People Believe You Are Extinct
I was lucky to be able to go to two universities that are right in the middle of Indigenous territory, so as institutions, they acknowledged that Native Americans exist. Syracuse University had the Haudenosaunee Promise scholarship, which graciously gave me 3 years of free tuition. Beyond that though, Native Americans were an extinct relic of a past age to most people, faculty included. Freshman year was interesting, because all the 100 level classes ask you for an introduction. Hi, my name is________. Im from ____________. Im a __________ major, minoring in _____________ Well hi! My name is Kawehras. Im from Akwesasne. Im a Sport Management major, minoring in Native American Studies. The dumbfounded look on peoples faces as they wonder what the hell youre talking about is priceless. You get questions and comments from people like I thought you all were dead. So do you live in teepees still? Oh, it must be nice to go to college and have electricity now. No really, Ive gotten that more than once. I cant blame them for the ignorance that an American education afforded them, but the questions need to stop.
Scholarships For Native American Studies
If you arent a Native American, or a descendant, but are simply interested in studying Native American studies, there are also scholarships available for you. This college major focuses on the history and culture of the Native American people. There are many colleges and universities that have Native American studies departments.
If youre looking for Native American studies scholarships, look for both government and private funding. Many schools themselves provide scholarships so check out the school you will be learning at.
The Ultimate Guide To Native American Scholarships And Grants For College
Many financial aid opportunities are only available to people from specific demographics. Native American scholarships and grants aim to support one of the most underrepresented, and often poverty-stricken, groups in the nation, ensuring college is accessible.
For Native American scholarships and grants, eligibility is first and foremost based on a studentâs background. However, other requirements can also come into play.
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Financial Aid From Your Tribe
College-bound Native Americans can often find financial aid through their own tribe. Individual tribal nations routinely offer grants, scholarships and loans to students who are struggling to find the necessary resources to go to college. Once you have determined your tribal ancestry, contact your tribal elders to learn about any programs that may be available. The University of Oklahoma provides an exhaustive listing of recognized American Indian Tribal Nations, along with links to their dedicated websites.
Federal Programs For Native Americans
Any search for college funding should begin with the Federal government. The White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities; was created by executive order to improve education opportunities for Native Americans. The WHITCU provides detailed information on all 33 fully accredited Tribal run colleges and universities in the United States. The WHITCU also works with the Bureau of Indian Education to administer a variety of scholarships, grants and fellowships dedicated to the needs of college-bound Native American students.
The following scholarships are offered through the Bureau of Indian Education.
- The BIE Higher Education Grant/Scholarship Program This program offers financial assistance to college-bound students who are members of a Federally recognized Tribe. Students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, and must be working towards an Associates or Bachelors degree. Award amounts vary, and are determined on the basis of financial need.
- The Indian Health Service Scholarship Three different levels of scholarships are available for Native American and Native Alaskan students pursuing degrees and careers in the healthcare industry. The three IHS Scholarships include the Preparatory Scholarship, the Pre-Graduate Scholarship and the Health Professions Scholarship. These programs are designed to encourage and support Native American and Native Alaskan students at every stage of their medical training.
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Related Info What % Of Native American Am I
For a person to be considered Native American by the United States government, they must either have a CDIB card or be enrolled in a tribe.
A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood is issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs an agency under the United States Department of Interior. This certificate is the basis most tribes use to enroll tribe members.
The CDIB is an official U.S. document used to certify that a person does possess a percentage of Native American blood. Note though, the blood must be identified with a federally recognized tribe.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs issues the certificate after the individual has forwarded a finalized genealogy. The genealogy must be submitted with legal documents that include birth certificates, documents showing the applicants descents both from the maternal and the paternal sides.
Certificate Degree of Indian Blood card issued to Morris Phillip Konstantin in 1996. It shows him to be 3/16ths Cherokee by blood.
A certificate of degree of Indian blood shows the constituent blood degree of a particular tribe or that of all tribes in the applicants ancestry. The percentage required by each tribe to enroll varies. Some tribes require that a minimum degree must be met before granting membership to an individual.
