Ben Rupert (right) poses with his wife Sherry Saturday evening after receiving the 2014 Contributor/Supporter of the Year award at the American Indian Achievement Awards Banquet held at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City.
The Nevada Indian Commission honored four Nevadans for their important contributions to the American Indian community during the fifth annual American Indian Achievement Awards Banquet and Silent Auction Saturday night at the Governor’s Mansion.
Carson City’s Ben Rupert, a firefighter with the City of Reno Fire Department, is being recognized as the Contributor and Supporter of the Year.
Members of the Nevada Indian Commission selected the recipients.
The awards celebrate “Nevadans working in and for Indian Country,” said Sherry Rupert, executive director of the Indian Commission.
Other recipients are:
American Indian Community Leader of the Year — Aletha Tom, chairwoman for the Moapa Band of Paiutes.
American Indian Youth Services/Role Model of the Year — Paula Smith, Juvenile Probation Officer, Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
American Indian Youth Ambassador of the Year — Calista Cruz, student, Coral Academy, Reno.