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< Back Edison Eskeets Edison Eskeets Navajo Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2023 Edison Eskeets is an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribal Nation. He attended and received diplomas from Haskell Indian Junior College, Kansas, and Bradley University, Illinois. A First Team All-American Runner, invested in Native traditional education composed with the mainstream educational school system at large. Edison taught at the Orme School, an international school, and the Native American Preparatory School serving in the following capacities: Chair of the Fine Arts, Teaching the Arts and Humanities, Coaching Track & Field and Cross Country, Academic Dean, Associate Head of School, Head of School. In addition, he served as the Executive Director on behalf of Wings of America, serving Native youth programs throughout Indian Country. Edison made every effort in making a difference within Native communities and went beyond boundaries: fundraising, grant writing, lectures, presentation of Native Arts, collaborating programs with colleges/communities, and seeking funds from government, foundations, corporations, individual donors, state funds, and tribal funds. It is vital to maintain the goodness of all indigenous societies including culture, language, ceremonies, food, and underscoring the history of the Americas, from Chile to Alaska. At one time, there were over 80 million indigenous population in the Americas and today’s count is almost 6 million. Therefore, Education, Athletics, Native programs, Higher Education, Funds, and Leadership must be nurtured. His final employment was under the Hubbell Trading Post at Ganado, Arizona operated by the Western National Parks Association. He is the first Navajo trader to manage the Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest continuously operating trading post on the Navajo reservation. This environment included education of Native arts: metal smithing, rug weaving, wood carving, painting, pottery, leather works, and trading items with fellow customers. Currently, he is promoting a new book titled “Send a Runner,” a book illustrating the history of the southwest embodied with Native traditional ultra-running. Photo Credits: Joseph Kayne and Fairfield Half Marathon (CT) <Back

< Back Dr. Gregory Redhouse Dr. Gregory Redhouse Diné Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2023 Dr. Gregory Redhouse began competing in collegiate archery tournaments in 1992 while attending Navajo Community College (renamed Diné College). He believes that archery cultivates focus and concentration; improves hand-eye coordination; increases upper body strength; enhances team-building skills; promotes self-confidence; and helps relieve stress. He also acknowledges that his collegiate archery training made him a better marksman while serving in the U.S. Marines. During his first year as Head Archery Coach at Diné College (DC), Redhouse advocated for and recruited more women archers in order to fulfill the Title IX federal compliance in collegiate sports. He also incorporated DC’s first Compound Bow Team to compliment DC’s long-running Olympic-Recurve Bow Team. Between 2001 and 2007, Redhouse produced several State champions, Western Regional Champions, Rookie of the Year honors, and All-American Collegiate Archers. In time, he departed collegiate archery in order to pursue a Ph.D. as well as garnering other teaching opportunities with Navajo Technical University (NTU), Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC), Pima Community College (PCC), and the University of Arizona (UA). Since August of 2019, Redhouse returned to the Navajo Nation and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Economics within DC’s School of Business and Social Science. Moreover, he will instruct archery courses under DC’s Native American Studies (NAS) minor program. This NAS approach to archery, taught at a tribal college, will allow for students to engage with traditional ways of knowing – where the bow and the arrow will serve as their teachers and their lessons will be built from stories of our Indigenous ancestors. Redhouse currently focuses upon Navajo youth and the next generation of Native American archers by sponsoring the Twin Warriors Archery Club; a Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) program sanctioned by USA Archery, the national governing body for the Olympic Sport of Archery. <Back

