Search Results

Scott Daniels Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back Scott Daniels is a former professional hockey player and a proud member of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, where he grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada with his parents Noel and Thelma and five siblings. Before becoming a Major Junior A hockey player, where he played in the Western Hockey League with the Kamloops Blazers, the New Westminster Bruins and the Regina Pats, Daniels attended Athol Murray College of Notre Dame where he played ice hockey. After Junior Hockey, Daniels was drafted by the Hartford Whalers of the NHL. He played for the Springfield Indians/Falcons, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils. Daniels won a Calder Cup Trophy during his time with the 1991 Springfield Indians and was a part of the 1995 Stanley Cup finalists with the Philadelphia Flyers. After retiring from hockey due to a career ending injury, Daniels went on to coaching a local youth team where he taught his daughter Sydney to play the game. He also coached Junior hockey and was a Scout for the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. Currently, Daniels runs the Daniels Hockey School, where he works alongside his daughter, Sydney, to pass along his love for the game to indigenous youth and to teach valuable life lessons that can be learned within the sport. Daniels spends a lot of his time traveling across the United States and Canada giving talks to Indigenous youth on dealing with adversity, goal setting, and the opportunities that can be given to you through hard work. Currently, Daniels lives in Massachusetts, USA with his wife Lynn. They have three daughters, Cassie, Sydney and Cree, son-in-law Jose and two grandchildren Adrian and Mateo.

Team 2024 1899 Carlisle Indian Industrial School Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back During the 1899 season, the Carlisle Indians were led by first-year head coach Glenn “Pop” Warner and the team compiled a 9-2 record. The Indians outscored their opponents 383 to 46. The captain of the team was Martin Wheelock, Oneida, who was named to the 1899 New York Sun All American First Team. Wheelock was inducted in the athlete category of the inaugural 2022 NAIAHF. The Carlisle Indians began playing football in 1893. They became a national powerhouse in their 25 year existence as a program and played a top national collegiate team schedule. On December 25, 1899, the Carlisle Indians and University of California game was the first college football game played between teams from the east and west coasts. The only score was when Jonas Metoxen tackled a Cal player in the end zone for a safety. Schedule: Sept. 23 Gettysburg College 21-0 Sept. 30 Susquehanna University 56-0 Oct. 14 @ University of Pennsylvania 16-5 Oct. 21 Dickinson College 16-5 Oct. 28 @ Harvard University 10-22 Nov. 4 @ Hamilton College 32-0 Nov. 11 @ Princeton University 0-12 Nov. 25 Oberlin College 81-0 Nov. 30 @ Columbia University 45-0 Dec. 25 @ University of California 2-0 Dec. 26 @ Phoenix Indian School 104-0 Roster: The roster included (name; tribe; residence post-Carlisle; graduate class or departed year; profile if available); note: there may be others who were on the roster that are not listed and this induction entry will be updated: Archiqette, Chauncey; Oneida; Pawhuska, OK; class of 1899 Baine, John; Sioux; Warwick, SD; class of 1901 Beaver, Frank; Winnebago; Winnebago, NE; class of 1901 Blackchief, Allen; Tonawanda Seneca; Akron, NY; departed in 1901 Burr, Sidney; Alaskan; Versailles, NY; departed in 1900 Campeau, Frank; Chippewa; N/A; departed in 1901 Dillon, Charles; Crow Creek Sioux; Wyola, MT; departed in 1904 Hare, Nelson; Seneca; Irving, NY; class of 1902 Hudson, Frank; Laguna Pueblo; Bucks County, PA; class of 1896; considered the greatest kicker in the beginning American football; two-time 1898 and 1899 Outing magazine All American; was an assistant coach with Carlisle from 1904 to 1906 becoming one of the first non-white coaches in college football history Johnson, James E.; Stockbridge; class of 1901; first year player at Carlisle in 1899 and eventually was named a 1903 Walter Camp All American at Carlisle, played at Northwestern University in 1904-05 and came back as an assistant coach at Carlisle in 1906 Metoxen, Jonas; Oneida; West De Pere, WI; departed in 1900 Miller, Artie; Stockbridge; Gresham, WI; class of 1900; played halfback and also played professionally for the Homestead Library and Athletic Club being a part of the two-time 1900 and 1901 West Pennsylvania Pro Champions; was a member of the National Football League’s Pittsburg Stars 1902 Championship team Pierce, Bemus; Seneca; N/A; check; three-time Carlisle football captain prior to the 1899 team; All American lineman in 1896; professional player; head coach of the University of Buffalo in 1899, and interim head coached at Carlisle College in 1906 while also coaching at Haskell Institute and was the head coach at Kenyon College in 1908-10 Pierce, Hawley; Seneca; Salamanca, NY; departed in 1904; played professional football after Carlisle Redwater, Thaddeus; Cheyenne; Lame Deer, MT; departed in 1900 Roberts, Charles; Chippewa; Chicago, IL; departed in 1903 Rogers, Eddie; Chippewa; Walker, MN; class of 1897 and departed in 1901; named an All American in 1903; played on the University of Minnesota football team while earning his law degree; head coach at Carlisle in 1904 and St. Thomas College in St. Paul, MN in 1905-08 Scott, Frank; Seneca; Buffalo, NY; departed in 1905 Scrogg, Solomon; Seneca; Springfiled, MA; departed in 1901 Seneca, Isaac; Seneca; Erie County, NY; class of 1900; halfback was named as the first indigenous inductee in the 1899 College Football All American Team Scholder, Joseph; Mission; Riverside, CA; departed in 1900 Scholder, William; San Dieganos Nation; N/A; class of 1906 Sickles, Caleb; Oneida; Tiffin, OH; class of 1898; studied to be a dentist practicing in Tiffin, OH for his career and was the football coach at Heidelberg College Smith, Edwin; Clallam; Chemawa, OR; class of 1991 Warren, John B.; White Earth Chippewa; class of 1900 Wheelock, Martin; Oneida; Seymour, WI; class of 1902; inaugural 2022 NAIAHF induction page: https://www.naiahf.org/martin-wheelock Wilde, Byron; Arickara; Elbowwoods, ND; departed October 19, 1899 Williams, Charles; Stockbridge; N/A; class of 1904 Sources: Wikipedia; Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center; Steckbeck. J.S. (1951). Fabulous Redmen: The Carlisle Indians and Their Famous Football Teams. J. Horace McFarland

