National Native American Hall of Fame announces 2026 inductees

Six Native leaders in government, education, law, business and athletics will be honored in Oklahoma City

June 30, 2026

The National Native American Hall of Fame announced six inductees for its 2026 class, according to a Hall of Fame press release. The honorees are Tom Cole of the Chickasaw Nation; Carol Juneau of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; Arlinda Locklear of the Lumbee Tribe; the late Richard Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; Ernie Stevens Jr. of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin; and Lyle Thompson of the Onondaga Nation. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 21 at the OKANA Resort & Hotel in Oklahoma City.

According to the news release, the inductees were recognized for contributions in government, law, education, tribal leadership, gaming and athletics. The National Native American Hall of Fame said the 2026 class reflects achievements across multiple fields that have shaped Indian Country and Native communities.

1.National Native American Hall of Fame, Jun. 15, 2026.

1.National Native American Hall of Fame, Jun. 15, 2026.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.