< 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

< Back Brett Bucktooth Brett Bucktooth Onondaga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 While playing varsity lacrosse at LaFayette Sr. High School, New York, Brett Bucktooth was named a four-time All League player, a Central NY First Team All Star, and was an All American. He was the team captain and led the team to the Section 3 Championship three times and the team were NYS High School Class “C” State Finals Runner-up. Bucktooth played for the Canadian Jr. A and B teams and played 14 seasons with the Canadian Box Lacrosse Sr. B and A teams. While playing at Syracuse University, Bucktooth played midfield and attack positions and received team and individual honors. He led the Orange with 37 goals and 55 points his senior season. The team were 2004 NCAA D1 National Champions. He was named the 2005 STX/USILA All American Honorable Mention. He was also named to the 2006 STX/USILA All American Second Team, was team captain, and a USILA North-South Team Senior selection. He made the NCAA Tournament Team and the team were in the NCAA D1 Final Four in 2003, 2004 and 2006. Bucktooth had a 12 year professional career. He was the Major League Lacrosse 12th draft pick and played with the Boston Cannons, Rochester Rattlers, and Hamilton Nationals. He was the National Lacrosse League Third Draft Pick and played for the Buffalo Bandits, Vancouver Stealth, and New England Blackwolves. While with the Iroquois Nationals field lacrosse program, Bucktooth was the captain of the 1998 U15 World Games Tournament Festival team. He was named to the 2006 All World Team as a midfielder and was the captain of the 2014 bronze medal team and served as an assistant coach in 2018. During the indoor national team time, he was on the team that won the silver medal in 2007, 2011 and 2015 and he was the captain in 2011 and 2015. Brett is married to Sateiokwen and in her Mohawk language the translation is, “She picks things up evenly”. Fitting as she now harvests medicines and continues to use the language in running her own business. Brett is also a proud father to his children, Brett Jr, and Aura. <Back

Awehiyo Thomas Category Athlete Tribe Cayuga Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 5/9/1986 Awehiyo Thomas (Beautiful Flower) is Cayuga Nation, Wolf Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She played competitive lacrosse on the international, NCAA DI and professional stage, with many Player of the Game awards. Awehiyo first started playing lacrosse in 1998 for Six Nations Girls Field Lacrosse, and later traveled to Cattaraugus, NY playing many years with the Seneca Girls Lacrosse Club under Sandy Jemison. In 2003, she had her first international experience with U-19 Team Canada, finishing third and being named the third-leading scorer on the squad. Awehiyo was a walk-on starter at Syracuse University, who transferred from Canisius College in her junior year. She started all 21 games and helped the team to its first NCAA Final Four in 2008 - as a senior she started all 19 games and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness. Awehiyo was a proud member of the Haudenosaunee National Women’s Lacrosse (HNWL) Team for many years, competing on the world stage in 2009, 2013 and 2017. In 2018, she was the first Haudenosaunee woman to play professional lacrosse with the Baltimore Ride in the UWLX league. Most recently, she was a member of the HNWL Sr. Team which placed first at the Pan American Lacrosse Association in 2019. As a veteran lacrosse player of 24 years and mother of four, soon to be mother of five, she continues to be a role model for many Indigenous girls coming up. She comes from a long line of great lacrosse players in her family including Grandfather Ivan Thomas, the 1997 Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee and great-grandfather Joseph Logan Jr., maker of the “Logan Special” lacrosse stick. To this day, Awehiyo’s lacrosse display at Woodland Cultural Center in Brantford, Ontario continues to be up for the public to view. Photos: Reems Landreth and Awehiyo Thomas Home 2027 Banquet 2027 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< 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 Dale McCourt Dale McCourt Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2023 Dale McCourt played major junior in the Ontario Hockey Association (today's OHL). As a 15-year-old, he was already playing Tier II junior hockey when called up by the Sudbury Wolves for part of the 1972–73 OHA season. He joined the Hamilton Red Wings for the full 1973–74 OHA season, and was team captain by the time the renamed Hamilton Fincups won the 1975–76 OMJHL Championship and then the national 1976 Memorial Cup championship. In 1976–77, McCourt led the relocated St. Catharines Fincups as the team won the OMJHL Regular Season Championship. That season, he was awarded the Red Tilson Trophy as the league's Most Outstanding Player and was voted the nationwide CHL Player of the Year. Dale was also awarded the William Hanley Trophy as the OMJHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player in both 1975–76 and 1976–77. In the 1977 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, McCourt scored 18 points, a Canadian record he shares with Brayden Schenn and one point more than Eric Lindros and Wayne Gretzky. McCourt was drafted 1st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1977 NHL amateur draft. He successfully scored 33 goals in the first year with the team and was entitled to NHL rookie of the year with the Red Wings. McCourt was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in December 1981 and claimed on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs in October 1983, finishing his NHL career at the end of the 1983–84 NHL season, with 478 points in 532 games played. McCourt then played for 8 seasons for HC Ambrì-Piotta, in the top Swiss league where his number 15 jersey is retired. His coaching career highlight includes representing Italy as an assistant coach with the Italian National Ice Hockey Team at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games. <Back

