Today get ready for part 1 with James Parker Shield, founder and CEO of the National Native American Hall of Fame. A proud Little Shell Chippewa, Shield has dedicated his life to honoring Indigenous excellence—transforming a vision into a national institution celebrating Native leaders, artists, and trailblazers. From journalism and public service to building the Hall of Fame, he continues to uplift stories that inspire Native communities across the country.

ABOUT JAMES

James Parker Shield is the founder of the National Native American Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to honoring the achievements, leadership, and cultural impact of Native American trailblazers. A citizen of the Little Shell Band of Chippewa Indians of Montana, Shield has spent decades advocating for Native visibility and recognition across the United States. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to elevating Indigenous voices and preserving the legacies of those who have shaped Indian Country.

Under his leadership, the National Native American Hall of Fame has grown into a respected, nationally recognized institution, celebrating leaders in the arts, governance, activism, education, athletics, and more. Shield’s vision has helped ensure that Native heroes—past and present—receive the honor and historical acknowledgement they deserve.

Through annual induction ceremonies and educational programs, the Hall of Fame is building a lasting archive for future generations. Beyond the Hall of Fame, Shield is widely known as a community leader, advocate, and storyteller. His career includes work in media, cultural preservation, and policy engagement, always with a focus on expanding opportunities and visibility for Native people. Today, he continues to champion Indigenous excellence and inspire communities through his unwavering dedication to honoring Native history and shaping its future.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN INDIAN HALL OF FAME

“For many years, I felt there were various resources and facilities for learning about Native Americans from the “old times,” it is difficult to find an accurate and comprehensive source to learn about more contemporary Native Americans. America and its Native American people need a place to honor and commemorate the significant contributions and achievements of more recent historical and contemporary Native Americans. The major focus of the Hall of Fame will be from the Civil War period up until the present day. This time frame was chosen because the Civil War was a milestone event in Native American history in a unique and “modern” sense because Natives fought on both sides of that national conflict. The National Native American Hall of Fame will help people understand how Native Americans overcame the hopelessness of early reservations, and the trauma of Indian boarding schools, poverty, discrimination, racism, and the cultural divide to not only adapt but, in many instances, achieve greatness,” states Shield.

CONTACT

WEBSITE: www.nativehalloffame.org
EMAIL: info@nativehalloffame.org
PHONE: 406-590-1745