Proving Native American Ancestry
To qualify for aid based on your Native American ancestry, you must be a member of a federally recognized tribe. Each tribe is a sovereign nation with self-governing power, meaning each tribe has its own criteria for determining membership status. Once your membership status is confirmed, the tribe issues a tribal I.D. card or writes an official letter.
One way to prove your status as a Native American is to obtain a Certificate of Indian Blood . Eligibility for a CIB depends on your blood quantum, which is the percentage of Native American blood you possess. Your blood quantum does not depend on DNA tests; instead, you must be able to prove your lineage. If you can provide birth certificates, including your own, your parents, and, optimally, your grandparents, you can get a CIB from the Bureau of Indian Affairs office nearest to your tribes location. If your grandparents birth certificates are not available, send their names and approximate dates of birth.
The BIA provides a guide to tracing your ancestry. The BIA merely acts as an intermediary between tribes and the federal government. The best way to determine your Native American status is to research your genealogy and provide the evidence to your tribe of predominant descent.
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College Specific Tuition Programs
Several colleges and universities have special tuition-free or reduced tuition programs for Native American students. For example, Fort Lewis College in Colorado provides a tuition waiver for any student who is a member of a recognized tribe in North America. A similar program is available at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Some post-secondary institutions offer reduced tuition or in-state tuition programs for American Indian students. For example, state universities in Oklahoma, California, Iowa, Utah and Washington offer in-state tuition for tribal enrollees.
Scholarships From Tribes And Advocacy Groups
Finally, Native American and Native Alaskan students should investigate those scholarship opportunities funded and supported by individual Tribal Nations. Many tribes support their own scholarship funds, and offer financial aid to deserving members. Students should also consider programs supported by charitable foundations and advocacy groups that are dedicated to the needs and welfare of the American Indian population. Again, like many of the scholarships available from the private sector, financial aid programs supported by the Tribal Nations and by Indian advocacy groups are often subject-specific and are designed to encourage Native American students to pursue degrees and careers in specific fields.
The following few examples should give students an idea of the types of scholarship programs offered by individual tribes, and by charitable foundations.
- The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance works with a wide range of businesses, colleges, and private sponsors to provide scholarship and financial aid opportunities for members of the Navajo tribe. Among the many programs administered by the ONNSFA are the Young Native Writers Essay Scholarship Contest, the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority Scholarship and the Navajo Generating Station Navajo Scholarship.
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College Grants For Native Americans
Many Native Americans would like to go to college and earn a degree. The problem for many of them is the expense involved in paying for tuition. The options for most people are to take out student loans, pay cash for the tuition, or to get grants. The good news for Native Americans who may have a low income and cant afford to pay for an education is that they may qualify for college grants.
Its estimated that the average cost of attending a state or public college is nearly $10,000 per year. Most people who take out student loans to pay for their college education come away owing an average of $37,000. Its tough to not only pay that much per year to attend college, but its also difficult to graduate from college being so far in debt with student loans. Those who have low incomes may qualify for college grants to help pay for their education.
A college grant is a great option to help people pay for their tuition. Grants will help people by paying all or part of the tuition, and the grant does not have to be paid back. This makes it easier for those in need to obtain a college education without getting hit with a bit expense to do so. There are numerous areas you can explore to begin getting information about college grants.
++ Popular grants for native americans
Here are some college grants for Native Americans:
++ Popular grants for native americans
Scholarships For Native Americans
The first thing Native Americans and descendants should look for is scholarships available to their specific tribe. Tribes often want to support its members, so there is a good possibility of winning scholarships, provided you know which tribe you belong to . Another option, of course, is looking for general Native American scholarships. The number of Native American students in colleges is small, so your chances of receiving scholarship money are still pretty significant.
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Strategy #: Academic Assistance Through Peer Mentoring
University of Idahos Peer Advising and the College Experience ProgramThe PACE program has been around for 22 years and continues to work diligently, building bridges for multicultural students to transition into college successfully. More than two dozen mentors currently work with first-year and transfer students, ensuring Native American learners are connected with their peers, professors, and their campus as a whole. They also promote cultural openness, leadership positions, and participation and campus-wide events.
