2024 CDR John Herrington
2022 Archie Mason
2020 Walter Echo-Hawk
2018 Dr. Henrietta Mann
2016 Sam Proctor
2014 Ruthe Blalock Jones
2012 Kirke Kickingbird
2010 Billy Mills
2008 Neal McCaleb
2006 Wilma Mankiller
2004 Charles Chibitty
2012 Circle of Honor
Honoring Kirke Kickingbird
Kickingbird is a member of the Kiowa Tribe and Kiowa Gourd Clan. From 1971-1983, he served as executive director of the Washington-based Institute for the Development of Indian Law, during which time he wrote a series of books on Indian law including sovereignty, treaties, jurisdiction, trust and the U.S. government. His books include “One Hundred Million Acres,” “Indians and the U.S. Constitution: A Forgotten Legacy” and “Youth for Tribal Government.”
Kickingbird formerly directed the Native American Legal Resource Center at Oklahoma City University School of Law and was appointed by former Gov. Frank Keating as the special counsel on Indian affairs to the governor of Oklahoma. In addition, he has provided counsel to tribal governments throughout the world on international treaty issues affecting indigenous people, and for the past six years has been an organizer and instructor in Nation Building for Native Youth, an Indian youth leadership program in Scottsdale, Ariz. He currently practices law with the Oklahoma City office of Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, specializing in representing Indian tribes.
Award Presentation
Click here 
