Tribal Conservation Officers performing exceptional work are awarded each year during the NAFWS national conference. They are nominated by members of the NAFWS and their outstanding work is a reflection of their dedication as tribal conservation law enforcement officers.
Awards
Conservation Officer of the Year
2021-2022 AWARDEES
2023 – Beaufort Joe, Game Warden, Three Affiliated Tribes Fish & Wildlife Division
2022 – Sergio Najera, Wildlife Sergeant, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
2021 – Thomas Jones, Game Warden, Fort Belknap Indian Reservation
2020-2000 AWARDEES
2019 – Elridge Vigil – Jicarilla Apache Nation Fish and Game Department
2018 – Timothy Paul – Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Department of Natural Resources
2017 – Darrell J. Eli – Yakama Nation Fish & Game Department
2016 – Mariano Conley – Gila River Indian Community
2015 – Eddie Benally – Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife
2014 – Jim Curry – Yakama Indian Nation
2013 – Russell Spino – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
2012 – Ken Maney – Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Department of Conservation Law Enforcement
2011 – Charlene Miller – Sisseton-Wapeton Oyate Game and Fish Department
2010 – Mike Kennedy – Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Game, Fish & Parks Department
2009-2000 AWARDEES
2009 – Fred Poitra – Three Affiliated Tribes Fish & Wildlife
2008 – Christine Tegner – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
2007 – Mitch Hicks – Columbia River Inter- Tribal Fish Commission
2006 – Ted Lamebull – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Enforcement
2004 – Sheldon Fletcher – Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
2003 – Eddie Benally – Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife
2002 – Howard Little Dog – Blackfeet Nation Fish and Wildlife Department
2001 – Michael Mendoza, – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
2000 – Lori Watlemet – Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
1995 – Mike Fox – Ft. Belknap Tribal Community, Harlem, MT