LAS VEGAS — President Dr. Buu Nygren received one of the most prestigious national awards presented here to “the best and brightest emerging Indian Country leaders” under the age of 40.
On Tuesday, the President was one of 40 recipients of the 40 Under 40 Award presented by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.
Each year, 40 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian leaders are inducted in recognition of their leadership, initiative, commitment and dedication to their tribal communities.
Past award winners have been Native leaders from academia, government, non-profits, tourism, conservation, technology, medicine, sports and entertainment.
“It’s an honor to receive this on behalf of the Navajo people,” President Nygren said. “I am humbled to be among so many innovative and creative leaders in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. I know the quality we all share is a deep compassion for and commitment to the people we serve at home. I thank NCAIED for this once-in-a-lifetime honor and recognition.”
The National Center is the largest national Indian-specific business organization in the country. Its mission is to improve the lives of all Native people now and in the future. It does this by helping tribal nations and businesses gain access to economic opportunity and growth.
“The 2023 Native American 40 Under 40 awardees showcase the hard work, perseverance and dedication that have come to define this prestigious award,” NCAIED President and CEO Chris James said. “This year’s recipients are truly making a difference in every aspect of American life.”
For over 50 years, the National Center’s work has included supply management and technical assistance to tribes and native-owned businesses nationwide. It produces conferences, trade fairs, and fundraising events that advance economic development across Indian Country.
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