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 2026 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.
2026 Fellowship Honorable Mentions and Knowledge Fields
- Alayna Eagle Shield; Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; Cradleboards
- Brandy Nālani McDougall; Kanaka ʻŌiwi; Literature
- Jackie Larson Bread; Blackfeet; Traditional Arts/Beadwork
- Jennifer Saltalamacchia; Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe; Deer Medicine Food Sovereignty Cultural Traditions
- Aazhoo-bines John Daniel; Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; Ojibwe Language
- John Well-Off-Man; Chippewa-Cree; Language
- Lily Hope; Tlingit; Chilkat and Ravenstail Weaving, Mentor, Community Healing Work, Enthuser of Artists, Mother of Five
- Mary W. Thompson; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; River Cane and White Oak Basketry
- Monte Randall; Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Mvskoke Language Revitalization
- Wendy K’ah Skáahluwaa Todd; Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska; Indigenous Science, Language, and Cultural Knowledge