Tennessee Native American

Eagle Organization

In 1998 a small group of people in Tennessee had a dream to honor Native Americans in the state who have made outstanding contributions in their communities all across the state.  That same group desired to honor these special people publicly so that others could see the good that they are doing on issues that effect every race of people in Tennessee.  From the dream, the name "Eagle Awards" was chosen because like the Eagle, these People fly the highest.

The Eagle Award recipients are Heroes in today's society.  They do these good works all the time, not thinking others see and we want to honor them for their selfless acts.  We look up to them and we want our children to look up to them for their leadership qualities and traditional values.

In the past, the honoree's have accepted their awards with humility, in the same selfless manner that they made their individual contributions.  There were no longwinded speeches of acceptance, only humble thank yous and embraces.

This years Awards Ceremony date will be October 7

at a location to be announced later.

Please join us for this Historic Event.

9th Annual

Tennessee Native American Eagle Awards

October 7, 2006

Honoring Tennessee's Native Americans

Presented by the Tennessee Native American Eagle Organization

    *Nominations of Native Americans for the Tennessee Eagle Award may be for acts of Benevolence, Community Service, Cultural Preservation, Education, Leadership, Social Services and the Arts.  * All of these acts demonstrates the highest qualities of our race and culture.  * One award will be given post humus.  * An individual may be nominated more than once, but may not receive an award for a second time for the same act.  *Selections shall be made by the Eagle Awards Committee Judges and leaders of Native American organizations across the state.

     *Deadline for ALL nominations is August 15, 2005.  * If any are received after this date, it will be added to next year.  * All  nominees shall be Native American or of Native American descent.  * All nominees must have resided in the state of Tennessee for at least six months prior to their nomination.  *The act or acts for which they are nominated must have taken place within the state of Tennessee and be verifiable.

If you know a Native American individual in your Tennessee community which meets the nomination requirements, we invite you to nominate that individual.  Please press the button below to submit a nomination form online.  Thank you.

"Heroes come in every shape and size, making special sacrifices for others in their lives.  No one gives them medals, the world don't know their names, but in someone's eyes, they're Heroes just the same.  There's someone out there, somewhere, looking up to you today.  To be their Hero."

A Few of our Past Eagle Awards Recipients

Dragging Canoe -- For defending Cherokee Lands

(Post Humus Cherokee Leader)   1998

Toye Heape -- For a job well done as Director of TCIA

(Past Director of Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs) 1999

Pat Cummins -- Fighting Grave Desecration

(President of the Native American Alliance for Indian Rights) 2000

            Ray White Path

(Cherokee Elder & Great Gr. Gr. Grandson of Chief White Path) 2000

Bill Miller -- For being a music Roll Model

(Menominee) 2000

Jane Green -- for her many years of service in the Alliance

(Post Humus Cherokee Leader) 2002

More than 80 Tennessee Native Americans have now become recipients of the Tennessee Native American Eagle Awards.  These individuals continue to do great works in our community, as well as others.