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Iroquois Nationals U19 World Lacrosse Games Category Team Tribes Iroquois Confederacy Year Inducted 2022 In the summer of 1999, the Iroquois Nationals participated in the U19 World Lacrosse Games in Adelaide, Australia. It was a privilege to represent our community, Akwesasne, as well as the Iroquois Nationals on the world platform playing Tewa’a:raton or lacrosse. Drew Bucktooth, Delby Powless and myself were co-captains and it was a great honor not only to help lead the incredible talent that was comprised of our team, but to also stand alongside players who I have incredible respect for on the lacrosse field. As young men, this was the first time for many of us to be able to participate in playing the game we love, the gift from the Creator, on the international level. That year we brought home the bronze, and a big component of that was the amazing coaching staff from some of the greatest in the game, along with the natural talent that the team was comprised of. This is evident as many of the players from that team went on to have successful and long careers in lacrosse on a professional level. While in Australia, we were truly overwhelmed at the amount of support we received from many of the teams across the world, but particularly the Australian Aboriginal community. This is just a prime example of how lacrosse can truly unify people; regardless if it is between neighbors playing the game together or people who live on opposite sides of the world and have entirely different cultures. I am forever thankful for my experience that I had participating in the games and the lifelong friendships that were forged. Nia:wen to all that continue to support our young Onkwehonwe lacrosse players. I am so proud of how much the game has grown and the amazing talent that is on display from our people. I am confident that one day the Iroquois Nationals will bring home the gold to our people and the entire world will recognize the original creators of the medicine game. -written by Freeman Bucktooth Home Film Screenings 2026 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Sydney Daniels Sydney Daniels Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Sydney Daniels is a proud member of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory. Daniels completed a four-year NCAA Division 1 ice hockey career at Harvard University where she obtained many accolades including ECAC Hockey All-Academic selection, Multiple ECAC Player of the Month, All-ECAC Hockey Team, All-Ivy League Team. Most importantly, Sydney was selected to captain the team her senior year. Daniels has also participated in multiple tournaments as a member of Team USA bringing home both a silver and gold medal in the IIHF World Championships at both the U-18 and U-22 levels. After her collegiate career, Daniels was drafted third overall in the NWHL to the New York Riveters. She played her first professional ice hockey season with the Boston Pride of NWHL. Daniels spent four seasons as an NCAA Division 1 Assistant Coach for Harvard University from 2018-2022. As a coach, she helped the team in winning the Ivy League, the ECAC regular season, and the Beanpot Championship. Most recently, Daniels was hired by the Winnipeg Jets as a member of the NHL scouting staff, with a specific focus on recruiting within the NCAA. She is the first female from Treaty 6 Territory to be an operations staff member of an NHL team. Daniels is passionate about finding ways to use her experiences to uplift Indigenous Youth. For the past six years, Daniels and her father, Scott Daniels, also a 2024 NAIAHF inductee and former NHL player, run the Daniels Hockey School, a multi-day youth hockey camp for Indigenous youth. Daniels Hockey focuses on creating safe and inclusive spaces for Indigenous Youth to feel safe, have fun, and develop their hockey skills. She hopes to continue to find ways to support and empower Indigenous youth to chase their dreams. <Back

Jim Neilson Category Athlete Tribe Big River First Nation Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 11/28/1941 - 11/6/2020 Jim Neilson was one of the first Indigenous superstars in the sport of hockey, playing in the National Hockey League for 16 seasons. Born in Big River, Saskatchewan and raised at an orphanage in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Neilson honed his hockey skills through his youth. At 17 he played Junior A with the Prince Albert Mintos in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He made his professional debut at 19 for the Kitchener-Waterloo Beavers of the Eastern Professional Hockey League, named the league’s top rookie in 1962. That fall he joined the New York Rangers of the NHL for the next 12 seasons. He was named the Rangers top defenseman in 1966 and was runner-up to Bobby Orr for the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) in 1967-68. Neilson and the Rangers lost in the 1972 Stanley Cup Final to Boston in 6 games. In 1974 he was traded to the California Golden Seals, where he was named team captain and Team MVP in 1975-76. Neilson finished his NHL career with the Cleveland Barons for 2 seasons, where he again was the team captain. He was the team nominee for the Bill Masterton Award presented to the player who depicts perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication. His professional career concluded in 1978-79 when he played with the Edmonton Oilers in the World Hockey Association where he was a teammate of 17 year-old Wayne Gretzky. In 1,023 regular season NHL games, Neilson had 69 goals and 299 assists and was named to 4 NHL All Star Teams. Jim Neilson was inducted into the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. Home Film Screenings 2026 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

