The quantity and quality of applications First Nations receives for the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship is an indicator of the amazing work happening throughout Indian Country. The applicants we are able to accept into the fellowship program are a mere fraction of the number of Indigenous knowledge makers and knowledge practitioners across the country who are bringing important and valuable insights to their Native communities to improve lives and futures.
We honor these individuals who participated in the 2025 application process, both for taking the time to share their expertise with us and for their excellence and commitment as leaders in their knowledge fields.
2025 Fellowship Honorable Mentions and Knowledge Fields
- Ian Skorodin, Choctaw, Media
- Jackie Bread, Blackfeet, Photorealistic Breadwork
- John Keone Nunes, Hawaiian, Traditional Tattooing
- Jill Q. Benavente, Chamoru/Guahan, Body Ornamentation Carving
- Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner, Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, Language Revitalization
- Leilehua Lanzilotti, Kanaka Maoli, Music
- Lisa Morehead-Hillman, Karuk, Basketweaving
- Lucille R Contreras, Lipan Apache, Regenerative Agriculture and Bison Conservation
- Nipinet (Rachel) Landsem, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Descendant, Manitoba Métis Federation, Tattooing
- Phillip Whiteman Jr., Cheyenne, Indigenous Knowledge
- Rachel Kruse, Native Hawaiian, Health and Healing
- Radley Davis, Pit River, Health & Wellness, Culture & Traditions
- Shiloh Maples, Little River Band of Ottawa, Indigenous Food Systems and Seed Rematriation
- skybird woman blackowl booth, Sicangu Lakota, Traditional Indigenous Community Midwifery and Womb Sovereignty
- Stephanie Craig, Grand Ronde, Traditional Basketry of Western Oregon Tribes