< 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

< 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

Anishnabe Iskwewak Team 2025 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The Anishnabe Iskwewak broomball team was created in 2024 including only indigenous women from Quebec including Cree, Algonquin, and Atikamekw Nation as there are many talented broomball players within the indigenous communities from Quebec. Many of the players have been playing since the age of five years old until their adulthood as there are many tournaments that are held annually in each community. They are creating an image of unity within the indigenous communities from Quebec but also wanted to encourage physical and mental health within our indigenous women as some of the players are mothers. They hope to inspire the youth to continue to pursue their passion for their careers in broomball and there are many opportunities to look forward to even when you are an adult. The jersey logo was created by Angelina Wabanonik, an Algonquin community member from Anishnabe du Lac Simon. The logo was inspired by unity, and friendship. Also, added to the jersey to spread awareness was the little red dress for Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWIG+2SLGBTQI). Anishnabe Iskwewak translated to English is “First Nation Women” although Anishnabe and Iskwewak is spelled in different ways for each language in Algonquin, Cree and Atikamekw it still has the same meaning for First Nation Women. Anishnabe Iskwewak attended the World’s Broomball Championship in Mont-Blanc, France on Oct 21-26, 2024, hosted by the International Federation of Broomball Association (IFBA) for the first time. Each player showed great commitment and dedication in working together to attend the tournament being held far from home, most travelling overseas for the first time. There were many obstacles, but the team was very optimistic even with 13 players. With their hard work and perseverance, the team finished the tournament by winning in overtime against Australia with the final score of 3-2 and winning the bronze medal game. Names on the team photo include the following. Top left: Lyne-Sue Kistabish, Hannah Swallow, Carla Lameboy, Kathleen Kistabish, Leonna Cheezo, Chelsea Kistabish, Katie Napash, and Janelle Stewart. Bottom left: Jessica Kistabish, Alicia WAwatie, Pearl Bearskin, Erika Wabanonik, and Eleanor Coonishish

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.

Iroquois Nationals 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships Silver Medalists Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Iroquois Nationals Announce Roster for 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships The Iroquois Nationals announced their official team roster today for the 2015 FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships (WILC). They were also the host team as the World Games were held at the home of the game: The Onondaga Nation, capital of the Iroquois Confederacy. The official Iroquois Nationals roster: Player, Team Angus Goodleaf, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Mike Thompson, Kahnawake Mohawks Warren Hill, Six Nations Rivermen Gowah Abrams, Seneca Warchiefs Johnny Powless, Georgia Swarm (NLL) Jeff Shattler, Calgary Roughnecks (NLL) Austin Staats, Six Nations Arrows Jerome Haina Thompson, Buffalo Bandits (NLL) Roger Vyse, Six Nations Rivermen Craig Point, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Lyle Thompson, University of Albany – NLL Draft ‘15 Randy Staats, Syracuse University – NLL Draft ‘15 Miles Thompson, Georgia Swarm (NLL) Sid Smith, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Tyler Garrison, Vancouver Stealth (NLL) Brandon Goodwin, Buffalo Bandits (NLL) Tom Montour, Six Nations Rivermen Adam Bomberry, Akwesasne Indians Brier Jonathan, Rochester Knighthawks (NLL) Wenster Green, Peterborough Lakers Brett Bucktooth, New England Black Wolves (NLL) Kedoh Hill, Buffalo Bandits (NLL) Jeremy Thompson, Saskatchewan Rush (NLL) Josh Becker, Allegany Arrows (CAN-AM)

< Back Mike Chavez Mike Chavez Crow/Northern Cheyenne Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Mike Chavez was one of the few indigenous men to play basketball at the NCAA Division I level in Montana, and he was honored at the 2023 University of Montana Nike N7 Celebration basketball game. Chavez was a three-time "USA TODAY" all-class player of the year for Montana from 2000- 2002. He was a Street and Smith High School All-American and a McDonald's All-American Nominee. He was also a four-year All-State and All-Conference selection. Chavez played high School basketball for the Heart Butte High School Warriors and the Browning High School Indians from the Blackfeet Indian reservation. He was named State Tournament Most Valuable Player three years in a row and a three-time state champion in 2000, 2001, and 2002. In 2002, Chavez had multiple offers from colleges. He chose the University of Montana Grizzlies over Oregon State, Oregon, Montana State, UMASS and New Mexico. Chavez played in the NCAA tournament with the nation’s elite as the Griz made it into the second round in 2006 before losing to Boston College. Out of all the Big Dance teams, he was the only Native player in the tournament. In 2007, Chavez won the prestigious Naseby Rhinehart Award. Chavez also made the All-Decade team for 2000-2010 with the University of Montana Basketball Program. He had his difficulties with culture shock, but with perseverance, hard work and his culture, Chavez finished an illustrious career at the University of Montana. Following his graduation from college. Chavez was drafted into The Continental Basketball Association CBA by the Great Falls Explorers. He played professional basketball across the world in FIBA Pro leagues including the Latin Pro League (LNBP) in Guadalajara. Chavez is currently the Athletic Director/Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College in New Town, North Dakota. He lives with his wife Lisa Chavez (Cree/Lakota). <Back