Officials Michael Thomas St. Croix Ojibwe

Team/Builders 2025 The North Americans Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The North Americans were a men’s major fast pitch team comprised of Indigenous players from the US and Canada. From 1989 to 1997, they traveled North America playing in softball tournaments, while establishing the “Straight Arrow” Program. The program was conceptualized and promoted to encourage Native peoples to say NO to drugs and alcohol. Each tournament coincided with speaking engagements at local community halls, schools, and correctional facilities to speak of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The 1993-1994 season proved to be a banner year for the North Americans as they were crowned All-Indian Fast Pitch Tournament National Champions and qualified for the 1993 International Softball Congress (ISC) World Fast Pitch Tournament as the only all-Native team to qualify at Kimberly, Wisconsin and 1994 Prince Edward Island, Canada Tournament that had teams from the US, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. At the 1993 ISC World Tournament, they finished 33rd in the world. During the leadup to the 1994 ISC World Tournament, they won seven games at the 1993 41st All-Indian Men’s Fast Pitch National Tournament in Oklahoma City, OK to capture their third straight national title becoming the first team to do so. Needing to win a qualifying tournament for the 1994 ISC World Tournament, the team traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to play in the Blue-Gray Invitational, which had 34 teams vying for one qualifying spot. Going undefeated and winning six games, they qualified for their second ever ISC World Tournament. At the 1994 ISC World Tournament, they finished 47th in the world and made it back in 1995 in Sioux City, Iowa finishing 17th, 33rd in 1996 in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and 33rd in 1997 in Victoria, British Colombia. The 1993-94 roster included JoJo Barnett, Creek Nation; William (Bill) Berry, Apache; Ken Billingsley, Hunkpapa Lakota; Rich Brewer, Oglala Sioux; Mike Henson, Comanche; Frank La Mere (Coach & Manager), Winnebago; Mark Lunderman, Rosebud Sioux; Tuffy Lunderman, Rosebud Sioux; Jim McClung, Comanche; Darwin "Flip"; Snyder, Winnebago; Eric Tiger, Creek Nation; Tony Valladolid, Winnebago; Mike Joseph, Iroquois; Earl LaForte, Ojibway; Lyle Normand, Cree; and Wayne "Windy"; Ward, Choctaw.

