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Teams 1899 Carlisle Indian Industrial School 2017 NIFA Ladies Team Indigenous Canada 2023 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Box Lacrosse 1999 Iroquois Nationals 2019 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women AlgonCrees Sagkeeng Old Timers 2015 Team Canada Women's Soccer 2021 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women Anishnabe Iskwewak The North Americans

North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame 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 and life. Read About NAIAHF 2025 North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Saturday, June 7, 2025 Oneida, WI USA Learn More Athletes Coaches Builders Teams Media Officials Trainers Inductee Search

Team 2025 Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Box Lacrosse Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The Haudenosaunee Nationals Women’s Box Lacrosse Team made history in 2024, earning their place as trailblazers in international lacrosse. Competing at the 2024 World Lacrosse Championship in Utica, New York, the team clinched a historic bronze medal—the first-ever international championship medal awarded to the Haudenosaunee women in lacrosse. The Haudenosaunee women showcased extraordinary skill, resilience, and unity throughout the tournament, culminating in a commanding 21-4 victory over Team Australia in the bronze medal game. This landmark achievement not only brought pride to Indigenous communities across Turtle Island but also underscored the Haudenosaunee’s cultural and spiritual connection to lacrosse, known as the Creator’s Game. Comprised of athletes from Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous Nations, the team reflected the strength of community, tradition, and perseverance. Team members included: Trisha John, Chelsie John, Joni Squire-Hill, Alisha Smith-Longboat, Kenley Jacobs, Chelsea Gibson, Chelsea Doolittle, Carey-Leigh Vyse, Stacy Smith, Timmia Bomberry, Amalee Jacobs, and Fawn Porter (Six Nations of the Grand River); Mekwan Tulpin (Ft. Albany First Nation); Jillian Benedict, Jadie Burns, Trysten Burns, Kyra Thompson, Tallis Tarbell, and Kharline "Bineh" Garrow (Akwesasne Mohawk Territory); Reese Shigwadja and Mackenzie Shigwadja (Wikwemikong Unceded Territory); Kendall Tabobandung (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory); Lindsay John (Seneca Nation); Jada Doxtator (Oneida Nation of the Thames); Ava Gabriel (Kanesatake First Nation); and Ferrah Blackbird (Walpole Island First Nation). Staff Jason Johnson - Onondaga Randy Chrysler - Tuscarora Cheyenne Lazore - Akwesasne Mohawk Mary James - Metis Matt Attwood - Six Nations of Grand River Paul Staats - Six Nations of Grand River Jeff Powless - Akwesasne Mohawk Their triumph exemplifies the power of Indigenous women in sports and serves as an enduring testament to the Haudenosaunee’s deep-rooted lacrosse legacy. By earning a place on the international podium, these women broke barriers, inspired future generations, and strengthened the path toward greater recognition of Indigenous athletes on the world stage. The 2024 bronze medal not only marked a pivotal moment in lacrosse history but also symbolized the enduring sovereignty and resilience of the Haudenosaunee people.

Trainers Chamisa Goodwin Ojibwe Dominic Tiger-Cortes Muscogee Creek Tim Moccasin Cree Thomas Gardipy Jr. Beardy’s and Okemasis’ Cree Nation Harold Ladouceur Cree Gerald (Jerry) Gourneau Turtle Mountain Chippewa

Chamisa Goodwin Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Trainer 2025 <Back Chamisa Goodwin is a member of the White Earth Nation Ojibwe whose life journey reflected resilience, talent, and a strong connection to her cultural heritage. An exceptional athlete in high school, she competed with the regional Wings of the Great Lakes as a part of the Wings of America Youth Development Running Project in the USAT&F National Cross Country Running Championships for three consecutive years, showcasing remarkable endurance and determination. At Bemidji High School (MN), Chamisa earned the Most Valuable Player award in soccer and excelled in track, demonstrating her versatility and drive to succeed in multiple disciplines. Her early accomplishments set the stage for a groundbreaking career in professional sports. Following her passion for speed and precision, Chamisa pursued a career as a professional jockey. Over the years, she rode 99 winners, earning over $2 million for the horses she piloted. Her success on the track took her to some of the most prestigious venues in horse racing, including Pimlico Race Course, Oaklawn Park, and Tampa Bay Downs. Known for her courage, determination, and sharp instincts, Chamisa became a respected figure in the racing community, inspiring others— especially young Native Americans—to chase their dreams in sports and beyond. Today, Chamisa continues to make an impact, transitioning from the racetrack to her current role as an Extension Assistant at Leech Lake Tribal College. In this capacity, she works to support agricultural, environmental, and community development initiatives, fostering sustainability and cultural preservation within the tribal community. Her work reflects her commitment to empowering others and ensuring a strong future for her people. Chamisa's life story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and giving back. From excelling as a high school athlete to achieving remarkable milestones in professional horse racing, and now contributing to her community through education and extension work, she has consistently embraced challenges and opportunities. Chamisa serves as a role model, inspiring others to follow their passions, overcome obstacles, and remain deeply connected to their roots while pursuing their dreams.

