Participating Indian schools provide an opportunity for their Indian students to compete in one or more categories in accordance with the official
award rules and guidelines. Since the program's establishment, over 4000 Indian students nationwide have participated and received these distinguished awards. Over 125 schools have enrolled in
the national awards program.
American Indian Student Eagle Awards Categories
Outstanding Leadership Award
Personal Achievement Award
Jim Thorpe Athletic Award
American Indian Essay Award
Mother Earth Environment & Conservation Award
Pale Moon Performing Arts Award
Arts & Crafts Awards
Community Service & Spiritual Leadership Award.
Program History
The program was launched in 1983 by Princess Pale Moon, a Cherokee/Ojibwa, who was born and raised in an era when many thought that being an Indian was disgrace.
As a little girl, growing up in the Great Smoky mountains of North Carolina close to the Cherokee reservation, she dealt with discrimination and alienation on a daily basis, vowing that some day, she would make a difference. She wanted other Indian children to be proud of their heritage and to stand before their peers with confidence in their accomplishments and leadership. She wanted them to know that they were worthy and deserving of recognition.
Pale Moon's dream became a reality when in 1983 she presented the first National American Indian Student Eagle Awards to Indian students in honor of their
achievements.
Walking in two worlds and learning to balance the traditional cultural ways of their ancestors with those of today's modern world, has created a unique
challenge among American Indian students. Pale Moon continues to encourage Indian students with motivational programs such as the American Indian Student Eagle Awards, inspiring them to aspire to great goals
and to meet the challenge with courage and determination.
