ACTIVIST FOR SYSTEMIC SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARDEE
The inaugural award, created in 2015, is inspired by the life and work of Suzan Shown Harjo, an unwavering champion, thoughtful leader, and strong 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 Native American cultural appropriation in sports mascots.