The Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Chair & CEO Stephanie Bryan was recently honored as the 2026 Nick’s Kids Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award recipient at the annual Nick’s Kids Giveaway Luncheon on August 4 at Bryant-Denney Stadium. The award was presented by former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban and his wife, Terry Saban. They recognized Bryan for her outstanding leadership, community impact and philanthropy, honoring values that the Poarch Creek Indians have long held close, including service, giving back and strengthening communities across Alabama.

“It is truly the honor of a lifetime to be recognized by Coach Saban and Ms. Terry. Nick’s Kids Foundation and the Saban Center are powerful examples of the commitment they have made to the children and families of our State, and to receive this award from these wonderful people is deeply meaningful and inspiring. As a Tribe, giving back and taking care of our neighbors have always been important to us, and I am proud of the many ways we carry those values forward in the work we do to help others.”

As Alabama’s only federally recognized Tribe, the Poarch Creek Indians have continually prioritized education as a foundation for creating opportunity. From supporting early childhood programs to investing in educational initiatives and community development, the Tribe continues to work to provide young people with the resources and experiences they need to succeed.

This commitment is reflected in the Tribe’s recent partnership with the Saban Center, a new Tuscaloosa educational campus integrating STEM and the arts. In 2025, the Poarch Creek Indians announced a $5 million investment to expand educational opportunities for children and families across Alabama, reflecting a shared goal of helping Alabama’s children reach their full potential and prepare for the future.

The Saban Center partnership is just one example of the Poarch Creek Indians’ philanthropic efforts across Alabama. Beyond investments in education, the Poarch Creek Indians contribute to charitable organizations that support the arts, youth sports, senior care and emergency support services. These efforts allow the Tribe to support Alabamians at every stage of life and respond to a wide range of needs in communities throughout the state. Through charitable giving and partnerships with organizations across the state, the Tribe continues a longstanding tradition of supporting the people of Alabama.

Chairwoman Bryan’s recognition by the Nick’s Kids Foundation provides an opportunity to celebrate that tradition of service and the collective work of the Tribe. As the Poarch Creek Indians look to the future, the Tribe remains committed to carrying forward the values of service and generosity that have shaped its work throughout Alabama.