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SUZAN SHOWN HARJO AWARD

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The NCORE Suzan Shown Harjo Activist for Systemic Social Justice Award is an annual recognition of the work of an individual or organization whose actions have been transformational on social justice issues of race, ethnicity, and sovereignty at the systemic level by affecting laws, policies, organizational structures, and community practices.

This prestigious award is an annual recognition of the work of an individual or organization whose actions have been transformational on social justice issues of race, ethnicity, and sovereignty at the systemic level by affecting laws, policies, organizational structures, and community practices. Created in 2015, the award is inspired by the life and work of Suzan Shown Harjo, an unwavering champion, thoughtful leader and advocate whose talents as a poet, curator, author, national political leader and legal advisor created action on the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (1978), American Indian Museum Act (1989), American Indian Graves and Repatriation Act (1990) and the elimination of the Native American cultural appropriation in sports mascots.

The bust of Suzan Shown Harjo depicted at the right was sculpted by artist Sohail Shehada in the year the award was created.

NCORE calls on our community to make nominations for the Suzan Shown Harjo Activist for Systemic Social Justice Award.

Nominations due by March 31, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Suzan Shown Harjo Award Recipients for 2024: Pua Case and Noe Noe Wong-Wilson

Pua Case

Pua Case, born and raised on the Island of Hawaiʻi, has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and cultural heritage of the native peoples of Hawaiʻi. With a deep connection to the land and a profound commitment to Aloha ʻĀina, Pua Case is leery to accept any sort of recognition for her work. A self-described "alliance and bridge builder" and an educator by trade, Case is determined to share Hawaiian culture, customs, and roots with the world.

Case spent 20 years teaching middle school social studies, focusing on Hawaiian history, a chapter often glossed over in traditional American history textbooks. As a Kumu Hula, she teaches Native rituals, dance, prayer, and chant. A fierce and lifelong advocate committed to keeping Native Hawaiian customs and language alive, Case is best known for her work with the Mauna Kea movement.

Noe Noe Wong-Wilson

Dr. M. Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, born and raised in Kailua, Koʻolaupoko on Oʻahu, has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and cultural heritage of the native peoples of Hawaiʻi. With a deep connection to the land and a profound commitment to Aloha ʻĀina, Dr. Wong-Wilson is recognized for her tireless efforts in cultural preservation and social justice activism.

Dr. Wong-Wilson has made significant contributions as an educator and community organizer. She retired as an Assistant Professor in Hawaiian Studies and Coordinator of the Hālaulani Transfer Success Center at Hawaiʻi Community College and serves as the Executive Director of Lālākea Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating Hawaiian Arts and Spirituality. Dr. Wong-Wilson also serves on several other community organizations and boards.

Dr. Noe Noe Wong-Wilson has spent her life advocating for the illegally occupied state of Hawaiʻi and its sacred sites, including Mauna Kea. She articulated the fundamental reason for the movement, emphasizing the inseparable connection between land, identity, and spirituality for Native Hawaiians.