2026 AWARDS NOMINATIONS

2026 AWARD NOMINATIONS

CALIFORNIA RURAL INDIAN HEALTH BOARD
We are requesting nominations for CRIHB's 57th Annual Awards Dinner to be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Please complete the form below, including one to two paragraphs describing the excellence of the nominee. Contact information is needed for each nominee in order for us to inform the awardee and assist with travel arrangements. There are nine categories for which you can nominate an individual, with a limit of two individuals per category. Please be sure to complete a separate nomination form for each nominee. The nomination forms deadline has been extended to close of business on Friday, August 28, 2026. The CRIHB Executive Committee will convene in the first week in September to make final selections, and awardees will be notified in mid-September. If you have questions, please call Leah Hawkins at (916) 929-9761.
ANNUAL AWARDS CATEGORIES

CALIFORNIA RURAL INDIAN HEALTH BOARD
Luna Wessel Award (State) – For outstanding service and commitment in efforts to improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Native people at the state level. May include national representatives or someone who has been making change at the state level. Need not be California-based Indian, may be Indian or non-Indian.

Luna Wessel Award (National) – For outstanding service and commitment in efforts to improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Native people at the national level. May include national representatives or someone who has been making change at the national level. Need not be California-based Indian, may be Indian or non-Indian.

Luna Wessel Award (Regional) – For outstanding service and commitment in efforts to improve the health status of American Indians and Alaska Native people at the regional level. This includes individuals who have concentrated their efforts in their local communities and Tribal Health Program, although others in the broader communities may have also benefited.

Honored Elders Award (Female) – For her years of outstanding commitment and willingness to teach and share the values of Traditional Indian Health to all Indians in California.

Honored Elders Award (Male) – For his years of outstanding commitment and willingness to teach and share the values of Traditional Indian Health to all Indians in California.

Special Recognition Award – For those who have gone above and beyond in leadership and advocacy in the health field.

Lifetime Achievement Award – For a lifetime of accomplishments and unwavering dedication to improve the quality of health care for California Indian communities.

Hall of Fame Award - For individuals that have been instrumental in the development and service to the California Rural Indian Health Board, Inc.

Youth Leadership Award – For exceptional leadership efforts as a young person.

ANNUAL CRIHB AWARDS CATEGORIES
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
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Email
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Address

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CityState / Province

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Next, tell us a little about the nominee's background.
Nominee's Name

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Nominee's Email
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Nominee's Tribal/Organization Affiliation
Nominee's Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Nominee's Phone Number
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Why is this individual being nominated? (100-150 Words)
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2026 AWARD NOMINATIONS

ANNUAL AWARDS CATEGORIES

Next, tell us a little about the nominee's background.