To celebrate our 50th anniversary: Honoring Tradition, Memory and Vision, the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake (UICSL) is excited to introduce a new award called The Circle of Excellence, which extends the Woven Wisdom Award. This award honors five outstanding American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) community members. Each awardee will be recognized for their unique contributions in one of the following categories: Community Service, Expressive Creativity, Lifetime Achievement, and Sports. These remarkable individuals exemplify strong leadership and have made a significant impact in our AI/AN community. Join us in congratulating our awardees for their dedication and contributions.
Sam Folauhola, was also named Emergency Medical Technician of the Year by the State of Utah, where he exemplifies exceptional dedication within the EMS community. Known for his commitment to patient care, mentorship, and fostering collaboration, Sam brings resilience and adaptability to every situation. His recent life-saving efforts in a tragic accident highlight his bravery and unwavering focus on others' welfare, making a lasting impact on his colleagues and community.
Chloe, affectionately nicknamed Yeti, is a 7-year-old Dine’ girl (Salt Clan) from Kearns, Utah, whose heart overflows with love, hope, and joy. She has made it her mission to brighten the holidays for Native youth in the Salt Lake City Valley through her thoughtful generosity.
Her journey began in 2021, when she donated 12 hand-filled stockings. Each year since, Chloe has expanded her efforts, contributing 20 stockings in 2022 and 32 in 2023. This year, with an ambitious goal of 100 stockings, Chloe surpassed expectations with the help of her family, community, and supporters by donating an incredible 105 stockings to Utah Foster Care.
Every stocking is lovingly sewn by Chloe and her grandmother, infused with patience, blessings, and hope. Each one is carefully packed with essential and thoughtful items, including full-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, a candy cane, a book, a puzzle, a mini book, a bookmark, a plush toy, mittens, gloves, and extra socks.
Chloe’s dedication and compassion not only spread holiday cheer but also inspire others to join in her mission of giving back and making a difference.
Dave John is Tewa/Diné, Summer Clan on his mother's side, and Black Sheep on his father's side. He never considered himself an activist until one of their children pointed it out. Dave's journey began in September 2016 as a co-founder of PANDOS (Peaceful Advocates for Native Dialogue & Organizing Support) at Standing Rock, and since then, he has supported various Indigenous nations across Turtle Island. Through PANDOS, Dave helped launch initiatives like MMIW + Utah and Salt Lake Air Protectors, organized the PANDOS COVID-19 Mobile Unit that distributed over 20,000 test kits, and founded O.U.R’s (Our Unsheltered Relatives), providing meals and support to unhoused people in Salt Lake City. Dave's work extended to organize the “Defend the Sacred” Powwow and serve as a board member for Native American Events, hosting powwows. As a co-founder of the 2nd & 2nd Coalition, he provides meals and warmth to those in need when temperatures drop, and co-hosts "Living the Circle of Life" on KCRL 90.9.
Sahar Khadjenoury, a filmmaker and storyteller from Aneth, Utah, on the Northern Navajo Nation, captures the untold stories of her community with a passion shaped by resilience. Her journey began with a documentary on water pollution that aired on public tlevision, paving the way for a career in video journalism. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Media Studies from the University of Utah, she produced and directed for FNX Television, spotlighting the artistry and advocacy of Native American and Indigenous communities. Today, Sahar continues to share these powerful narratives through social media and national broadcasts, remaining grounded on the reservation where it all began.
Nicky Tsosie is a freelance Native American makeup artist based in Salt Lake City, UT, originally from near the Navajo Nation in southeastern Utah. With nearly nine years in the beauty industry, Nicky started as a self-taught artist applying makeup on herself, which blossomed into a passion for working on others. Her journey led to networking and participating in various fashion shows and projects, solidifying her place in the beauty industry. What sets Nicky apart is her honesty and dedication, which is evident in her work and the relationships she builds. Some of her proudest accomplishments include being part of Utah’s Indigenous Fashion Show and the Creative Pacific Organization.
Forrest S. Cuch, an enrolled member of the Ute Indian Tribe, is a respected advocate for Native American rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation. Raised in the sacred Ute/Shoshone Sundance religion, he remains deeply connected to traditional practices, conducting ceremonies and equine therapy on his ranch. With a degree in behavioral sciences from Westminster College, his 38-year career spans roles from education director for the Ute Indian Tribe to executive director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, where he published A History of Utah’s American Indians. Dedicated to addressing issues of racial and environmental injustice, Forrest collaborates with spiritual leaders across the Americas, promoting a New Earth consciousness and awareness of climate change.
Renee Harrison, MSW, Navajo, from Shiprock, New Mexico. She attended the University of Utah, where she received a Bachelor’s degree as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work. She completed three years in the School of Social Work PhD program. She has worked at the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake as a Behavioral Health Specialist, supported her community and worked as a Social Worker. Renee has six beautiful children and is a grandmother of nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one great, great, great grandbaby.
Marcus Teller is an experienced coach passionate about empowering youth in his community through basketball and football. Recognized both nationally and locally, Marcus has earned accolades like the Native Athlete and Native Scholar, Academic and Athletic Awards, along with multicultural scholarships from Dixie State University and Snow College. His dedication to education and wellness shines through his membership in the National Honor Society and a 200-hour yoga certification from CorePower Yoga as a teacher. Marcus's contagious energy and positive influence inspire those around him, creating a lasting impact in his community.
Hailee Roberts is the daughter of the Big Water and Edge Water clans, enrolled in the Navajo Nation, who was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, focusing on Exercise and Sports Science, and minored in Nutrition and Health. Currently, she is an Events Coordinator at the Center for Community & Cultural Engagement at the University of Utah, where she is dedicated to organizing events that foster community engagement, cultural education, and celebration.
