3rd Annual Clyde Warrior Award Ceremony
Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future
Friday, October 16, 2026
3PM - 6PM
South Broadway Cultural Center
1025 Broadway Blvd. SE,
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102
The Native Professional Advancement Center (NPAC) is set to celebrate our past, and honor our leaders and build a strong future for urban Indians. NPAC’s Clyde Warrior Civil Rights Recognition event, scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2026, at South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87102.
NPAC’s event will focus on uplifting contemporary community members who reflect the same dedication to civil rights and equity that Warrior embodied. These leaders work tirelessly within the urban Native American communities of Albuquerque, advancing workforce development, education, and advocacy. NPAC’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, powered by the National Indian Youth Council (NIYC), serves as a critical resource for these efforts, providing educational stipends and professional training to over 300 participants annually.
As Darius Lee Smith, NPAC’s Executive Director, states, “From the roots of the Red Power movement grows a strong program that remains a vigilant voice for the Native community ever seeking a brighter future.” NPAC’s programs are not only about fostering individual success but about elevating entire communities, ensuring that the principles of self-determination and empowerment remain at the forefront of its mission.
Partnerships and Program Highlights
This year’s Clyde Warrior Civil Rights Recognition is presented in collaboration with American Indians for Opportunity (AIO), the Native Leadership Collective, and Albuquerque’s Office of Equity and Inclusion. The event will feature a silent auction, with proceeds supporting Tribal youth in Albuquerque through holiday gift sponsorships. It’s an excellent opportunity for both individuals and organizations to get involved and contribute to the future of Native leadership.
