The Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Awards have since 2001, recognized 56 outstanding Indigenous leaders for their unwavering dedication to strengthen tribal sovereignty and their efforts to uplift the environmental, cultural, economic and social conditions of their communities and homelands.
Nominations are now open for the 2022 awards at ecotrust.org/project/indigenous-leadership-award. Individuals, families, colleagues, tribes, First Nations and Alaska Native villages are invited to nominate Indigenous leaders for the awards.Â
Ecotrust defines Indigenous Leader broadly, not limiting it to elected officials. These are individuals in service to their community who lead with vision, courage and dedication; center traditional values in their lives and work; build alliances beyond their community to advance Indigenous interests and needs; educate and inspire Native youth to protect their inheritance; advocate Indigenous-lead stewardship, rights and control; and raise awareness and deepen understanding of Indigenous lives and cultures.
Four awards will be announced in January 2022, with each awardee receiving a $10,000 unrestricted cash prize. The unrestricted nature of the award provides awardees the flexibility they need to advance their work. An April 2022 ceremony and reception is planned, COVID-19 permitting.
Nominations will be accepted through Friday, November 19 and the review process will begin December 1. For a full list of eligibility and criteria, guidelines and the review process, visit the Ecotrust website, ecotrust.org
Questions can be directed to Lisa J. Watt, Director of the Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Program at lwatt@ecotrust.org or by calling 503.467.0824.