Rick Brant (Teho:ka) Mohawk Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Rick Brant (Teho:ka) is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Ontario, Canada. He is a former member of Canada's National Track and Field Team. He has won national championships at 800 metres, 4x400 metre relay, and team Cross Country. In 1988, Brant was a member of the 4x400 metre champion relay team at the CIAU National Indoor Championships, was named the Saskatchewan Track and Field Indoor Male Athlete of the Year. In 1987 he was the 800 metre champion in the International Tri-Meet between Canada, Ireland and Wales. He was also the 1987 Canadian Grand Prix Final Champion and was named the Most Outstanding Male Athlete. In 1987, Brant received the Tom Longboat Award for the most outstanding Aboriginal athlete in Canada. In 1986 he was the 800 metre semi-finalist in the World Junior Championships, was the 800 metre and 4x400 metre relay team champion at the Canadian National Junior Championships, and was named CIAU All Canadian for Cross Country. Brant set the Canadian Interscholastic record in a tie finish in the 800 metres at the Ontario High School Championships. Since retiring from competitive running, Brant has served as an influential leader within the Indigenous sport movement in Canada. He is a founding member of the Aboriginal Sports Circle - Canada's National Voice for Aboriginal sport serving as the Aboriginal Sport Circle's Executive Director from 1998 to 2005. During that time, he helped lead the revitalization of the Tom Longboat Awards, and the creation of the National Aboriginal Coaching Awards, the Aboriginal Coaching Modules, and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. Brant helped found the North American Indigenous Games Council, the international governing body for the North American Indigenous Games, serving as the NAIG Council’s President from 2015-2018. He has overseen the delivery of three separate NAIG's - Prince Albert, SK 1993, Victoria, BC 1997, and Cowichan Valley, BC 2008. Most recently, Rick helped establish the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity and Recreation Council of British Columbia (I·SPARC) and led the creation of the Indigenous Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Strategy (BC) – the first comprehensive, long-term strategy of its kind in North America. Rick currently serves as I·SPARC’s Chief Executive Officer.

Builders 7G Foundation Bennae Calac Denise Waterman Ernie Stevens Jr. Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians Oneida Oneida Oren Lyons Onondaga Sam McCracken Sioux and Assiniboine Wilton Littlechild Cree

< Back Janee’ Kassanavoid Janee’ Kassanavoid Comanche Nation of Oklahoma Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Janee’ Kassanavoid, member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, is the daughter of Janet and Ron Kassanavoid. Youngest of 6 siblings, she grew up with three all NCAA Division I athletes. Born and raised in Lawson, MO and graduated from Lawson High School. A multi-sport athlete, lettering in softball, volleyball, basketball, and track & field. In 2013, Janee’ attended Johnson County Community College on a Track & Field scholarship for one season. She became an Indoor NJCAA Runner-up in the weight throw and an Outdoor NJCAA Champion in the hammer throw. In 2014, she attended Kansas State University on a Track & Field scholarship, becoming a 3x Big 12 Champion and a 4x All-American during collegiate career. She is the current K-State weight throw 21.81m (71.60 feet) and hammer throw 68.21m (223.09 feet) school record holder. In 2018, Janee’ graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. She is currently a professional Nike Track and Field athlete, representing Team USA and as a Nike N7 ambassador she is representing culture and sharing the journey to gold as a Native Athlete. A history making moment was becoming the first Indigenous woman to medal at the World Athletics Track and Field Championships by claiming the bronze medal. Her personal best throw with the hammer was 78.00m (255.91 feet) becoming the third best in the USA All-Time and the sixth best in the World All-Time. This throw in May was named the USATF Athlete of the Week honors. Janee’ was the 2022 Indoor National weight throw Champion and the 2022 Outdoor National runner-up in the hammer throw. Closing out the 2022 season, claiming the GOLD medal as the NACAC Champion in the hammer throw. As an elite athlete competing on the biggest stages; the main goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes. She is continuing to break barriers, to be a leader and pave the way for youth, women, and fellow natives both on and off the field and to create spaces where we never thought were possible before. Photos: 2022 World Athletics Track and Field Championship Hammer Throw Bronze Medalist First Indigenous Woman to medal at the World Athletics Track & Field Championships; Photographer: Getty Images <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

