2009 Distinguished Service Award

Ernest (Ernie) M. Vallo, Sr., is a founding member of the Native American Advisory Group. The group was formed in 1995 to foster constructive dialogue between Crow Canyon staff and American Indians.

Ernie was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2003 and has also served on Crow Canyon’s research committee since 1995.

As a charter member of the Native American Advisory Group, and chair of the group since 2003, Ernie has been involved in many of the Center's most important initiatives. Among other things, he helped craft Crow Canyon's policy on human remains, consulted on the Pueblo Learning Center educational curriculum, and contributed to Woods Canyon Pueblo: Life on the Edge, an online educational publication for students based on Crow Canyon's excavations at Woods Canyon Pueblo. As a member of the research committee, Ernie regularly contributed American Indian perspectives so that these could be incorporated into the Center's research activities. Additionally, as a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee, Ernie regularly reported on issues related to the implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. He also appeared in the award-winning film, Visit With Respect, which was produced by the Anasazi Heritage Center, Crow Canyon, and the San Juan Mountains Association.

As a member of Crow Canyon's Board of Trustees, Ernie has worked with fellow board members to develop institutional policies for Crow Canyon, and he has reported regularly to the board on American Indian issues and activities at each meeting. During his tenure on the board, Ernie has brought to Crow Canyon his valuable insight gained from his years of experience as an elder, traditional leader, and councilman.

Crow Canyon presented Ernie with this year's Distinguished Service Award to acknowledge all he has done to further the Center's mission. In addition, Crow Canyon presented him with a bowl created by educator and potter Paul Ermigiotti (see below).

Honor Award Recipients

Denise Gimpel, an anthropology teacher at Canton High School in Canton, Michigan, exemplifies the kind of educator that students remember long after they graduate. Vibrant and energetic, she demonstrates a genuine caring for her students and a real passion for education. This summer, Crow Canyon said goodbye to Denise—she will be retiring next year after 33 years of teaching and 21 years of bringing school groups to the Center.

Back in the 1980s, Denise discovered some literature about Crow Canyon when she visited the Center for American Archaeology in Kampsville, Illinois. Denise attended a teacher’s workshop at Crow Canyon, and then brought her own school group to the Center in 1987. Denise credits the staff at Crow Canyon for motivating her to bring Canton High School groups to the Center over the years. The Center was pleased to present a 2009 Honor Award to Denise, acknowledging her years of dedication to both her students and to the educational programs offered at Crow Canyon. The photo above shows Denise with Crow Canyon educator Josie Chang-Order. Josie was one of Denise's students back in Michigan.

David Nighteagle is a flute player and storyteller extraordinaire. David combines his Lakota knowledge of flute making and playing—as well as his storytelling ability—to engage audiences. With more than 10 years of experience working with elementary, middle, and high schools students, he is skilled in integrating oral traditions with social studies curricula. David teaches students the importance of flutes in American Indian culture. He also shows them the parts of the flute and explains the physics principles that work to create the sound.

David’s recordings include Torn From the Heart: The Journey, Mesa Anthology, and Circle Around the Moon.

Since his first concert for Crow Canyon in 2004, David has generously performed for more than 80 school groups and has been both a performer and a featured speaker at several annual meetings. Crow Canyon was proud to acknowledge all that David has done for the Center's programs by presenting him with a 2009 Honor Award.

Paul Ermigiotti has been teaching students at Crow Canyon for more than 20 years. Paul is an exceptional teacher with an in-depth, well-researched knowledge of archaeology and is known for his thoughtful teaching style and his ability to engage and challenge students.

Paul has also contributed his varied artistic talents and craftsmanship to Crow Canyon over the years. He is an extremely talented potter who specializes in ancient Pueblo black-on-white pottery replication using local materials and techniques believed to have been used by ancient potters. Paul created a replica of Crow Canyon's "logo bowl," which can be seen in the Gates building lobby at the Center. He has also produced bowls that have been given to individuals in honor of their service to the Center. In addition, Paul created many of the teaching tools that educators use at the Crow Canyon campus, from spears to pottery and turkey feather blankets—works of superb craftsmanship.

The Pueblo Farming Project has benefited from Paul’s vast experience as a horticulturalist. As a co-coordinator on the project, Paul’s knowledge of corn and native plants has helped shape the project’s success and contributed to Crow Canyon’s educational lessons. Even before the Pueblo Farming Project was initiated, Paul planted gardens on the Crow Canyon campus for several years.

Crow Canyon is honored to have Paul as a staff member and was proud to present him with a 2009 Honor Award. In the photo above, Paul (on the left) is shown receiving his Honor Award from President and CEO Ricky Lightfoot.