Celebrating Native excellence at the National Native American Hall of Fame
November marks Native American Heritage Month, and this year Tanka Fund had the honor of attending the National Native American Hall of Fame celebration at the new OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City.
We were invited by our rancher partners Tim Harjo (Chiricahua Apache, Comanche, and Seminole) and Jessica Harjo (San Carlos Apache). Tim also serves on the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, helping guide its mission to uplift influential Native leaders.
The evening recognized six remarkable inductees whose work has shaped their fields and strengthened their Nations:
Ross Anderson — Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes / Mescalero-Chiricahua Apache (Athletics)
Notah Begay III — Navajo (Athletics)
Dwight W. Birdwell — Cherokee Nation (Military)
Deb Haaland — Laguna Pueblo (Government)
W. Ron Allen — Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe (Government)
Lynn Valbuena — Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (Government)
Distinguished guests such as Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt (Osage Nation) and Representative Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk Nation) joined in honoring this year’s class and highlighting the lasting impact of their work.
Founded in 2016, the National Native American Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing the contemporary achievements of Native Americans from the Civil War era to today. Through exhibits, educational efforts, and ongoing programs, the Hall ensures that the stories of these leaders continue to be shared with future generations.
It was a powerful night of community, pride, and acknowledgment — a celebration of leadership, legacy, and the strength found across Native Nations.