August Wesley <Back Narragansett Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach/Athlete 2025 August Wesley is an international wrestler and head coach. He is a Narragansett Indian and given the name Hiawatha in representing the tribe located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. August is an accomplished wrestler that represented Team USA six times including the UWW Veteran World Championships. He is a gold medalist competing for Sunkist and also won six USA Greco-Roman National Team Championships. Wesley is a highly decorated coach with over 30 years coaching experience. He was selected 14 times to lead USA teams at international competition in 27 countries on five continents. He has led USA teams to five team titles, twice in Australia, and in Germany, Austria and Hungary. Nationally he offers technical wrestling clinics and motivational speaking. Wesley was selected to coach at the US Olympic Training Center. He has a Bronze Certification with USA Wrestling, accredited interscholastic certification, and is a former member of the California Coaches Association. These credentials and achievements culminated in his selection as a state representative for USA GRIT (Greco-Roman Initiative Team) for his years of dedication and development of the sport. Wesley was nominated as the National Collegiate Wrestling Association Coach of the Year. He received West Coast Conference Coach of the Year honors, and named a two-time college coach of the year at Sacramento State University after winning two California State Championships. While at Iowa State University as Head Club Coach they achieved five All Americans, qualified 24 wrestlers to the national's, and also winning the Great Plains Conference team title. He earned international success as the outstanding freestyle coach, leading Team USA to a championship trophy in Austria and Australia. Wesley accumulated over 145 high school wins and has guided many wrestlers to receiving NCAA Division 1 scholarships through his club California Elite. He served as assistant coach at the Senior Nationals and Sierra College capturing the California State Championship. He was the head coach for CPV at the 2022 and 2023 UWW World Championships in Europe. Wesley also coached the 2022, 2023 and 2024 Continental Championships in Africa and 2024 Paris Olympic Qualifiers. He serves as the Cabo Verde Secretary General and President of referees commission for Africa. Wesley was nominated to the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements.

Team 2025 AlgonCrees Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back In the fall of 2024, AlgonCrees had participated in the World Broomball Championship in Megeve/St. Gervais, France. The team was made up of Algonquin and Cree women within the province of Quebec in Canada, hence the name AlgonCrees. Not only was it a privilege to play in a high calibre tournament, it was an honour to play with our very own all-Indigenous broomball team. This is a prime example of unity for the love of broomball. While in France, the AlgonCrees were truly grateful for all the tremendous support we had received from our people back home. We felt the whole Algonquin and Cree Nation rooting for us from afar. The AlgonCrees are pictured with their silver medals. They lost by two points in the Gold Medal game versus the USA Gray Ducks. Top left: Katie Nottaway, Tanya Nottaway, Elizabeth Hester, Gwen Tenasco, Lorrain Nottaway, Aleasha Bush, Wynonna Ratt, Wanessa Thusky, Delci Wadden, Stephanie Wawatie-Whiteduck; Bottom left: Brooklyn Dixon, Destiney Isik- Blacksmith, Amanda M. Neeposh, Erin Gull, Shayden Decoursay, Koyesha Iserhoff

