OKLAHOMA CITY — The National Native American Hall of Fame announced April 25 its class of 2025. Six individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indian Country will be inducted into the hall Nov. 1 at OKANA Resort and Hotel in Oklahoma City.

The inductees are:

W. Ron Allen (Jamestown S’Sklallam Tribe)

Throughout his career Chairman Allen has demonstrated strong leadership, uncanny wisdom, and a genuine commitment to improve the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples across the United States. He maintains a vigilant watch on Washington, D.C. to make sure that actions which could potentially affect tribal sovereignty and self-governance are protected and advanced by Federal laws,
regulations, and court decisions. He has staunchly defended and rigorously supports all the promises made whether by treaty, Congressional acts, and the judicial or executive branches of the United States government.

Ross Anderson (Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes, and Mescalero/Chiricahua Apache)

In 2001 Anderson was the first Native American to ever place in the Pro Speed Skiing World Championships. In 2006 Anderson solidified the title of being, “the fastest skier in American history” when he established the fastest speed ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere at 154.06 mph. In 2024 Anderson was the first Native American to be inducted into the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame, and the Ski New Mexico Hall of Fame for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Notah Begay III (Navajo)

Notah Begay III is a renowned golfer and celebrated sports educator. He has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career including one of Golf Magazine’s Innovators of the Year in 2009 and one of the Top 100 Sports Educators globally. Notah’s achievements include representing the U.S. in the prestigious Walker Cup and Presidents Cup and winning four PGA Tour tournaments. His commitment to youth sports is evident through the NB3 Foundation and the establishment of the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship.

Dwight Birdwell (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)

Specialist Five Dwight W. Birdwell was awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor by President Biden on July 5, 2022, for his extraordinary valor and fearless actions during the Tet Offensive in Vietnam on Jan. 31, 1968. Birdwell’s unwavering courage and selfless dedication while serving with C Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division exemplify the highest ideals of military service.

Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo)

Deb Haaland made history in 2021 by becoming the first Native American to serve as the United States Secretary of the Interior. Haaland has shattered barriers throughout her career, paving the way for future generations. From running her own business to serving as a tribal administrator at San Felipe Pueblo, she has been a resolute advocate for her community. She was the first woman elected to the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors and oversaw the operations of one of the largest tribal gaming enterprises in New Mexico, championing environmentally friendly business practices. Haaland is currently campaigning to become the Governor of New Mexico.

Lynn Valbuena (Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation)

Valbuena has served in various leadership roles in the tribal government for 50 years. Starting as the Tribe’s first housing commissioner, in 2024, she rose to become the Chairwoman for her sixth term after holding multiple officer positions on the Tribal Council. Her influence extends beyond the Tribe, with active involvement in various regional, state, and national organizations. Valbuena is a trailblazer for women in leadership, advocating for them to pursue executive positions. As the Chairwoman of the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN), Valbuena continues to make a significant impact in the realm of Tribal affairs.

For more information about tickets and sponsorships, visit nativehalloffame.org or contact CEO James Parker Shield at james@nativehalloffame.org.