40 Under 40 presented at ceremony at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

American Indian Enterprise Development hosted the annual 40 Under 40 Awards Gala and Scholarship at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on Aug. 24, to honor a select group of American Indians for their contributions to economic development, leadership and community initiatives.

“It was wonderful to have occasions like [this] to welcome our guests and the recipients of the awards here tonight, we are happy to have you visit our Community,” said Lt. Gov. Robert Stone, who provided the blessing and opening remarks. 

“This is a great celebration and we are super happy to have you here, because we are here to recognize the achievements of our scholarship recipients and 40 under 40 recipients, they are truly amazing individuals,” said Chris James President and CEO of NCAIED. 

James said the center is a 50-year-old organization that focuses on economic development across 525 clients through seven offices nationwide. 

According to the center’s press release, “The honorees represent diverse businesses and nonprofits from across the nation.” The event also recognizes the Native American Scholarship program recipients, who are students pursuing higher education.  

“These are great leaders that will be bringing Indian Country into the future,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis. He said GRIC owes much to its own members, who have led the way for the economic prosperity of the Community. 

Lewis said, “[They] (40 under 40), are incredible individuals, they will be doing great things in their communities, because today as Native people we have the knowledge, we have history and we have the tenacity, despite the challenges we face in today’s world.” 

At the gala, Urban Giff, NCAIED Board Member, was recognized by Gov. Lewis for his contributions to the Community, He said, “I want to recognize a Community member, Urban Giff, for his work as a visionary to guiding the community to where we are at today.” 

The 40 under 40 recipients ranged from educators, clinicians, business entrepreneurs and leaders of tribal communities from across the country including three based in Arizona. For a complete list of the 2019 Native American 40 under 40 Award Recipients log on to www.ncaied.org.