HALL OF FAME NOMINATION PROCESS
OUR
INDUCTION PROCESS
Categories for induction into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF) rotate on a varying schedule, year by year. Any NDCHF trustee in good standing may submit nominations. All nominations must be accompanied by an official NDCHF nomination form and at least one good quality photo. Download the nomination form below.
Nominations for the 2023 class of inductees may be submitted at any time but must be postmarked on or before Thursday, December 15, 2022.
The NDCHF nominating committee will screen all nominations for historical accuracy and submit eligible nominees to the Board of Directors. An initial vote by the Board of Directors will determine the final ballot, which is delivered by mail to each NDCHF Trustee for a final vote. Those selected for induction in to the Hall of Honorees must receive at least 50 percent of the total votes cast by the NDCHF trustees. The number of inductees will not exceed the limit set by the NDCHF Board of Directors.
Induction categories change from year to year.
AWARDS
Inductees will be announced at a date determined by the NDCHF board of directors and will be formally inducted during the annual induction ceremony. Each inductee will be enshrined with their name, picture and history displayed in NDCHF Hall of Honorees.
CRITERIA
WESTERN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Shown: Louis L’Amour – Arts and Entertainment Category. Inducted 1998
COWBOY LONG RIDER
Nominees will be individuals known for their positive contributions and accomplishments in the North Dakota’s western heritage through prominent lifetime leadership in horse organizations and events; have a proven track record of being involved through public service in ways that provided guidance, promotion, and elevated recognition of the cowboy horse cultures of North Dakota; have served in formal leadership positions through their activities in the following areas: equine husbandry, showmanship, competitions, horse breed associations, youth, business, training, and judging; earned the highest regard because of their character, integrity, sportsmanship, and lifestyles that reflect North Dakota’s western heritage. The achievements of these leaders will have significantly impacted the Native American, ranching, and/or rodeo cultures of North Dakota as represented in the NDCHF – Center of Western Heritage and Cultures. Nominees must be at least 50 years of age or deceased.
Shown: Paul Christensen – Cowboy long Rider Category. Inducted 2017
GREAT WESTERNER
Nominees must be individuals noted for their character, personality, and influence with people, places, and events. These nominees, by their actions, will have brought credit to North Dakota’s western heritage or lifestyle either through achievement, character, performance, heritage, or activity. Nominees must be 50 years of age or deceased.
Shown: Sitting Bull – Great Westerner Category. Inducted 2005
LEADERS OF RANCHING & RODEO
Nominees must be individuals who have made significant contributions to the development, promotion, or maintenance of rodeo and/or ranching; have had an extensive relationship with ranching, rodeo, and the western lifestyle; and, have been actively involved in the ranching industry and/or sport of rodeo in a promotional or leadership capacity that provided guidance and understanding that resulted in the recognition of North Dakota’s horse culture. Nominees must be at least 50 years of age or deceased.
Shown: Rex Cook – Leaders of Ranching & Rodeo Category. Inducted 2010
RANCHING DIVISION
(PRE-1940s & MODERN ERA)
Nominees must be individuals, specific ranches, or ranch operations that have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of the livestock industry, ranching, or western lifestyle. Nominees must be at least 50 years of age or deceased. Ranches or ranch operations must have been in operation for at least 50 years.
Shown: Price Ranch – Ranches Category. Inducted 2012
RODEO DIVISION
(PRE-1970s* & MODERN ERA)
Nominees will be individuals recognized for their achievement and competitive participation in; and, of rodeo and rodeo events. Recognition can be achieved through high school, college, state, and professional rodeo associations. Nominees must be at least 50 years of age or deceased and must have upheld the traditions of the western lifestyle in an honorable manner.
Shown: Leo Sorensen – Pre-1940’s Rodeo Category. Inducted 2017
*prior to 2018, this category was known as Pre-1940’s
RODEO ARENA
Nominees will be individuals recognized for their long-time involvement, promotion, production, and distinguished accomplishments in the rodeo arena as rodeo producers, stock contractors, announcers, clowns, bullfighters, pick-up men, secretaries, and featured contract performers. Achievement and participation in or promotion of rodeo and rodeo events will be recognized in high school, college, state, and professional rodeo associations. As rodeo producers and stock contractors, nominees will have conducted business with integrity. Nominees must be at least 50 years of age or deceased.
Shown: Steve “The Senator” Tomac – Rodeo Arena Category. Inducted 2008
RODEO LIVESTOCK
Nominees will be (individual) animals recognized for their achievement, participation, or promotion in; and, of rodeo and rodeo events. Recognition can be achieved through high school, college, state, and professional rodeo associations.
Shown: Old Shep – Rodeo Livestock Category. Inducted 2000
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
Nominees may be events noted for their character and uniqueness that assist in preservation and/or promotion of rodeo, western heritage, or lifestyle, by performance or activity, are eligible.
Shown: North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) – Special Achievement Category. Inducted 2020
LEGACY
Nominees must have demonstrated exemplary service as an NDCHF board member or NDCHF trustee who has actively participated in activities that positively impacted the development, growth and well-being of the NDCHF and the NDCHF – Center of Western Heritage & Cultures: Native American, Ranching and Rodeo. Nominees must provide a minimum of ten (10) years (consecutive or cumulative) service in the official capacity of a member of the NDCHF Board of Directors or Trustee, or identified by the board of directors with unanimous ballot; and, demonstrated service contributions toward other organizations, activities and events that promote the heritage of Native American, ranching and/or rodeo cultures in North Dakota.
Shown: Virginia Eck – Legacy Award Category. Inducted 2015INDUCTION SCHEDULE
NOMINATION PACKETS
REVISED SIGNATURE PAGE
If you are re-submitting a previous nomination, please download and complete this Revised Signature Page. The form must be returned to the NDCHF by December 15. We will add it to the existing binder. Contact Rick or Tess if you have any questions – (701) 623-2000.
CLICK ON A BUTTON ABOVE TO VIEW THE SELECTED NOMINATION FORM ONLINE. YOUR BROWSER WILL OFFER A DOWNLOAD OPTION IN THE VIEWING SCREEN.
Video Tutorials
VIDEO: Downloading Nomination Forms
VIDEO: Completing the Nomination Form
VIDEO: Example of Completed Binder