Lifetime Leadership Award

This award recognizes a Tribal leader who has served their membership through many phases over the years. Continuously adapting their leadership to the ever-changing environment of their nation. Fostering relationships with other governments and advocating for their inherent rights, they are a leader that has left a remarkable imprint for the future generations. 

Leader of Today Award

The leader of today exemplifies passion, organization, and action. They are thought leaders taking action to maintain sovereignty while creating change for the preservation of their culture and sustainability of their membership.

Leader of Tomorrow Award

This award recognizes the up-and-coming leaders. This leader has made an entrance to remember, and they have only begun their trail of servitude to create a better tomorrow.

Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award

This award recognizes economic projects that are designed as a catalyst to change for tribal communities. These projects are typically multi-year/multi-phased to generate new businesses outside of gaming to grow the Tribe’s and surrounding communities economy/ 

President’s Community Impact Award

The recipient of this award is selected by the TLC President. They are selected for their support of native-lead nonprofits and organizations for going above and beyond to advancing organizational priorities. 

Chairman’s Circle of Impact Award

The recipient of this award is selected by the TLC Foundation Chairman for their ongoing support of broad tribal initiatives through native-led non-profits, educational institutions, and Tribal governments. 

2026 Award Nominations

Nominations will open March of 2026. 

2025 Award Recipients

Leader of Tomorrow Award

Dr. Crystal Miller

Walker River Paiute Tribe

2024 Award Recipients

Leader of Tomorrow Award

Chairman Steven Orihuela

Bishop Paiute Tribe