Earl Sargent Category Athlete Tribe Red Lake Band of Ojibwe Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 2/1/1955 - 8/4/2012 Earl excelled in high school sports for Bemidji High School, lettering in football, hockey and baseball. In 1973 he was pitcher for the Lumberjacks baseball team, he threw a no hitter first game of the tournament, and they then went on to win the State Tournament. His high school resume includes four trips to the state baseball tournament. Hockey was his first love, and after High School he pursued his hockey career. He signed with the Fargo/Moorhead Sugar Kings 1973-1975, where he was selected to play on the U.S. National Hockey team in Leningrad, Russia. He played one year each in the minor hockey leagues as a winger for the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings and Albuquerque Chaparrals. He also played with teams in San Diego and Pennsylvania. Home 2025 Banquet 2025 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

Thomas Gardipy Jr. Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Trainer 2023 <Back Thomas Gardipy Jr. is a 4th generation Cree thoroughbred horse trainer. Tom is a very well known trainer across North America. His stats include 4851 lifetime starts with an impressive 872 wins, 847 seconds and 721 thirds, with a total earnings of $4,925,535.00. Throughout his career, Tom has amassed a number of awards, including the 2000, 2001 and 2002 Top Trainer award from Marquis Downs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 2003, he received the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Circle of Honor Award for Sports Athlete Professional. Tom has accumulated a remarkable 6 Top Trainer awards from Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In the 19 years training at Assiniboia Downs, Tom always ranked in the top 3 trainers. Tom attributes his success to his wife of 39 years, Cheryl. When she is not taking the grandchildren to visit their Moshum (grandfather) in Winnipeg, she is maintaining the family farm in Beardy’s Cree Nation. In addition, his sons and daughter all assist and play a role in the day-to-day work training and caring for thoroughbred racehorses. Tom believes in helping and giving back to the community that has always supported him. Throughout his years training, he has employed many Indigenous youth and given them the opportunity to learn about the horse racing industry. Tom firmly believes in the healing ability that horses have. Over the years, he has witnessed and experienced it first hand, with his family and employees. He is often heard saying, “take care of your horses, and they will take care of you”. Black Diamond Stables, which was named after Tom’s great grandfathers horse “Black Diamond” is a family centered business. His hope is to have his children and grandchildren carry on the legacy that began over a century ago and maintain the cultural connection between horseman and horse.

Chamisa Goodwin Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Trainer 2025 <Back Chamisa Goodwin is a member of the White Earth Nation Ojibwe whose life journey reflected resilience, talent, and a strong connection to her cultural heritage. An exceptional athlete in high school, she competed with the regional Wings of the Great Lakes as a part of the Wings of America Youth Development Running Project in the USAT&F National Cross Country Running Championships for three consecutive years, showcasing remarkable endurance and determination. At Bemidji High School (MN), Chamisa earned the Most Valuable Player award in soccer and excelled in track, demonstrating her versatility and drive to succeed in multiple disciplines. Her early accomplishments set the stage for a groundbreaking career in professional sports. Following her passion for speed and precision, Chamisa pursued a career as a professional jockey. Over the years, she rode 99 winners, earning over $2 million for the horses she piloted. Her success on the track took her to some of the most prestigious venues in horse racing, including Pimlico Race Course, Oaklawn Park, and Tampa Bay Downs. Known for her courage, determination, and sharp instincts, Chamisa became a respected figure in the racing community, inspiring others— especially young Native Americans—to chase their dreams in sports and beyond. Today, Chamisa continues to make an impact, transitioning from the racetrack to her current role as an Extension Assistant at Leech Lake Tribal College. In this capacity, she works to support agricultural, environmental, and community development initiatives, fostering sustainability and cultural preservation within the tribal community. Her work reflects her commitment to empowering others and ensuring a strong future for her people. Chamisa's life story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and giving back. From excelling as a high school athlete to achieving remarkable milestones in professional horse racing, and now contributing to her community through education and extension work, she has consistently embraced challenges and opportunities. Chamisa serves as a role model, inspiring others to follow their passions, overcome obstacles, and remain deeply connected to their roots while pursuing their dreams.