Iroquois Nationals 2007 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships Silver Medalists Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Iroquois Nationals Announce Roster for 2007 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships The Iroquois Nationals announced the players that represented the program in the 2007 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Name, Number, Position, Last Team, Hometown Mike Thompson, 66, G, Buffalo Bandits, Akwesasne Ken Montour, 29, G, Philadelphia Wings, Six Nations Mike Attwood, 00, G, Arizona Sting, St. Catharines, Ont. Doug Noganosh, 61, D, Barrie Lakeshores, Mnjikaning Sid Smith, 17, D, Six Nations Arrows, Six Nations Ryan McComber, 15, D, Kahnawake Mohawks, Kahnawake Clay Kirby, 88, D, Kahnawake Mohawks, Kahnawake Daryl Seymour, 19, D, Buffalo Bandits, Akwasasne Marshall Abrams-A, 43, D, Rochester Knighthawks, Onondaga Travis Hill, 47, T, Minnesota Swarm, Fort Erie, Ont. Tom Montour, 63, T, Chicago Shamrox, Six Nations Kyle Jamieson, 6, T, Six Nations Chiefs, Six Nations Andrew Lazore, 14, F, Arizona Sting, Akwesasne Dean Hill, 73, F, Minnesota Swarm, Six Nations Cory Bomberry-C, 72, F, Buffalo Bandits, Six Nations Cody Jamieson, 10, F, Six Nations Arrows, Six Nations Andy Secore, 21, F, Arizona Sting, Hamilton, Ont. Gewas Schindler, 42, F, New York Titans, Onondaga Brett Bucktooth, 26, F, Buffalo Bandits, Onondaga Craig Point, 22, F, Six Nations Arrows, Six Nations Delby Powless-A, 9, F, Buffalo Bandits, Six Nations Roger Vyse 81 F Buffalo Bandits Six Nations Jeff Shatler-X F Calgary Roughnecks Calgary, AB Brandon Swamp-X T St. Regis Indians Akwesasne Robert Jimerson-X T Newtown Eagles Cattaraugus A – Assistant Captain C – Captain X – Alternate Duane Jacobs, Head Coach Jason Tracy, Assistant Coach Ron Chatelain, Assistant Coach Kevin Sandy, General Manager Kim Smith, Assistant General Manager Vern Jones, Equipment Manager Blair Martin, Assistant Equipment Manager

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

< Back Jonathan Cheechoo Jonathan Cheechoo Moose Cree First Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Jonathan Cheechoo is a member of the Moose Cree First Nation located at the southern end of James Bay in northern Ontario, Canada. Jonathan first played hockey at the age of four years old but only began playing organized hockey at 14 years old when he played AAA Bantam in Timmins, Ontario. From there Jonathan continued to excel through Midget AAA in Kapuskasing, Ontario to Jr. B with the Kitchener Dutchmen. He caught the eye of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and was drafted 5th overall in 1997 by the Belleville Bulls. Jonathan played with the Bulls for three years and increased his scoring totals each year with 76 points, 82 points, and 92 points respectively. In 1999, Jonathan led the Bulls to the OHL title and scored 5 goals in the deciding game 7 to help his team clinch the championship. Jonathan’s success in the OHL caught the attention of National Hockey League (NHL) teams. In 1998, Jonathan was drafted 29th overall by the San Jose Sharks. Prior to breaking into the NHL, he played in the American Hockey League (AHL). While in the AHL, Jonathan continued to show his natural talent around the net leading to being called up to the NHL’s Sharks in the 2002-03 season, where he remained for seven seasons. In 2005-06, Jonathan scored 56 goals and won the Maurice Richard trophy, which is awarded to the player with the most goals in a season. Jonathan joined the Ottawa Senators for one season in 2009-10 and finished his career in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), where he played for four seasons. Jonathan achieved the unique feat of being selected to participate in the All-Star Game of every league in which he has played, including the AHL, NHL and KHL. Jonathan announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2018. Proud of his roots and Cree heritage, he has maintained strong ties to his home community. Jonathan credits much of his success to the support of his community and supportive, loving family. Jonathan enjoys leading hockey camps in his hometown and speaks to Indigenous youth about the importance of pursuing their dreams. photo credit: San Jose Sharks <Back

