Rod Lewis was a distinguished lawyer, family man and friend who devoted himself to the practice of law and to the service of communities across the State of Arizona and Indian Country. 

The Rodney B. Lewis Award of Excellence (“Rod Lewis Award”) is awarded at the discretion of the Council to a past or present member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Indian Law Section (“ILS”) who approaches personal and professional demands with honesty, integrity, courage, grace, dignity, and respect.  The Rod Lewis Award was created to recognize a lawyer who has distinguished himself or herself by making significant contributions to the field of Indian law (in any of the various areas that Indian law encompasses).  The nominee should demonstrate innovation, leadership, mentorship, and service.

Any active ILS member, including any ILS Executive Council Member, may nominate an individual for the Rod Lewis Award. To nominate an individual, please provide the following information by Friday, April 25, 2025:

• Nomination Form
• Curriculum vitae for the nominee, if available
• (Optional) At least one letter of recommendation from another individual addressing why the nominee should receive the Rod Lewis Award (refer to the criteria provided above)

The list of nominees for the Rod Lewis Award will be provided to the ILS membership via a discussion posting to the State Bar of Arizona’s Online Community for the Indian Law Section. ILS members are encouraged to provide information to the ILS Executive Council regarding the nominees by contacting M. June Harris, the Rod Lewis Award Chair, at mj@mistrose.com.  

The ILS Executive Council will vote to select the Rod Lewis Award recipient at a regularly scheduled meeting of the ILS Executive Council. The Rod Lewis Award will be presented to the selected individual at the ILS Annual Meeting during the State Bar of Arizona’s Annual Convention.