April 3, 2024

MESA, AZ – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) honored the professionals, organizations, and businesses making significant contributions to Indian Country and its economy during an awards ceremony at the 2024 Reservation Economic Summit. A full list of winners of the 2024 American Indian Business Awards is below.

“One of the most important roles of The National Center is recognizing the tribes, individuals, and businesses that are moving Indian Country and its economy forward,” said Chris James, President and CEO of The National Center. “The 2024 American Indian Business Award winners continue a long tradition of unequaled leadership across a wide variety of fields, including business, tribal government, and politics. I know their contributions will continue to make an impact in the years ahead.”

Award winners were the following:

Native Woman Business Owner of the Year Award: Sharon Hamer, Akiak Technology, LLC (Bethel, AK/Alexandria, VA)

 This award is in recognition of outstanding leadership, management, quality performance and commitment to excellence as a successful Native American woman business owner.

Tim Wapato Public Advocate of the Year Award: Fawn Sharp, Former President of the National Congress of American Indians and current Vice President of the Quinault Indian Nation

This award is in recognition of outstanding leadership in support of American Indian business and economic development.

American Indian Leadership Award: Austin Tsosie, CEO, Diné Development Corporation (Scottsdale, AZ)

This award is in recognition of outstanding leadership in support of American Indian business and economic development.

American Indian Business of the Year: Alaska Native Renewable Industries (Huslia, AK)

This award is in acknowledgement of the success of an American Indian or tribal nation-owned business and its demonstration of excellent corporate citizenship.

Corporate Advocate of the Year Award: JPMorgan Chase & Co.

This award recognizes the leadership team of a Corporation for demonstrating a sincere commitment to growing business opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native owned companies and bettering the economy of Indian Country for future generations to come.

Tribal Gaming Visionary Award: Michell Hicks, Principal Chief, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

This award is in recognition of leadership demonstrated in the tribal gaming sector and efforts to advance opportunity for American Indian owned businesses.

Congressional Achievement Award: U.S. Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska)

This award is in recognition of outstanding leadership by a member of the United States Congress and in appreciation for that member’s support of American Indian business and economic development endeavors of tribal communities, Alaska Native villages; American Indian and Alaska Native entrepreneurs.