< Back John Macdonald John Macdonald Mohawk Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 John Macdonald grew up in the Southern Ontario town of Simcoe, not far from extended family on Six Nations. Being gifted with a rare combination of size and speed, he quickly found his way onto the football field. He also played rugby, track & field, soccer, and ice hockey and was voted “Most Outstanding Male Student” in his senior year of high school. John was heavily recruited to play defensive line at many Canadian universities, but decided to attend McGill University. After five years, he left McGill as an all-star, an All-Canadian, and held the school record for tackles for loss in a career. He was selected in the first round, seventh overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 2002 Canadian Football League (CFL) draft. He played three years for Hamilton and was a starter in 2003. He was very active in the community and continued his education during his CFL career with the goal of becoming a teacher. After retiring from pro football in 2004, John began teaching English, Native Studies, and Physical Education. He’s been the head football coach of the Pauline Johnson Thunderbirds in Brantford, Ontario since 2019, winning a league championship in 2022. John has also been a guest coach at McGill University and the University of Guelph. He coached hockey, rugby, and field lacrosse in and around Brantford and Six Nations, winning provincial championships with two Six Nations Girls’ Field Lacrosse teams in 2013 and 2015. John helped build the S.O.A.R. Elite Athletic program at Pauline Johnson that prepared athletes to compete in NCAA and Canadian university sport. John has won many awards for his contributions to education, sport, and Indigenous advocacy including a Norfolk Sports Hall of Recognition Induction in 2017, a Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation Education Award in 2018, and the CFL Alumni Association Indigenous Champion Award in 2023. John has supported Indigenous initiatives for McGill University, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Alumni Association, the CFL Alumni Association, and the CFL. <Back

< Back Rebecca Wolfe Damas Rebecca Wolfe Damas Eastern Band of Cherokee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Rebecca Wolfe Damas is enrolled in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She began swimming at age six with her local summer league team, then quickly found success in year-round swimming with her club team. In age-group swimming she was Texas state champion six times. Rebecca was selected three times to attend the annual United States Swimming Olympic Development Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The highlight of her age-group career was winning the national championship in the 200-meter butterfly at age 13 in Santa Clara, CA, and setting a Texas state record in the event. Rebecca swam for Clear Creek High School in League City, TX, setting four individual and two relay records. She was a high school All-American, in addition to achieving Scholastic All- American status. She was an All-State swimmer in the 100-yard butterfly and the 200-yard individual medley. She graduated in 2000 as a Magna Cum Laude graduate, senior class officer, member of the National Honor Society, and a Peer Assistance Leadership Student. Rebecca’s high school achievements were further recognized in 2023 with her induction into the Clear Creek Independent School District Athletic Hall of Honor. Rebecca continued her swimming career, first at the University of Nebraska, then at the University of Missouri. In 2001 at Nebraska, she won the Big 12 Conference title in the 200-yard butterfly, setting a conference championship meet record that stood for 18 years. At Missouri, she won a second Big 12 title in the 200-yard butterfly in 2003. At both Nebraska and Missouri, Rebecca was a NCAA championship meet qualifier and a Scholastic All-American. As a finalist at the NCAA championship meet in 2001, she was named to the NCAA Division I All-American swim team. Further recognition of her college career came in 2006 when she was one of only twelve women who were named to the Big 12 Conference Swimming and Diving 10th Anniversary Team. The highlight of Rebecca’s career was qualifying and swimming at Olympic trials in 2000 and 2004. Rebecca graduated Cum Laude from Missouri in 2004 with dual Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Communications. Photos: Colin Damas and Mizzou Athletic Department <Back

Team/Builders 2025 The North Americans Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back The North Americans were a men’s major fast pitch team comprised of Indigenous players from the US and Canada. From 1989 to 1997, they traveled North America playing in softball tournaments, while establishing the “Straight Arrow” Program. The program was conceptualized and promoted to encourage Native peoples to say NO to drugs and alcohol. Each tournament coincided with speaking engagements at local community halls, schools, and correctional facilities to speak of the dangers of drugs and alcohol. The 1993-1994 season proved to be a banner year for the North Americans as they were crowned All-Indian Fast Pitch Tournament National Champions and qualified for the 1993 International Softball Congress (ISC) World Fast Pitch Tournament as the only all-Native team to qualify at Kimberly, Wisconsin and 1994 Prince Edward Island, Canada Tournament that had teams from the US, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. At the 1993 ISC World Tournament, they finished 33rd in the world. During the leadup to the 1994 ISC World Tournament, they won seven games at the 1993 41st All-Indian Men’s Fast Pitch National Tournament in Oklahoma City, OK to capture their third straight national title becoming the first team to do so. Needing to win a qualifying tournament for the 1994 ISC World Tournament, the team traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to play in the Blue-Gray Invitational, which had 34 teams vying for one qualifying spot. Going undefeated and winning six games, they qualified for their second ever ISC World Tournament. At the 1994 ISC World Tournament, they finished 47th in the world and made it back in 1995 in Sioux City, Iowa finishing 17th, 33rd in 1996 in Kimberly, Wisconsin, and 33rd in 1997 in Victoria, British Colombia. The 1993-94 roster included JoJo Barnett, Creek Nation; William (Bill) Berry, Apache; Ken Billingsley, Hunkpapa Lakota; Rich Brewer, Oglala Sioux; Mike Henson, Comanche; Frank La Mere (Coach & Manager), Winnebago; Mark Lunderman, Rosebud Sioux; Tuffy Lunderman, Rosebud Sioux; Jim McClung, Comanche; Darwin "Flip" Snyder, Winnebago; Eric Tiger, Creek Nation; Tony Valladolid, Winnebago; Mike Joseph, Iroquois; Earl LaForte, Ojibway; Lyle Normand, Cree; and Wayne "Windy" Ward, Choctaw.

