leadership, Salmon plays a crucial role in shaping the future of volleyball in Minnesota. Furthermore, Salmon's contributions extend beyond the volleyball court. He serves as the Tribal Liaison for the White Earth Nation, a role of great importance. In this capacity, he forges connections between the tribe and external organizations, working tirelessly to preserve the heritage, traditions, and values of the White Earth Nation. His unwavering dedication to his community's well-being has a profound and far-reaching impact.

< Back Lauren Schad Lauren Schad Cheyenne River Lakota Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Lauren Schad is a citizen of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation and raised in He Sapa (The Black Hills) located in Rapid City, South Dakota. She was recruited by the University of San Diego (USD) and in her sophomore and junior seasons, she earned a spot on the USA Collegiate National Volleyball Team roster. She also received All-American Honors. Schad ranked second best in single season hitting percentage in USD history, nationally third ranked in hitting percentage at .410 in the NCAA out of all seniors, was #1 in the WCC in hitting percentage and tenth all-time in career blocks at USD. Following graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and a minor in English, she was invited to be a Nike N7 Ambassador and played professionally for five seasons in the top league in France, where she and her team won silver in both the Coupe de France and the Championship of France and receiving bronze her following two seasons. She competed in the Champions League for three seasons out of five in France competing against world renowned athletes. During Lauren’s off seasons, she has remained active in her home and tribal communities organizing and hosting camps for Indigenous youth throughout the US and Canada. In 2019, the Red Ribbon Skirt Society asked her to be their first Healing the Globe Ambassador for MMIWG2S. Following her retirement from volleyball in the summer of 2022 she began her textile business, Wicahpi Rugs & Textiles, where she uses Lakota star knowledge and stories to inspire modern art. Lauren hopes through these efforts she will help to increase the visibility and opportunities for youth living in rural areas while shedding light to issues facing Indigenous communities. Action Photo Credit: Alexandrine Maguer Spilers Profile Photo Credit: Taylor Schad <Back

< Back Ray Miller Ray Miller Shawnee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Ray Miller was born on November 8, 1969, in the southwestern Oklahoma town of Marlow. His dad was a carpenter and mom was a housewife. Miller gained his first state title in fifth grade. He won another grade school state title in sixth grade and then went on to win three junior high state titles in seventh, eighth and ninth grade. He finished out high school with three state titles, two times ending up as the outstanding wrestler of the tournament, and in his senior year being voted the outstanding wrestler of Oklahoma. During his senior year he was invited to wrestle in the Pittsburgh Classic and it pit what were voted as the best senior high school wrestlers in the United States against Pennsylvania teams in one big dual meet. He won defeating Troy Sunderland of Pennsylvania. It was at the Pittsburgh classic that he would meet his future coach Bobby Douglas. That's when everything came full circle because when he was a child he grew up on Bobby Douglas's wrestling books, The Takedown 1 and The Takedown 2. Miller studied the books while growing up and had already trained to Coach Douglas's style. He ended up signing with Arizona State and Coach Bobby Douglas. He spent the next five years, redshirting his freshman year, honing his skills under Coach Douglas and then his senior year under Coach Leroy Smith. Miller ended up with four All American titles being a two time finalist and attaining a national title in 1993 at 167 lbs. He coached at Arizona State for another year and then moved back to Oklahoma and coached at the University of Oklahoma for another year and a half. He currently lives back in his home town of Marlow and helps out with the wrestling program whenever he can. <Back

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.

