- This event has passed.
11th Annual Dr. Carlos Montezuma Honorary Lecture & Awards Ceremony (Click to view recording)
November 19, 2020 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm CST
2020 Lecturer and the Dr. Carlos Montezuma Honorary Awardee: Autumn Peltier – Wiikwemkoong Unceded Anishinawbe Territory
Autumn is known as one of Canada’s youngest Water Activists and has become internationally known for her advocacy work and teaching to women. Her work began in 2015 when she attended the Children’s Climate Summit in Sweden. She shared her story about the sacredness of water and the importance of clean drinking water for Indigenous people in Canada; especially in Ontario. Since then, Autumn has been creating awareness, sharing water ceremonies with young women and girls, and participating in water walks. At such a young age, she has already won several awards and has traveled the world speaking to other Nations leaders.
2020 Woodrow “Woody” Crumbo Awardee:
Aydrian James Day – Ho-Chunk, Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Sicangu Lakota
Peshawbestown, Michigan native, and Suttons Bay 5th Grader, Aydrian James Day developed his artistic talents and love for art by mimicking his parents James “Bud” and Alexa Rae Day. Immersed in his Anishinaabe culture since birth, Aydrian’s art, whether it be beading, quilling, drawing, painting, dancing, singing, storytelling, and acting has flourished into his young life’s passion. Aydrian has traveled across the United States and Canada sharing his art, love of dancing, and singing and has visited nearly every state and Canadian providence across Turtle Island.
2020 Elizabeth Seabury Mitchell Awardee:
Nizhoni Ward – Navajo, Choctaw
Nizhoni Ward is 15 years old. She was born on the Navajo Nation in Tuba City, Arizona, and spent most of her life living in the Chicagoland area. Her ability to accomplish what she sets her mind to started at a very young age. She is the founder of the “Nizhoni Hozho Project.” This project gives back to residential students and indigenous communities on and off the reservation. She also advocates for her passions through her most recent title as “Miss Teen Globe, United States” and her other titles, “Jr. Miss Indian Chicago: and “Miss Teen Globe, Illinois.”