Empowered Youth Development Initiatives Presents.... Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7, 2025 Oneida Hotel and Conference Center; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame will recognize the 2025 inductee class as well as other annual inductees in an exclusive ceremony and lunch on Saturday, June 7, 2025. There were 54 inductees and 300 guests at the first banquet on September 9, 2023 at the Canterbury Park Expo Center, Shakopee, MN, USA. Last September 16, 2024 there were 55 inductees and 450 guests at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center, Green Bay, WI, USA. By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of these individuals and teams, the hope is their stories may inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics. Please join us in our efforts to honor and recognize the elite indigenous athletics leaders in North America by becoming a hall of fame, table or drawing sponsor for the 2025 North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet. All proceeds will offset the event expenses including providing gifts to the inductees. This is the NAIAHF website: https://www.naiahf.org/ Dr. Dan and Susan Ninham, Directors, NAIAHF, PO Box 652, Red Lake, MN, USA, 56671, cell: 218.368.6430 coach.danninham@gmail.com 2025 NAIAHF Banquet Weekend Schedule Saturday 6/7/2025 7:00am Sunrise Tobacco Burning Ceremony Dr. Artley Skenandore Oneida Hotel and Conference Center; Green Bay, WI Saturday 6/7/2025 12:30pm Doors Open to 2025 NAIAHF Banquet NAIAHF Banquet: Opening Reception with Beverage Stations Three Clans Complex, Oneida Hotel and Conference Center Saturday 6/7/2025 1:00pm Welcome and Moment of Silence: Susan Ninham Honor Song: Buffalo Creek Drum Saturday 6/7/2025 1:30-2:30pm Buffet Lunch Meal Blessing: Susan Ninham Music Performance: Keith Secola, Anishinaabe, Singer/Songwriter, Music Performance Sponsor: Oneida Nation Saturday 6/7/2025 2:30pm-3:15pm Meet and Greet Inductees Reception Drawing Prizes Saturday 6/7/2025 3:15pm-4:00pm Oneida Smoke Dancers Demonstration Sponsor: Oneida Nation Saturday 6/7/2025 4:00 Sponsor Acknowledgment and Speaker Introductions: Dr. Dan Ninham Tehassi Hill, Chariman, Oneida Nation Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman, Indian Gaming Association Vin Baker, RiseAbove, Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach, four-time NBA All Star, Olympic Champion Ogimaa Tim Ominika, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, Ontario, Canada Julius Poitra, White Shield School, ND/Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation Individual and Team Inductee Recognition: Susan and Dr. Dan Ninham Honor Song: Chief Philip Whiteman Jr. Inductee Group Photo Meet and Greet Inductees Reception Inductee Speech Session Drawing Prizes Travel Song: Buffalo Creek Drum Inductee Banners Distribution

< Back Alexandria Town Alexandria Town Mi’kmaw Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Born and raised in Scarborough, ON, Alexandria Town is a competitive wrestler who has been competing on the Canadian National Team since 2018. Town is of mixed race with Black, Indigenous, and European ancestry. She is Mi’kmaw of the Bear Clan and is an engaged member of her local Urban Indigenous community. Town began wrestling in high school at the age of 15. She continued wrestling at York University where her achievements sky-rocketed as she trail-blazed a path for her school’s program, becoming the most decorated female wrestler in York University’s history. Upon graduation in 2018 she was named to the Canadian National team and began competing on the international stage. That same year Town competed at the U23 World Championships in Bucharest, Romania, where she won the U23 world title, putting her name down in Canadian record books as the first ever Canadian wrestler to do so. Town has garnered an impressive collection of international medals including five Pan American Championship medals, gold at the 2023 Egypt Ranking Series, and bronze at the 2019 Poland Open. Town still wrestles for Team Canada today with hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games. <Back