< Back Joseph Giovannetti Joseph Giovannetti Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Joseph Giovannetti, a proud Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation member and accomplished middle-distance runner, was born in Eureka, California. His athletic prowess first shone at Eureka High School; in 1967, he claimed victory as the Humboldt-Del Norte counties varsity mile champion, marking the beginning of his stellar career. In 1968, he clinched the North Coast Section Division III 880 title and set the EHS 880 school record with a time of 1:55.7. At Humboldt State College (now California State Polytechnic University), Giovannetti’s running talent flourished under the guidance of renowned coach Jim Hunt, displaying remarkable consistency and excellence in middle-distance running. He qualified for the NCAA College Division national championships all four years of his college career. One of his most notable achievements came in 1971 when he finished eighth in the NCAA College Division 880 national championship finals. This would be recognized as a First Team All-American honor by today's standards. Giovannetti's list of accomplishments is extensive. He set multiple records, including the Humboldt State 660 record, co-holding the HSU 880 record at 1:51.8 (equivalent to 1:51.1 in 800 meters), and contributing to HSU's 4X880 yards relay team in 1971. His excellence extended to other events as well, playing a key role in HSU's Sprint Medley Relay record in 1970 and the No. 2 all-time 4X440 relay team in 1971 against Sacramento State University. Off the track, Giovannetti has made significant contributions to his Indigenous community and academia. He was a Professor Emeritus of Native American Studies at Humboldt State University, making invaluable contributions from 1994 to 2018. He earned his Ph.D. from Sierra University and has been an active member of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Tribal Council since 2007. Joseph Giovannetti's legacy is one of resilience, achievement, and advocacy. His journey as an athlete and scholar has left an indelible mark on the Indigenous community. As a citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Giovannetti serves as an inspiration to future generations, showcasing that determination and dedication can lead to greatness both on and off the track. <Back

George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah Category Athlete Tribe Comanche Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 12/3/1978 George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah is an enrolled Comanche Tribal Member, husband and father of five, CEO of three tribal companies, holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, and winner of four middleweight boxing championship titles. He launched his boxing career in 2004. His titles include: 2008 Native American Boxing Council’s Super Middleweight Champion, 2011 World Boxing Council’s Continental Americas Middleweight Champion, 2012 North American Boxing Association’s US Middleweight Champion, and 2014 Oklahoma Super Middleweight Boxing Champion. His other awards include 2011’s Top 40 under 40 Native American Entrepreneur, Goodwill Ambassador Award from the World Boxing Council for his fight against diabetes, and the American Indian Exposition’s 2012 Celebrity Indian of the Year award. Tahdooahnippah, had the largest fan base in Oklahoma, and was accompanied to the ring with Native American dancers in full regalia, Native American Drum group, and Native American Rappers. Tahdooahnippah said, “No fighter in the world brought what I brought to the ring.” From the pound of the Native American drum to the breath-taking display of Native American Fancy War Dancers, to the hip hop sounds of his Native American rappers. Comanche Boy topped it off with his power punching, fan friendly style, knocking his opponent’s out. He then performed his own victory war dance. Tahdooahnippah built a nine-year 31-0 boxing career before his first loss. He fought four ESPN fights including one undercard, HBO pay per view fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. “When I started on this journey, nobody believed in me. But I kept going. This has been the highest honor I carried as a professional fighter and I did my best representing my Native American people,” said Tahdooahnippah. He retired from boxing in 2016 with a record of 34 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws and 2 no contests. Home 2027 Banquet 2027 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Autumn Apok Ridley Autumn Apok Ridley Inupiaq and Tlingit Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Autumn Apok Ridley is from Anchorage, Alaska. She is a descendant from Wales, Alaska. She currently holds three world records in the Traditional Indigenous Northern Games. Her records are the Alaskan High Kick at 83”, the Two-foot High Kick at 79”, and the Traditional One-foot High Kick (Alaskan style) at 74”. She also shares the Traditional One-foot High Kick record with two other women, Erica Carson and Carol Hull. Autumn first started participating in the traditional games at the age of 6. She was influenced by her Uncle Gregory Nothstine since he was heavily involved in the games. She broke her first world record in The Alaskan High Kick in 2012 at the Native Youth Olympics at 82”. Two years later she went on and broke her record by one inch in the Alaskan High Kick at the same competition. The next day she went and broke a 25 year old record formerly held by Nicole Johnston in the Two-foot High Kick by one inch. In July of 2014 she tied the world record in The Traditional One-foot High Kick with Erica Carson (Meckel) at the World Eskimo Indian Olympics. Autumn still practices and participates in the games for fun and coaches when she has time. Photo Credit: Wayde Carroll Photography <Back

Michael Thomas Category Official Tribe St. Croix Ojibwe Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 4/21/1955 Michael Thomas is a Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) basketball official for 27 years, officiating the State Tournament for 11 years with two championship games. He started officiating basketball for all Native American basketball tournaments and quickly worked his way to MSHSL and up to the varsity level. The highlight of his career is officiating for Native youth that make it to the State Tournament. Michael has been involved in many different sports as a player himself, coach or official. Personal highlights include winning the State Championship in boxing and on to Nationals in Reno Nevada. Scoring 67 points in a single basketball game at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Coaching his grandkids and great grandkids in multiple sports, with many championship trophies to prove it. Michael served in the US Army for three years and has done honor guard at Pow Wows as a veteran. He sang on his father’s drum, Minneapolis Ojibwe, with his brothers for many years, he is an avid deer hunter and was a postal carrier for 32 years. Michel is most proud of the family he raised with his wife, Debra who he has been married to for 46 years. Home 2027 Banquet 2027 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More