The second annual National Native American Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honored 12 at its ceremony November 2 at the Cherokee Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The inductees were: Lucy Covington, who died in 1982 of Colville; Ada Deer of Menominee; Louise Erdrich of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa; Billy Frank Jr. who died in 2014 of Nisqually; Forrest Gerard who died in 2013, of Blackfeet; Hattie Kauffman of Nez Perce; Oren Lyons of Onondaga; Richard Oakes, who died in 1972, of Mohawk; Elizabeth Peratrovich, who died in 1958, of Tlingit; Pascal Poolaw, who died 1967, of the Kiowa; Mary Golda Ross, who died in 2008, of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma; and Wes Studi of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
The National Native American Hall of Fame honors inspirational achievements of Native Americans in contemporary history.
Walter Lamar of the Hall of Fame board of directors, said “Our Class of 2019 Inductees includes a number of names that are familiar to many—some of them have gone on to the other side and we honor their memory tonight.” He added, “We have included some who may not be so familiar but should be better known for their heroic accomplishments.”
He concluded, “Our stories are many, our stories are strong, our stories are of resilience, our stories are heroic, our stories are of persistence, our stories need to be told, and that we will do.”
James Parker Shield, National Native American Hall of Fame founder and chief executive officer, added, “Our 2019 Inductees have all achieved greatness and bring honor to their nations and communities.”
