Leo Reano Memorial Award

Leo Reano (1922–1971) was a teacher, artist, and interpreter. A member of the Santo Domingo Indian Pueblo, Reano served on the All Indian Pueblo Council and the NEA Council on Human Relations. He dedicated his life to securing educational opportunities for American Indian/Alaska Native children.

NEA presents the Leo Reano Memorial Award to a nominee whose activities in American Indian/Alaska Native affairs significantly impact education and the achievement of equal opportunity for American Indians/Alaska Natives. To be eligible for this award, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Promote equal educational opportunity for American Indian/Alaska Native children.
• Help schools acquire and use information about federal legislation affecting American Indians/Alaska Natives.
• Help schools develop programs to enhance the education of American Indian/Alaska Native children.
• Help eliminate the misuse of federal funds that are set aside for American Indian/Alaska Native education.
• Promote, design, and coordinate training programs for counselors and educators who work with American Indian/Alaska Native students.
• Promote educational American Indian/Alaskan native issues in educational setting for professional development growth.
• Help dispel myths, stereotypes, and historical inaccuracies of the American Indian/Alaska Native community.

Awarded in even-numbered years.