Tim Moccasin Cree Induction Category: Year Inducted Trainer 2025 <Back Tim Moccasin is a professional jockey from the Saulteaux First Nation in Saskatchewan. Tim’s passion for horses started at a young age; spending much of his time with friends and family riding and working with horses. At the age of 12, Tim was already competing as a jockey in bush meets throughout Saskatchewan. Tim started his professional racing career in 1994, at the age of 16, at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon. He obtained his first professional win that year on a horse named Moneytree Muncher. Tim went on to win multiple leading jockey awards at Marquis Downs. The majority of his career was spent in Saskatoon but has also raced at tracks inManitoba and Alberta. During his career as a professional jockey Tim competed in both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Tim has 3,349 thoroughbred starts with 624 wins, 518 seconds, and 463 thirds. Tim has 283 Quarter horse starts with 58 wins, 48 seconds, and 53 thirds. In his 2001 season at Marquis Downs Tim set, and continues to hold, the North American record for the most consecutive wins with 14 wins. Tim rides a little less professionally but continues to dedicate a large part of his life to horses. In recent years Tim has competed in Indian Relay racing with its growing popularity in Saskatchewan. He enjoys interacting with the younger generation of riders giving them advice so they can become more confident and safer riders. The next step in his thoroughbred racing career is to become more involved in the training aspect of racing. Tim continues to reside in Saskatchewan with his wife and during the off-season he enjoys being with his children and watching them participate in sports such as hockey and volleyball.

Team 2023 2017 NIFA Ladies Team Indigenous Canada 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.

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.

Team 2022 2015 Team Canada Women's Soccer Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back NIFA Women’s Indigenous Team Canada won the inaugural World Indigenous Games soccer championship in 2015. The World Indigenous Games is a multi-sport event with over 2,000 athletes from 30 countries. Indigenous Team Canada, with nine of its 17 players from First Nations communities across BC, played six games against teams from Brazil, Peru and Chile. In the Championship Final, the Canadian team played the host Brazilian Indigenous Nation of Xerente in front of 10,000 local supporters. Regulation play ended 0-0, the Canadian team becoming champions by scoring on three penalty kicks to one. The team repeated its achievement at the 2017 World Indigenous Games.On their return, the team received a letter from Canada Soccer, in which President Victor Montagliani expressed Canada Soccer’s congratulations and pride in this “monumental victory” of Indigenous Team Canada. A video of highlights of the championship game is available at https://youtu.be/LS6M9GcZxt4 BC Soccer Hall of Fame and Heritage Archive Web-Site – Click on Full Biography: https://heritage.bcsoccer.net/entries/nifa-indigenous-women-s-team-canada-2015/

John Alexander Hunter Muscogee Creek Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back John Alexander Hunter is a Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska descendant and White Earth Nation descendant living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. He is a Muscogee Creek Nation citizen through his paternal grandmother’s (Alexander) family. Encouraged and supported by parents and family, Hunter took great interests in most sports in his home community of St. Paul, Minnesota. He earned the Dave Winfield Scholarship Award for athletic, scholarly, and service achievement in high school. With little more than the encouragement of a literature teacher, John started the first ever organized lacrosse team for his high school in 1994, which went on the state championship its first two years of play. Many of the players had been looked over for the school's most popular sports of baseball and hockey. Lacrosse quickly became popular as many of these student athletes were without an outlet for competitive team athletics. This was an exciting time to organize lacrosse, since there were only 8 teams in the inaugural statewide league, and interest was growing rapidly. Hunter took his lacrosse skills to Stanford University, he played four years of lacrosse and earned team captain honors his senior year. Focusing on starting a family and career, John took a break from lacrosse organizing until 2014 when he co-founded the non-profit sports organization, Twin Cities Native Lacrosse. He was inspired by other local indigenous lacrosse groups such as the Lightning Sticks Society. Since its beginning, Twin Cities Native Lacrosse has helped inspire the rapid growth of the traditional lacrosse games throughout the western Great Lakes communities. The traditional lacrosse game had not been played on a large scale in the region for over 100 years. Facilitating games, hosting skills clinics, and promoting traditional stick-making arts was the core work of the group. Hunter used the network of schools and indigenous youth groups in the Twin Cities to place the Anishinaabe and Dakota ball games directly in front of hundreds of Indigenous youth. Many now teach the game themselves. In 2018, the success of the community work was honored with a Super Bowl Legacy Grant. In 2020, Hunter was selected as the Head Coach for the Minneapolis Boys’ High School Lacrosse team, and became one of the first indigenous lacrosse head coaches in the state’s history. Also in 2020, John became the founding board member for the international non-profit organization, Anishinaabe Baagaadowewin, with a mission to share Anishinaabe history and culture -- specifically about traditional ball games. Hunter helped Anishinabe Baagaadowewin complete the initial work towards the the formation of an Anishinaabe National team. In 2022, Hunter was the primary consultant to BBC Radio’s podcast about ‘Great Lakes’ traditional lacrosse, which was broadcast to millions of listeners worldwide.