On June 27, 2025, the Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement (NETE) hosted the third annual Native Excellence Gala at the Natural History Museum of Utah. The event brought together Tribal leaders, students, educators and community partners to honor 10 individuals whose leadership has strengthened tribal communities across Utah and to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients.

The evening featured powerful performances by the Wild Salmon Singers of Fort Duchesne, an opening prayer from NETE Elder-in-Residence Rose Jakub (Diné) and remarks from Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald and Associate Vice President Bryan Hubain.

The program also included a keynote address by Dr. Adrienne Keene (Cherokee), a scholar and advocate, who spoke about the importance of hope and the small, everyday actions that drive community resilience and future-building.

“Indigenous peoples have always been futurists,” Keene said. “The work of Indigenous scholars is about building new worlds for future generations.”

That message of perseverance and community echoed throughout the evening as NETE Director Samantha Eldridge (Diné) presented the 10 Native Excellence Awards, which recognized leadership in education, public health, cultural preservation and community partnerships.

Among the honorees was Larry Echo Hawk (Pawnee), recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs under the Obama administration. During his acceptance, Echo Hawk reflected on the challenges he faced as a law student at the University of Utah and how his commitment to advancing Native communities helped him push through.

The gala also celebrated scholarship recipients recognized for their academic achievement and contributions to their communities. This year marked the introduction of the Ron Wopsock American Indian Leadership Scholarship, honoring Northern Ute Tribal Councilman Ron Wopsock for his long-standing partnership with the University of Utah and his dedication to Native student success.

“Our stories, our resilience and our leadership are what carry our people forward,” Eldridge said. “Honoring these leaders tonight reminds us all of the responsibility we share to inspire and uplift those who come after us.”

Awardees

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Larry Echo Hawk (Pawnee)
• Knowledge Keeper Award – Jeanie Groves (Hopi)
• Changemaker Award – Dominique Pablito (Zuni, Diné, and Comanche)
• Community Partner Award – Dr. Harold Chuck Foster (Diné)
• Native Excellence in Health Equity Award – Wallita Ranger (Diné)
• Native Excellence Alumni Award – Angela Dixey Romero (Shoshone-Bannock)
• Native Excellence in the Community Award – Bradley Parry (Northwestern Band of Shoshone)
• Native Excellence at the U Award – Dena Ned (Chickasaw)
• Native Excellence in Higher Education Award – Marilyn Cuch (Húŋkpapȟa Lakota)
• Native Excellence in PK–12 Education Award – Rhonda “Honey” Duvall (Diné)

Scholarship recipients

• American Indian Ambassador Scholarship – Kayden Denny (Diné)
• Starfish Scholarship – Eva Green (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)
• Starfish Scholarship – Alyssa Eltsosie (Diné)
• Starfish Scholarship – Drew Dennison (Diné)
• Ron Wopsock American Indian Leadership Scholarship – Cliftene Duncan (Northern Ute)
• Ron Wopsock American Indian Leadership Scholarship – Kevin Sekaquaptewa (Hopi)
• Ron Wopsock American Indian Leadership Scholarship – Kayla Kidd (Northern Ute)
• American Indian Leadership Scholarship – Wallita Ranger (Diné)
• American Indian Leadership Scholarship – Tavamawisi Groves (Northern Ute)
• American Indian Leadership Scholarship – Kiyanna Porter (Diné)
• Native Ascent Scholars Program Scholarship – Sky Woods-Billy (Diné)
• Native Ascent Scholars Program Scholarship – Cliftene Duncan (Northern Ute)
• Native Ascent Scholars Program Scholarship – Tohzmara Dee (Diné)
• Native Ascent Scholars Program Scholarship – Tavamawisi Groves (Northern Ute)
• Native Ascent Scholars Program Scholarship – Tefler Holiday (Diné)
• Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement & Union Student Leader Scholarship – Tracie Tso (Diné)