< Back Jon Michael McGrath II Jon Michael McGrath II Cherokee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2026 Jon Michael McGrath II is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. While Jon Michael was attending his first Boy Scout summer camp with Troop 1 from Tulsa, he found that he had an aptitude for clay target shooting and soon was invited to move to the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jon Michael pursued his interest and enjoyed a very successful career in American Skeet and Olympic Skeet. At age 16, McGrath is the youngest to win the USA National Championship Gold Medal in Men’s Olympic Skeet. McGrath holds 28 World Titles in both American Skeet and Olympic Skeet including three World Records and one World Cup Individual Gold Medal. Jon Michael McGrath earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009. McGrath was educated at Bishop Kelley High School and The University of Oklahoma. In 2015, Jon Michael worked for United States Representative Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) in his Washington, DC office. A sixth – generation railroader, Jon Michael McGrath started working for the family firm during his free time during high school. Jon Michael spent two years working on the Oklahoma City Streetcar Project as a field engineer for Herzog – Stacy Witbeck, before rejoining the McGRATH family firm. He is currently a Vice President for McGRATH Rail in Tulsa. Jon Michael is a member of the Board of Directors of the Committee of 100 in support of law enforcement in the Tulsa area. In May 2022, he was nominated and confirmed as a Commissioner of the Environmental Protection Commission for the Cherokee Nation. He is an avid Hunter, Fisherman, Golfer and Public Speaker. At age 12, Jon Michael McGrath II became the Youngest All America Athlete in any sport. At age 14, Jon Michael became the Youngest National Champion in Olympic Skeet in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) defeating all of the collegiate athletes. At age 16, Jon Michael earned three World Records in Olympic Skeet at the Olympic Skeet World Championship (NSSA). At age 16, Jon Michael became the youngest athlete to win Men’s Open USA National Championship in Olympic Skeet at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. At age 16, Jon Michael became the First American to win the World Championship in Men’s Junior Olympic Skeet in Munich, Germany. Today, Jon Michael is one of the coaches for the USA Shooting Shotgun Team out of the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. <Back

< Back Patti Dillon Patti Dillon Mi'kmaq Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Patti Dillon was one of the most storied and accomplished runners of her era. Rising from complete obscurity to win the 1976 Ocean State Marathon, she quickly established herself as the best female runner in the Boston Area. By 1979, however, she was one of the most fearsome competitors in the United States. The next three years would see her finish runner up at the Boston Marathon three times in succession; finish behind Grete Waitz in the 1980 NYC Marathon becoming the first American woman to break 2:30; set multiple American and world records; and help to usher in professional running in the United States, often at great cost to herself. Along the way, Patti was signed by Nike as their first sponsored female runner and was pivotal in pushing for and accepting prize money in road races. In one glorious stretch, Patti entered 48 road races and won 44 of them. She set world records in the 20k, half-marathon and 30k and a world record in the women’s only marathon. Patti also won the Honolulu Marathon 4 times, winning in course record times with each successive race. After retiring in 1986, Patti married US Cross-country National Team standout Dan Dillon. They have two wonderful children, Aaron and Raven, and a growing pack of golden retrievers. Patti is now the Head Coach of the first professional Native American running team in US history with the intention of developing world class talent across Native Americans communities. Patti held the World Record for 5 miles, 20k, 13.1 miles, 30K twice, and 26.2 miles. American records included the 10k 6x, 15k 2x, and 10 miles. She broke the American Marathon record three times and held them all at the same time. <Back