By Joe Morey

Rez Life Weekly Editor

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has announced its 2026 Native American 40 Under 40 class, recognizing 40 outstanding Native leaders from across Indian Country who are making significant impacts in business, education, governance, nonprofit work, and community development. According to the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), the annual award honors Native professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to strengthening tribal nations and Native communities.

The honorees will be formally recognized during the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2026, scheduled for March 23 through March 26 in Las Vegas. The National Center stated that this year’s class reflects the depth and diversity of leadership emerging across tribal nations, representing a wide range of professions and regions throughout the United States.

Among the 40 honorees selected nationwide, Jordan Zickermann of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians stands out as the only Ojibwe honoree in the 2026 class.

According to the NCAIED, Zickermann was selected for his leadership and professional contributions in the field of education and equity. Zickermann currently serves as Dean of Equity at Breck School, where his work focuses on advancing inclusive educational practices, fostering cultural understanding, and strengthening institutional accountability around equity and inclusion. His career has centered on creating learning environments that respect Indigenous identity while promoting broader social awareness and ethical leadership.

In addition to his role at Breck School, Zickermann has served as a Visiting Scholar at the Center for Spirituality and Ethical Education and has worked in roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. According to publicly available professional information, his work emphasizes systemic change, community engagement, and the importance of Native representation in educational leadership spaces. As a member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, Zickermann’s recognition highlights the growing influence of Ojibwe leaders on national platforms.

The NCAID noted that the Native American 40 Under 40 award is intended not only to celebrate individual achievement but also to inspire future generations of Native leaders. Honorees are selected from across Indian Country based on professional accomplishments, community involvement, and their potential to create lasting impact.

A full list of the 2026 Native American 40 Under 40 honorees, as released by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, is provided below.

Read the NCAIED press release here

2026 Native American 40 Under 40 Honorees

Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle, Yankton Sioux Tribe

Jade Blankenship, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Robert Burkybile, Modoc Nation

E. Skye Byrd, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana

Michael Charles, Dine Navajo Nation

Trish Chee, Dine Navajo Nation

Erin Casey, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Heath Clayton, Chickasaw Nation

Raymond Crow Eagle, Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Joshua Emerson, Dine Navajo Nation

Robby Deere, Muscogee Creek Nation

Maximillian T. Frye, Wichita and Affiliated Tribes

Tanya Gibbs, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Loretta Grey Cloud, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

Lauren Good Day, Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation

Natasha Hacker, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

Cante Heart, Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Jonas Hill, Oneida Nation

Michael Corey Hinton, Passamaquoddy Tribe

Josh Jackson, Cherokee Nation

Nicole Johnny, Dine Navajo Nation

Souksavanh Keovorabouth, Dine Navajo Nation

Theo Latta, Cherokee Nation

Dakota Louis, Northern Cheyenne Tribe

Jordann Lankford, Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana

Alexandria McCorkle, Forest County Potawatomi Community

Anita Mitchell, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

Alli Moran, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Kristian Poncho, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana

John Preckwinkle III, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Keith Ray, Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians

Dr. Crystal Miller, Walker River Paiute Tribe

Dr. Desi Small Rodriguez, Northern Cheyenne Tribe

Rochelle Stockwell, Suquamish Tribe

Silas Tikaan Galbreath, Mentasta Tribe

Tyler Thomas, Cherokee Nation

Dr. Lois Stevens, Oneida Nation

Jameson Wilson, Oneida Nation

Jordan Zickermann, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians

Steven Orihuela, Bishop Paiute Tribe

Past recipients