William (Billy) Scott is a member of the Delaware/Cherokee Nation and Osage Nation. He teaches classes on Native American heritage, culture and tribal values. He has lobbied and fought for 25 years for all Native American students to be offered equal educational opportunities in K–12 and colleges/universities.

Scott was instrumental in convincing the University of California to offer free tuition to all Native Americans and is still trying to get the California State University system to offer the same. He has worked with school districts, educational programs and Nike N7 (Nike’s investment in non-profits that elevate Indigenous communities through youth access to sport, and helps eliminate the stereotyping of Native American people). He is a member of the National Congress of American Indians, National Indian Education Association and Fresno State University Native American Club.

He has been a positive role model to all Native Americans. He received an athletic scholarship to Fresno State University and played professionally in the Canadian Football League. He also obtained his B.S. and two M.S. degrees along with his California teaching credential. As a licensed general contractor he has assisted Native Americans in getting their license, and learning about government set-aside contracts and other small business programs.

While working with Running Strong he solicited corporations for donations to build housing on reservations and spent many summers performing the labor to build those homes.

Scott’s biggest accomplishment is when one of his Native American students graduates from college. He tells them, “Now it’s your responsibility to make time and help the next future generation.”

Watch William H. Scott’s short video here. Read about the other Human Rights Award winners here.