The Volunteer of the Year award is intended to go to that individual or group who has shown selfless generosity by volunteering a significant contribution of time and talents in service to the Tribe and its mission.
To be eligible, the nominee must be an adult or youth who provided volunteer service unrelated to paid activities or employment in service to the Tribe.
Any or all of the following attributes and actions may apply to the nominee. These criteria will be used to select the Volunteer of the Year:
Need – The nominee contributed a needed service to the community and contributed to the overall goals and mission of the Tribe.
Action – Involvement of the nominee was voluntary, significant, above and beyond.
Impact – The volunteer helped program participants realize their potential, or mobilized other volunteers or the public. The individual volunteered for a variety of projects and events; the quality and value of the work were exemplary or extraordinary. The individual improved the ability of the Tribe to provide quality activities or services and/or helped fulfill the mission of the Tribe.
Time/Service/Relationships – The volunteer’s contribution of time, talents, and service and/or length and frequency of service is significant. The nominee’s actions have been ongoing and sustained; the volunteer demonstrates a willingness to contribute and is consistently available and reliable. The volunteer has shown exceptional dedication, leadership, kindness/compassion, or extraordinary service. Through volunteering, this individual has developed a special relationship and interaction with the Tribal community.
Leadership/Meeting Challenges – The volunteer met unique challenges by initiating new programs or activities or using new methods to solve problems.
Tribe officials will be accepting nominations for the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award in March or April. The selection committee will announce and recognize the Volunteer of the Year in the Tribal newsletter. Check this page for updates and nomination form.
Previous Volunteer of the Year award winners:
2008 — Janet Duncan
2009 — Barbara Fernie
2010 — Harry Burlingame
2011 — Betty Brooks
2012 — Vicki Lowe
2013 — Marlin Holden
2014 — Sandy Kardonsky
2015 — Celeste Dybeck
2016 — Cathy MacGregor
2017 — Paul Bowlby and Sonny Lehman
2018 — Jerry Monson and Mel Melmed
2019 — Beth Anders and Michael Lowe
2020 — Allan and Barbara Lickiss; and Mary Norton
2021 — Jack and Michelle Grinnell
2022 — Adam Barrell
2023 — Greg and Vince Prince
2024 — Wally and Walt Norton