Neal Powless Category Athlete Tribe Onondaga Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 10/27/1974 Neal Powless played for the Iroquois Nationals in 6 World Lacrosse Championships and made the tournament’s ALL-World Team as an Attackman in 2002 and won a Silver Medal in 2003. Mr. Powless is a Professional (1), NCAA (1) and Canadian (3) National Champion. He was a 3x All-American at Nazareth College and held the Single Season goals (57 in 15 games) record for 18 years, which is still second all-time even though the seasons are now 18 games. Neal played professionally for 7 seasons amassing 53 goals and 39 assists in 41 games. Neal is the current Head Coach of the Men’s Dutch National Box Lacrosse Team that is ranked #8 in the World. He began coaching the Netherlands in 2014-16, where they finished #17 in the World and #7 in Europe in Field lacrosse. In 2017 he transitioned to box lacrosse where they progressed from #17 in Europe to their current World rank. Neal was inducted into the Nazareth College Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and the US Lacrosse, CNY Chapter Hall of Fame in 2017, one of the most prestigious chapters in the USA. He also produced the Major Motion Picture Crooked Arrows, which featured lacrosse. Home Film Screenings 2026 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Ben Strong Ben Strong Red Lake Band of Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach Ben Strong is a member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe. His parents are Edward Strong and Sarah Haskett. Strong is a retired professional basketball player and former coach. He grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. After graduating from Chapel Hill High School in 2004, he enrolled at Guilford College (ODAC Conference), an NCAA Division III school in Greensboro, North Carolina. He left Guilford ranked second all-time in scoring (2231) as well as in blocked shots (236) and seventh all-time in rebounding (927). During his time at Guilford he received individual awards, among those are the following: two-time First-Team Division III All-American, NCAA Division III Player of the Year, three-time First Team All-ODAC, and two-time ODAC Player of the Year. In 2007, he was a NABC First Team All-American (Co-Player of the Year) and a D3hoops.com First Team All-American (Player of the Year). Strong launched his professional career in 2008 with Maccabi Haifa in the Israeli Premier League. He also played briefly in the Netherlands, Uruguay, and New Zealand. After playing overseas, he took his game to the NBA Development League, playing for various teams. Then in 2016, Strong played in the NBA Summer League for the New York Knicks. Throughout his career, Strong coached youth during summer camps in the Red lake community, as well as some communities on the east coast, where he lived and eventually started his coaching career. In 2016 when he retired from playing, Strong began working as an assistant men's basketball coach at Huntingdon College, before joining the Philadelphia 76ers’ staff as a player development specialist in 2018, then the Phoenix Suns' staff as a player development coach in 2019. In 2021, Strong was hired by the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League to serve as their head video coordinator and player development coach. In 2022, Strong was inducted into Guilford College's Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2025, Strong was also named to ODAC's Inaugural Hall of Fame class. In 2022, Strong retired from coaching to relocate back to NC. He now lives with his wife Lauren and son Fox. <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 Film Screenings 2026 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Bo Tyler Vocu Bo Tyler Vocu Northern Cheyenne/Oglala Lakota Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Bo Tyler Vocu is a member of the Northern Cheyenne and a descendant of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, with deep roots in rodeo culture. Growing up on his family’s ranch on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Bo was immersed in the world of rodeo from an early age. His grandfather, Clinton Small, was one of the most decorated rodeo cowboys of all time, and both his father, Michael, and his grandfather, Dale, were accomplished bull riders. This rich legacy set Bo on a path to becoming a rodeo champion in his own right. From a young age, Bo exhibited a fierce competitive spirit, competing in every event he could at youth rodeos. His passion for rodeo and his determination to succeed propelled him to excel in rough stock events, including bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding—some of the toughest and most dangerous sports in the world. Notably, Bo may be the only rodeo athlete in the nation to have qualified for the Junior High, High School, and College National Finals Rodeos in all three rough stock events. Bo attended New Mexico State University on a rodeo scholarship, where he earned multiple regional titles and contributed to the university’s team championships. His rodeo achievements continued to grow as he qualified for the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) every year since 2010, when junior events were first introduced when he was nine years old. He qualified in the junior breakaway and junior bull riding, and captured the INFR Tour Championship in the junior bull riding. At the age of 15 he qualified in the open bull riding for the first time. Bo has qualified for the INFR in all three rough stock events throughout his career. In 2023, he earned the title of World Champion All Around Runner-Up and continues to win titles at many of the top rodeos across the country. Bo’s success extends beyond the INFR; he is also a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) member. In 2024, he finished in the top 50 in the world standings for bull riding and won several professional rodeo titles, including the Xtreme Bulls event in Buffalo, Wyoming. At the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, Bo qualified in saddle bronc and bull riding, ultimately earning the All Around Championship. His sights are now set on qualifying for the PRCA National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, with much more to come in his rodeo career. With a legacy rooted in tradition and a future filled with promise, Bo Tyler Vocu’s rodeo story is far from over. His dedication, skill, and competitive drive continue to inspire fans and fellow rodeo athletes alike. <Back

Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis Category Athlete Tribe Seaconke Wampanoag Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 8/24/1986 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.” Home Film Screenings 2026 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More