Changemaker Award Recipients
The Utah Division of Indian Affairs is honored to announce the winners of the 2026 Changemaker Awards. The awards are part of the Indigenous Youth Leadership Program under the umbrella of the Utah Native American Summit. The Changemaker Award aims to recognize and celebrate the outstanding leadership, dedication, and positive impact of Indigenous youth (American Indian/Alaskan Native) within their Tribal...
Eric Hernandez: Award Winning Hoop Dancer, Cirque du Soleil Performer, TEDx Speaker, & Emmy Award Winning Filmmaker
Eric Hernandez, a proud member of the Lumbee Tribe, is an esteemed Native American hoop dancer with over 20 years of experience. Mentored by Terry Goedel, Eric’s skills took center stage as the lead in Cirque du Soleil’s Totem, touring over 17 countries. A recent TEDx speaker, his mission is to challenge stereotypes and spread ancestral wisdom about Native Americans...
Dougie Hall: From the Rodeo Arena to the Silver Screen
For Dougie Hall, the cowboy way of life isn’t just a career—it is his legacy. Dougie’s deep-rooted connection to horses and the arena started early, carrying him from qualifying for the High School and College National Finals Rodeos to earning the title of Reserve Champion Saddle Bronc Rider in the Big Sky Region. His passion for horses led him to...
Understanding UDIA: Supporting Utah’s Tribal Nations Through Collaboration
Written by Kathryn Peterson, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement This Q&A features insights from James Toledo, UDIA Deputy Director, and Rozanna Benally-Sagg, UDIA Administrative Assistant, who shared an overview of the division’s role, programs, history, and ongoing efforts to support tribal communities and strengthen partnerships throughout the state. The Utah Division of Indian Affairs (UDIA) works closely with...
