“From Vision to Legacy: James Parker Shield on Building the Native Hall of Fame”

Get ready for part 2, we welcome back James Parker Shield, the driving force behind the National Native American Hall of Fame. Raised in Montana and a member of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, Shield overcame challenges of foster care and homelessness to become a groundbreaking journalist, public servant, and advocate. His Hall of Fame now honors Indigenous heroes from every field, while providing educational programs that ensure Native achievements are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

ABOUT JAMES

Jesse Flores is an accomplished music industry executive with more than two decades of experience in artist development, label relations, and business strategy. He currently serves as Vice President of Artist and Label Partnerships at Intercept Music, where he leads initiatives to empower independent musicians and labels through innovative distribution, marketing, and monetization tools. Flores brings a forward-thinking approach to connecting artists with the digital resources they need to thrive in today’s evolving music landscape.

Before joining Intercept Music, Jesse held key positions with Virgin Music Group, Lyric Financial, EMI/Capitol, and UMG/PolyGram, where he built a reputation for bridging creative talent and business opportunity. Over his career, he’s collaborated with major artists including Stephen Marley, DJ Premier, Ice Cube, Tyrese, and E-40. A passionate advocate for artist empowerment, Jesse continues to shape new pathways for independent creators—helping them grow their audiences, own their work, and build sustainable careers in the global music industry.

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

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

Today we welcome Dana Solomon, an award-winning filmmaker and actor from the Sagkeeng First Nation. Dana is making waves at Toronto International Film Festival 2025, both starring in Blood Lines, a moving story of Métis identity and family, and premiering her own short film Niimi, about an Anishinaabe ballerina’s healing journey. Dana brings bold storytelling, cultural strength, and Indigenous representation to the screen.
Dana Solomon – Bio
Dana Solomon is a Canadian filmmaker and actor of Anishinaabe and Afro-Guyanese heritage from Sagkeeng First Nation. A dancer turned storyteller, she began her training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and later earned a BFA in Dance from York University. Her work blends movement, resilience, and cultural identity into powerful narratives.
At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2025), Dana is making history with two premieres:
Blood Lines (Centrepiece Program) – Dana stars as Beatrice, a Métis woman navigating love, family, and belonging in Gail Maurice’s new feature.

Niimi (Short Cuts Program) – Dana’s own short film as writer/director, telling the story of an Anishinaabe ballerina overcoming trauma and finding healing through dance.

Her career bridges community cultural work, acting, and filmmaking. She has appeared in hit series like Anne with an E, Heartland, and Diggstown, and now steps into the spotlight as both actor and director. Dana’s voice as a queer Indigenous filmmaker brings fresh representation to the screen, exploring identity, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
Contact Dana directly on her Instagram www.instagram.com/dana.solomon
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