Native American & Indigenous Community Awards

The Poʻokela Award is given to an individual of Hōkūpaʻa who demonstrates exceptional community spirit, significantly contributing to our organization's success. Poʻokela, meaning to excel or exceed expectations, is just one of the many attributes of this member as this award seeks to commemorate the dedication and impactful contributions of this individual to our community. Their profound commitment and willingness to lend a helping hand in any capacity greatly enriches our community and will have a lasting impact for years to come. 

2026 Recipient: Dustin Kealoha '28 

2025 Recipient: Dustin Kealoha '28

2024 Recipient: Chase Kamikawa '26

The Paʻa Award is intended for a community member who has been a stronghold for our Hōkūpaʻa community throughout their four years at Dartmouth. This individual has acted as a leader and integral member of the community strengthening it for future years, with involvement in IPM and Lūʻau, and in actively engaging with the community. This is intended to thank this graduating senior for their hard work and acknowledge their importance to the Hōkūpaʻa family.

2026 Recipient: Josh Lee '26

2025 Recipient: Nohi Perry '25

2024 Recipient: Teani De Fries '24

This award goes to the member of Hōkūpaʻa that, through their service and commitment to our community, becomes a role model for people to follow. Lamakū literally means a "torch of light" and we figuratively use this concept to highlight the member of Hōkūpaʻa that has served as a beacon of inspiration. 

2026 Recipient: Hehea Pulotu '27

2025 Inaugural Recipient: Meakala Wilhelm '25 

The NAD Excellence in Dedication Award is awarded to an individual who consistently shows up and actively participates in every NAD event, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to the community

2026 Recipient: Hannah Hammons '29

2025 Recipient: Wica Brown '28

The Unsung Hero Award for an individual whose tireless efforts behind the scenes have significantly contributed to the success of NAD. Their dedication and hard work often go unnoticed, but their impact is deeply felt throughout the community

2026 Recipient: Benjamin Cashwell '28

2025 Recipient: Javi Alicea-Santiago '26

2024 Recipient: Kaitlyn Anderson '24

The Charles Eastman Award is presented by the Native American Council in recognition of a student's significant contribution to the social and cultural life of the Native and Indigenous community at Dartmouth. 

2026 Recipients: Caroline Moore '26 and Neena Shell '26 

2025 Recipients: Chase Kamikawa '26 and Perciliana Moquino '26

2024 Recipients: Kaitlyn Anderson '24 and Paige Nakai '24

The Native American and Indigenous Writing Prize is presented for outstanding writing by a Native American and Indigenous Studies major. 

2025 Recipient: Abigail Burgess '25

2024 Recipient: Gabriel Chang-Deutsch '25

The Daniel Simon Award is presented by Native American Studies for outstanding overall academic achievement by any Native or Indigenous student at the college.

2025 Recipient: Gabriel Chang-Deutsch '25

2024 Recipients: Kaitlyn Anderson '24 and Cameron Martin '24

The Gordon Russell Writing Prize is awarded to any student for excellence in writingin Native American and Indigenous Studies.

2025 Recipient: Marietta Hamill '25