Lori Piestewa will be among 12 honorees to be inducted into the first National Native American Hall of Fame in an Oct. 13 ceremony. Piestewa is being recognized as the first Native American woman to die in combat as a member of U.S. military. Piestewa, the 23-year-old Marine whose family is from Tuba City, fought in the Iraq War and was captured early in battle. She was seriously injured and died before she could be rescued by American troops. Piewtewa will be the only hall of famer recognized for her military service. The ceremony will be held at Indian Steele Park in Phoenix and will include other exceptional Native Americans including Olympic star Jim Thorpe, astronaut John Herrington and Maria Tallchief, the first Native American to be a prima ballerina. Board members chose the inaugural group based on leadership, legacy, mentorship and sacrifice. The honorees represent 10 tribes in eight categories, such as science, athletics and advocacy. Six are women. Although the ceremony will be held at Indian Steele Park, the Native American Hall of Fame is currently housed online while funds are being raised for a brick-and-mortar building. To view the full list of inductees, visit www.nativehalloffame.org.
