2027 United Tribes American Indian Unity Conference

ELIGIBILITY

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1. To enter, applicant must be an enrolled member of a *federally- or state- recognized American Indian tribe and currently residing in North Carolina, or live in another state but are enrolled in a North Carolina federally- or state-recognized tribe. A copy of the nominee’s tribal enrollment card must be attached with application. For youth under 18 who do not have a tribal enrollment card but participate in an Indian Ed program, you may submit a letter from the student's Indian education office to verify that the student is enrolled with a complete, active 506 form on file. Entry will be disqualified if no proof of tribal membership in a federally or state-recognized tribe (card or proof of active 506) is provided with application.

*NC federally- and state-recognized tribes: Coharie Tribe, Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe, Meherrin Indian Tribe, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, Waccamaw Siouan Tribe. Federally recognized tribe(s) in North Carolina: Catawba Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

2. Nominee must be living at the time of nomination.

3. Nominations must be endorsed, approved and submitted by and through the nominee’s North Carolina state or federally recognized tribe or urban Indian organization. Self-nominations and nominations not made by North Carolina state or federally recognized tribes will not be accepted.

4. Previous award winners in the same category are not eligible for re-nomination.

5. Winners within the past five (5) years are ineligible.

6. Paid employees of United Tribes member organizations are not eligible.

 

AWARD CATEGORIES CRITERIA

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Distinguished Service to the American Indian Community

• Demonstrates outstanding leadership and service to American Indian communities.

• Gives unselfishly of time and resources for the betterment of the Indian people.

• Makes lasting contributions that improve community well-being.

Economic Advancement of American Indian People

• Promotes or facilitates economic development initiatives for NC American Indian communities.

• Creates business or employment opportunities benefiting tribal members.

• Demonstrates investment in community growth and sustainability.

American Indian Elder of the Year (65+)

• Serves as a respected community leader and positive role model.

• Demonstrates lifelong commitment to tribal culture and community engagement.

• Holds the admiration of peers and youth alike.

Distinguished Service to American Indian Education

• Advances educational opportunities for American Indian students.

• Serves as a teacher, administrator, or advocate for Indian education.

• Volunteers time and expertise to promote educational equity and success.

Distinguished American Indian High School Student (Senior)

• Demonstrates leadership and academic excellence.

• Is culturally grounded and proud of American Indian heritage.

• Strives for higher education and personal achievement.

 

Distinguished American Indian High School Athlete (Senior)

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• Demonstrates excellence, dedication, and sportsmanship in one or more school or competitive sports.

• Maintains strong academic performance while successfully balancing the responsibilities and demands of athletics.

• Demonstrates leadership, positive character, and pride in their American Indian heritage both on and off the field/court.

 

Distinguished American Indian College Student

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• Exhibits academic success and leadership in campus and community life.

• Actively promotes American Indian culture and identity.

• Contributes positively to tribal or intertribal initiatives.

 

Distinguished American Indian College Athlete

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• Demonstrates excellence, dedication, and sportsmanship in one or more school or competitive sports.

• Maintains strong academic performance while successfully balancing the responsibilities and demands of athletics.

• Demonstrates leadership, positive character, and pride in their American Indian heritage both on and off the field/court.

 

Unsung Hero

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• Quietly and consistently serves the American Indian community.

• Contributes significant time and effort without seeking recognition.

• Enhances the quality of life and well-being of tribal members.

 

NOMINATION PROCESS

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Before you begin your online nomination, please make sure you have the following materials for your nominee on hand:

1. Recent headshot of the nominee in jpg format.

2. Proof of tribal affiliation A copy of the nominee’s tribal enrollment card. For youth under 18 who do not have a tribal enrollment card but participate in an Indian Ed program, you may submit a letter from the student's Indian education office to verify that the student is enrolled with a complete, active 506 form on file.

3. Nominee’s contact information including name, email address, phone number and residence address.

4. A brief (150 word max) typed nomination statement in pdf or Word format to be printed in the conference program booklet describing the achievements or activities of the nominee. This will be printed in the program booklet exactly as submitted up to the first 150 words. Words after the 150 count will not be included.

5. A brief one-page (max), typed letter of recommendation in pdf or Word format from the tribal organization or administrator describing how the nominee meets the three selection criteria for the ommunity award category chosen.

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The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2027. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.