Native American & Indigenous Community Awards

Each year, the Native and Indigenous community at Dartmouth comes together to recognize and celebrate Native and Indigenous undergraduate students. Awards are presented from the Native American Program, Department of Native American and Indigenous Studies, Native American Council, and the student groups Native Americans at Dartmouth (NAD) and Hokupa'a, with adjustments made each year due to community need and feedback. Below you can find the awards, their descriptions, and this year's recipients.

Hōkūpaʻa

Po'okela Award

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. 

2024 Recipient: Chase Kamikawa '26

Hōkūpaʻa

Pa'a Award

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.

2024 Recipient: Teani De Fries '24

NATIVE AMERICANS AT DARTMOUTH

Excellence in Dedication Award

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

NATIVE AMERICANS AT DARTMOUTH

Unsung Hero Award

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

2024 Recipient: Kaitlyn Anderson '24

NATIVE AMERICAN COUNCIL

CHARLES EASTMAN AWARD

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. 

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

Department of Native American and Indigenous Studies

The Native American and Indigenous Studies Writing Prize

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

2024 Recipient: Gabriel Chang-Deutsch

Department of Native American and Indigenous Studies

DANIEL SIMON AWARD

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

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

NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAM

EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY MEMBER AWARD

The Exceptional Community Member Award is presented by The Native American Program in recognition of a student's contributions and continued efforts to educate and advocate on behalf of the Dartmouth Native and Indigenous community.

2024 Recipient: Perciliana Moquino '26

 

NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAM

Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award is presented by The Native American Program in recognition of a student's emerging leadership through dedicated service to the Dartmouth Native and Indigenous community.

2024 Recipients: Leora DePerry '26 and Amedee Conley-Kapoi '26