Each year, the Native and Indigenous community at Dartmouth comes together to recognize and celebrate students. Awards are presented from the Native American Program, Department of Native American and Indigenous Studies, Native American Council, Indigenous Peer Mentor Program, 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.
The Young Elder Award was created by our Indigenous Peer Mentors to recognize and uplift the voices of two remarkable students who embody the qualities of a young elder within our community. This award celebrates students who have stepped up with courage, compassion, and insight—those who use their voices to advocate, uplift others, and lead with kindness.
2025 Inaugural Recipients: Eloisa Roach '28 and Chloe Thompson '28
The REZ Award was created by our Indigenous Peer Mentors and to celebrate two students who bring the vibes wherever they go! These are the ones who show up, every time with energy, positivity, and a heart full of community spirit.
They're Reliable, so you can count on them to be there, helping out, lifting others up, and making sure things run smoothly.
They're Energetic, they bring excitement, laughter, and hype to every event, making our gatherings unforgettable.
And they're Zealous, passionate about the community, driven to support others, and always giving 110% in everything they do.
This award honors the students whose enthusiasm is contagious, whose kindness is constant, and whose presence makes every event brighter.
2025 Inaugural Recipients: Benjamin Cashwell '28 and Genevieve Schroeder-Arce '28
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
2025 Recipient: Sydney Hoose '25
2024 Recipient: Perciliana Moquino '26
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.
2025 Recipient: Samantha Pehl '27
2024 Recipients: Leora DePerry '26 and Amedee Conley-Kapoi '26
The Student Leadership Recognition Award is presented by the Native American Program in recognition of a student who inspires us as staff, and their peers. The recipient works to create inclusive spaces, and demonstrate a commitment to their community by being a good relative.
2025 Recipient: Emma Tsosie '25