NIEA Award Winners
Award winners will be celebrated during the NIEA Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
NIEA Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
The Nation Indian Education Association’s Lifetime Achievement and Cultural Freedom Awards recognizes and honors individuals and organizations, who have made significant contributions to the education of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. Their leadership, passion, and dedication for improving education stand as a testimony to the power and potential of all Native students and serve to inspire new generations of educators.
2023 NIEA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner –
Dr. Joseph Martin (Diné)
2023 NIEA William Demmert Cultural Freedom Award Winner - Salamanca City Central School District (Seneca Language and Native American Programs)
NIEA Community Awards
NIEA provides all educators and advocates an opportunity to recognize individuals in Native communities who are role models and have provided service to their community. NIEA invites members to nominate deserving individuals and organizations for recognition. The award winners this year are listed as follows:
NIEA Elder of the Year - Dr. Glenabah Martinez (Taos/Diné)
NIEA Educator of the Year - Stephen Bell
(Lumbee)
NIEA Community Service Award - Kara Bobroff (Diné/Lakota)
NIEA Classroom Teacher of the Year - Cholakocee Werito (Mvskoke/ Diné)
NIEA Parent of the Year Award - Wilhelmina Yazzie (Diné)