Jason G. Montoya <Back Santa Ana Pueblo Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2025 Growing up on the Pueblo of Santa Ana located in central New Mexico along the Rio Grande River, Jason Montoya learned the sport of golf at the age of eight years old. His passion grew as the years moved on and Montoya started taking lessons during his eighth grade year and never looked back. Golf opened many doors for Montoya taking him on his journey to the University of Nevada Las Vegas where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sports, Leisure and Recreation Management, and Professional Golf Management. In 2012 he earned his PGA Class A membership to the Professional Golfers Association of America. Montoya was the first Pueblo to receive his PGA Class A membership, and he focused on growing the sport of golf to youth. In 2019 Montoya received the PGA Award of Youth Player Development in the Sun Country Section and was recognized as one of Golf Digest Magazine’s Best Teachers in the State. During the 2019 and 2020 seasons Montoya coached varsity golf at Albuquerque Academy, with both boys and girls teams winning State Championships. Montoya left the program to focus on his golf school at Santa Ana Golf Club. His coaching led 15 student athletes to earn golf scholarships to universities. He also became the Captain of Team New Mexico, and the team placed in the top 10 in the Junior Americas Cup between 2020 and 2024. Montoya has coached free golf camps to community members of tribes who own courses including Talking Stick (Salt River Pima), WeKoPa (Yavapai), Turning Stone (Oneida), Whirlwind (Gila River) and Twin Warrior (Santa Ana Pueblo). He developed a partnership withthe Nike N7 Sports Experience and was a Nike N7 Ambassador who has been a part of the golf initiative since 2016. In 2023 Nike N7 Day of Inspiration was held at his home course (Twin Warriors) for the PGA Professional National Championship featured on the Golf Channel network highlighting Montoya’s golf journey.

2017 NIFA Ladies Team Indigenous Canada Team 2023 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The NIFA Ladies Team Indigenous Canada defended it’s 2015 World Indigenous Games Championship with a second Gold Medal on July 7, 2017 in Maskwacees Cree, Enoch Cree Territories near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The 2017 NIFA Ladies, one of the most talented First Nations Indigenous female players ever assembled for the 2017 tournament. The team were victorious in five games by overpowering all teams to retain and defend their Gold Medal. They defeated Team Saskatchewan 5-0 in the Gold Medal Final. The players maintained on and off field discipline during the World Indigenous Games week which was the key. The staff and coaches worked together to create a strong indigenous spirit in the march towards sporting achievement at a global level. The First Nations Indigenous soccer ladies proved they could be the best in the world again with their second championship. The term ‘WE’ as a team built a strong and successful bond during this sacred journey of these women warriors! The players were remarkable as athletes, and have become role models, positive leaders and are the best examples to be recognized and honored from their families and First Nations communities in Canada. Team Photo: Back Row from left: Harry Rice Kahnawake, Mohawk, Jason Taylor, Namgi, Dano Thorne, Cowichan Tribes - Nez Perce, Taylor Francis, Akwesasne Mohawk, Wynonna Cross Kanasitake, Mohawk, Hannah Yow, Campbell River, Lenasia Ned, Westbank First Nation, Jolene Nagy, Penticton First Nation, Jenna Thompson, Akwesasne Mohawk, Lucas Cooper, and Bill Wasden Sr., Namgis. Middle Row from left: Brittany Harry, Thla'amin First Nation, Iakokwenienstha Porter, Akwesasne Mohawk, Lacey Baker, Squamish Nation, Kura Jack, Penelakut First Nation, Danielle Dawson, Tsawataineuk Kwakuitl Nations, Margaret Badger, Quatsino First Nation, and Taylor James, Penelakut First Nation. Front from left: Alexxa Badger, Devan Williams, Squamish Nation, and Lason Taylor. Missing: Victoria Marchard, Anishnabe Algonquin.