< Back Julius Poitra Julius Poitra Arikara Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2025 Julius Poitra grew up on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in the small town of White Shield, North Dakota. His Indian name, Swift Spirit, was given to him by his step mother Roberta Bear - sister to Robert Bear, the former Arikara Chief. Julius started running while in seventh grade at White Shield. Don Yellowbird, his cross country and track coach, was also his mentor and a father figure. Julius participated in football, basketball, track, and cross country. He excelled in running and won many high school races. During his senior year, Julius won the state two-mile outdoor and 3,000-meter indoor championships. Julius was ranked North Dakota's number one runner in track, and cross country, each year of high school and went on to All American while in college. After leaving White Shield, Julius attended Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas. Julius competed in the track and cross country programs and was awarded the Tony CoffinAward. During his sophomore year of college, Julius was undefeated in cross-country winning the regional title and advancing to the national cross-country meet. He made All-American status running two miles with a foot injury. Julius ran the mile relay, two-mile run, steeple chase, as well as many indoor and outdoor track events. He was invited, and participated in, the Kansas University mile relay and during the summer ran in the national marathon and won the Team National Championship. He was recruited by several colleges and/or universities: University of Southern Alabama, University of Florida, Kansas State University, and North Dakota State University. After graduating from Haskell with a two-year degree, Julius enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country. He is a Desert-Storm veteran - serving from 1988 to 1993. After being honorably discharged, Julius returned to his home in White Shield and worked with students with special needs as well as coaching boys and girls track, cross country, and basketball for 25 years. After 25 years at White Shield School, Julius retired to enjoy the country life. He recently decided to come out of retirement to work for White Shield's Public Safety Department. Although he is back at work again, he still finds time to enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, and camping with his grandchildren. <Back

< Back Jaci McCormack Jaci McCormack Nez Perce Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Builder 2025 Jaci McCormack grew up on the Nez Perce Reservation outside of Lewiston, Idaho. She fell in love with basketball early on and earned a scholarship to play for Illinois State University, where her team competed in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. After her college career, Jaci was inspired to return home and give back to her community. She served as the Deputy Executive Director for the Nez Perce Tribe, as well as the Youth Prevention Director, building deep relationships with tribal and community partners. In 2015, Jaci founded Rise Above, a non-profit organization that gives Native American youth the skills and resilience to overcome their circumstances and write their own futures. As the CEO of Rise Above, Jaci leads the organization in its mission to empower youth through a variety of programs including sports, education, financial literacy, prevention skills, and mentorship, using prevention strategies that will spark change in people’s lives. Jaci attracted an incredible group of engaged and like-minded partners and donors across the country who believed in Rise Above’s mission to empower Native American youth, including over 30 tribes, investors, prevention advocates, sports legends, and hall-of-famers, and Hollywood stars including Three Time NBA Hall of Famer, Lenny Wilkens and Award-Winning Actor Danny Glover. In 2024 Rise Above established a formal partnership with the Seattle Storm to increase basketball opportunities for BIPOC, low-income, and historically underserved youth, with a focus on the Native community in Seattle and Washington State. Jaci’s life story will be the subject of an upcoming feature film, produced by Danny Glover, Preston Holmes and Lenny Wilkens. The screenplay was written by Erica Trembly, an award- winning native writer. The film is set for production in 2025 with a projected release in 2026. In 2022, Jaci was invited to be a presenter and panelist at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and she was appointed by Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to serve on Seattle's first Indigenous Advisory Council. She is also the recipient of the 2024 Seattle Sports Commission Sports Equity and Inclusion Award. <Back