The University of Utah’s Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2025 Native Excellence Gala, an annual event celebrating individuals who exemplify Indigenous excellence and whose leadership inspires, uplifts and paves the path forward for the Indigenous community.
The Native Excellence Gala will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Natural History Museum of Utah. This signature event celebrates transformational change by honoring leaders who improve the lives of all Utahns by engaging tribal communities through community involvement, fostering meaningful partnerships and advancing knowledge and innovation to drive societal impact.
Nominations are open through May 23, 2025, and can be submitted here. Eight prestigious awards will be presented at the event, each honoring individuals or organizations making a meaningful impact in Indigenous communities:
- Knowledge Keeper – honoring the carriers of traditional knowledge and Indigenous ways of knowing
- Changemaker – recognizing innovative leaders driving transformation in Indigenous communities
- Lifetime Achievement – celebrating over 20 years of service advancing Native communities at the local, state, or national level
- Native Excellence Alumni Award – alumnus who enriches, empowers, and engages graduates of the U
- Native Excellence at the U – honoring University of Utah faculty or staff who champion Native student success
- Native Excellence in Education (PK-12) – recognizing outstanding educators who champion early engagement
- Native Excellence in Higher Education – an educator advancing student success and creating meaningful impact in post-secondary education.
- Native Excellence in the Community – honoring individuals creating broad community impact
- Native Excellence in Health Equity – recognizing efforts to increase access in health services
- Community Partner – honoring organizations or institutions committed to Indigenous partnership and progress
In addition to these awards, the Gala will also recognize Native Excellence Scholars, students at the University of Utah who are recipients of key scholarships and exemplify academic promise and leadership.
For questions about nominations or the event, please contact the Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement at native-excellence@utah.edu.