< Back Jack Mark Edmo Jack Mark Edmo Shoshone-Bannock/Blackfeet Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Jack Mark Edmo, 83, an all-around Indian cowboy who was a visionary and gifted horseman, passed away July 17, 2023 in Billings, Montana. He was born July 8, 1940 to Helen Monroe Sherman and William Bill Edmo. His beloved stepfather Alex Sherman also helped raise him. Edmo had an incredible life as an Indian cowboy and lived his dream. He won over 170 belt buckles. His mother Helen made him a pair of elk hide gloves and he used them riding broncs creating the idea of wearing gloves while bronc riding. He was a traditional cowboy, lived on a ranch, was a gifted horseman and he took pride in that. He rode saddle bronc, bareback, bulls and was a calf roper and team roper. He was a founder of the Rocky Mountain Indian Rodeo Association and helped organize the Indian National Finals Rodeo. He believed in his tribal traditions and was proud of his culture. He loved his family and his photo collection showed it. He shared his knowledge with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid elk hunter and fisherman. Edmo loved the mountains and told his children that’s where he will be, when they look for him. Edmo attended schools in Browning, Montana and graduated with a degree in agriculture from Northern Montana College. He was a tribal government specialist as he worked in planning and transportation. He and a co-worker submitted EDA grants to build the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Human Resource Development Center and Tribal Business Center in the 70s. In addition, the Fort Hall Indoor Arena and rodeo grounds including the grandstand. He worked as a planner for the Blackfeet Tribe for 15 years until he retired at age 70. His children included: Shelly (Ivan) McDonald, Jack (Casey) Edmo, Gaynell (Tim) Realbird, Dave (Mindy) Edmo, Mark Edmo, Hank McArthur Edmo and Andreen Edmo, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Melvin “Buzzer” Edmo and William Rusty Edmo, along with a grandson Ladel Kelly Omeaso. He’s buried at Willow Creek Cemetery in Browning, Montana. <Back

Jason Peters <Back Mi’kmaw Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2022 Jason Peters, a Mi’kmaw, is a member of Glooscap First Nation located within the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. He has been a coach and an Indigenous and mainstream sport leader for 33 years. Peters is also a recognized sport administrator, Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), and a National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Coach Developer, Basketball Coaches of Canada Advisory Board member and Head Coach of Team Yukon’s U18 Women’s program that will be attending the 2022 Canada Games. Peters’ is believed to soon be Canada’s first Indigenous basketball Head Coach at the Canada Games taking place in Niagara in 2022. He is a two-time provincial champion at Bayside Middle School and former Head Coach of the Simonds High School Seabees women’s program in Saint John, New Brunswick. He served as the Chef de Mission of Aboriginal Team New Brunswick during the 2014 (Regina) and 2017 (Toronto) North American Indigenous Games. In 2013. he was inductee of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame and in 2011 his book Aboriginal Sport Heroes: Atlantic Canada was published. In 2009 Peters served as an Assistant Coach of the New Brunswick women’s Canada Games basketball team (PEI), Canada Basketball’s Nike Centre for Performance and received the New Brunswick Aboriginal Coaching Award. In 2012 he received Basketball New Brunswick’s Special Merit Award for his ongoing service to the basketball community. Peters’ coaching career started in 1989 when he volunteered to coach a Junior Mini team in the newly established East Saint John Minor Basketball Association (ESJMBA). He eventually became a rep team coach, a member of the board of directors and President. Jason also served as a board member of the Coaching Association of Canada, Coach New Brunswick, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, and the North American Indigenous Games Council. Photo Credits: 2010 Vancouver Olympic Committee and Jason Peters

< Back Jordan Nolan Jordan Nolan Ojibwa Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Jordan Nolan is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion with the LA Kings (2012 and 2014) and St. Louis Blues (2019). Nolan is from the Garden River First Nation. He was drafted to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and would go on to play for the Erie Otters (2005-2006), as well as the Windsor Spitfires (2006-2008) and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (2008-2010). A 20-goal scorer in Sault Ste. Marie with the Greyhounds, he was drafted by the LA Kings in the 7th round (186th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Nolan would be an integral part of the LA Kings Stanley Cup winning teams in 2012 and 2014. Just like his father and brother, giving back to First Nation youth is very important to Nolan. Having co-created the 3NOLANS First Nation Hockey School in 2013, he continuously sets aside time in his busy summer schedule to travel to First Nation communities across Canada to help teach hockey skills, but more importantly, how to be a positive role model and leader within your community. <Back