Hall of Fame History

The Tlingit & Haida Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring, in perpetuity, tribal citizens whose contributions have influenced the direction of Alaska Natives in any field.
In 2021, President Emeritus Edward K. Thomas conceived the idea of establishing the Tlingit & Haida Hall of Fame. He approached the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame to request permission to adopt their structure, format and nomination process. His request was met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
President Emeritus Thomas further pursued the concept by reaching out to Tlingit & Haida President Richard Peterson and Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl. Both leaders not only pledged their support, but also provided financial backing and committed to using the Hall of Fame book as an educational resource to enlighten the people of Alaska about their esteemed tribal predecessors.
The initiative to document the legacies of tribal leaders is not only significant for historical preservation but also for fostering a deeper appreciation among tribal citizens for the remarkable contributions of past leaders and those currently advocating for the welfare of their people at the local, state and national levels.
Learn more about President Emeritus Edward K. ThomasIn 2021, President Emeritus Edward K. Thomas conceived the idea of establishing the Tlingit & Haida Hall of Fame. He approached the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame to request permission to adopt their structure, format and nomination process. His request was met with an overwhelmingly positive response.
President Emeritus Thomas further pursued the concept by reaching out to Tlingit & Haida President Richard Peterson and Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl. Both leaders not only pledged their support, but also provided financial backing and committed to using the Hall of Fame book as an educational resource to enlighten the people of Alaska about their esteemed tribal predecessors.
The initiative to document the legacies of tribal leaders is not only significant for historical preservation but also for fostering a deeper appreciation among tribal citizens for the remarkable contributions of past leaders and those currently advocating for the welfare of their people at the local, state and national levels.

Hall of Fame Nominations
Tlingit & Haida invites you to nominate a tribal citizen who has done outstanding work for the betterment of our people and communities. Explore the steps below at get started.
Nomination Period
Tlingit & Haida invites you to nominate a tribal citizen to the Tribe's Hall of Fame. The Nomination period runs July 15 – September 16 annually.
The individual submitting the nomination is responsible for ensuring all information is accurate. If the nominee is living, it is suggested that you contact them to confirm dates, names, locations, and ask which accomplishments they would like recognized.
The individual submitting the nomination is responsible for ensuring all information is accurate. If the nominee is living, it is suggested that you contact them to confirm dates, names, locations, and ask which accomplishments they would like recognized.
Nomination Process
The Nomination period for Tlingit & Haida's Hall of Fame runs July 15 – September 16 annually. Nominations must be made using the online nomination form.
The Screening Committee will review nominations and select inductees each year.
The Screening Committee will review nominations and select inductees each year.
Eligibility Requirements
A nominee may be living or deceased but must be Tlingit and/or Haida. If a nominee is living, they must be at least 65 years of age by the close of the nomination period.
The nominee’s contributions should be of community, regional, state-wide, or national importance to Southeast Alaska’s culture, governance, and institutions.
Nomination Form
The Tlingit & Haida Hall of Fame nomination form will be live July 15 - September 16 annually.
The individual submitting the nomination is responsible for ensuring all information is accurate. If the nominee is living, it is suggested that you contact them to confirm dates, names, locations, and ask which accomplishments they would like recognized. You will need to submit a photograph of your nominee for publication. An automated response will be sent that confirms your nomination was received.
Nominate a tribal citizen online at tinyurl.com/THHallofFame.
The individual submitting the nomination is responsible for ensuring all information is accurate. If the nominee is living, it is suggested that you contact them to confirm dates, names, locations, and ask which accomplishments they would like recognized. You will need to submit a photograph of your nominee for publication. An automated response will be sent that confirms your nomination was received.
Nominate a tribal citizen online at tinyurl.com/THHallofFame.
Screening Committee
The presidents of Tlingit & Haida, Sealaska Heritage Institute, and Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority will serve as the committee to receive and review nominations and select inductees into the Hall of Fame each year. Once honorees have been selected, Tlingit & Haida will publish their names.
Read the committee guidelines here.