Washington State Universitys Peer Mentor ProgramOperated by the Multicultural Student Services office, this innovative program pairs students of all cultural backgrounds with incoming Native American students to help them transition smoothly. Assignments are made once learners are admitted, thereby making it possible for their student-mentor to contact them before starting and to keep in touch during their first year of studies. Mentors are trained and help mentees in developing relationships, taking advantage of student clubs. Mentors show mentees around campus, and promote a safe, welcoming environment that lessens anxiety.
American Indian Graduate Center
The American Indian Graduate Center is a powerful resource for any American Indian student. For over 50 years the center has had the goal of helping and encouraging Native Americans to obtain college degrees. On their website you can find information about schooling, scholarships, grants and more.
They team up with the government, colleges, organizations and more. This is simply a great resource.
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The American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund is a prime source of financial aid for Native American students looking to fund their college education. While the AICF doesnt specifically offer grants, they do support three integral scholarship programs that deserve mention.
- The Undergraduate Tribal University Scholarship designed for students attending one of the 33 accredited Tribal Universities.
- The Undergraduate Non-Tribal University Scholarship available to Native American students attending an accredited non-tribal college or university.
- The AICF Full Circle Scholarship for Native American graduate level students pursuing their degrees at either a Tribal, or non-Tribal, college or university.
The American Indian College Fund is also a prime source of information on developing programs that benefit the Native American community, and students are encouraged to remain in contact with the organization to keep up to date on relevant news and events.
With Stroke Of Her Pen Opportunities Unlocked For Native Students In Nevada
Courtesy of Stacey Montooth
Gov. Steve Sisolak speaks June 4, 2021, at a ceremony to sign an education bill that makes state college tuition free for Native American tribal members living in;Nevada.
Gov. Steve Sisolak has gone around the state signing many bills into law in the days after the Nevada legislative session finished late last month.
His signature of Assembly Bill 262 came with a special touch using a pen with a zigzag cover pattern of tiny yellow and blue beads stitched by Daisy Nuanes, a 28-year-old single mother who is a member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe in Northern Nevada.
The bill, which was signed at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center and Museum in Carson City, calls for Nevada System of Higher Education institutions to waive registration and other fees for Native American students who are part of one of 27 tribes in Nevada.;
Its so amazing. I was so happy when it passed. I couldnt wait to go home and tell my brother college is free, Nuanes said.
To qualify, students must have lived in Nevada for at least one year, carry a 2.0 grade point average and demonstrate they are part of the tribe. About 237 native students will qualify for the program, as not all Native Americans residing in the state are enrolled tribe members, said Assemblywoman Natha Anderson, D-Sparks, who sponsored the bill.
It doesnt cover room and board.
She speaks from firsthand experience about balancing life and studies, especially when it comes to paying for college.
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Proving Native American Ancestry Using Dna
Every day, I receive e-mails very similar to this one.
My family has always said that we were part Native American.; I want to prove this so that I can receive help with money for college.
The reasons vary, and not everyone wants to prove their heritage in order to qualify for some type of assistance.; Some want to find their tribe and join to reclaim their lost heritage.; Some want to honor their persecuted and hidden ancestors, undoing some of the wickedness of the past,;and some;simply seek the truth.; Regardless of why, they are all searching for information lost to them.
Id like to talk about three topics in proving Native Ancestry.; First, Id like to do some myth-busting.; Second, Id like to talk a little about conventional research and third, Id like to discuss what DNA can, and cant, do for you.
As you read this blog, please click on the links.; Im not going to repeat something Ive already covered elsewhere.
Myth-Busting
Myth 1 Free College
There is no free college for Native Americans.; There are sometimes scholarships and grants available, mostly by the individual tribes themselves, for their official members.
Myth 2 Joining a Tribe
Myth 3 DNA Testing Will Reveal my Tribe
Simply put, most federally recognized tribes arent interested in more tribal members.; More members mean a smaller piece of the pie for existing members.; The pot of resources, whatever resources youre discussing, is only so large and it must be shared by all tribal members.
I Was Raised As A Native American Then A Dna Test Rocked My Identity
Finding out my father lied about his heritage has forced me to radically question who I am
My father was Susquehannock, a forgotten Indian tribe from Pennsylvania. He grew up in inner-city Philadelphia but moved west and met my mother. She has a bit of Indian blood from her fathers side, but otherwise she is broadly European. As a child, I clung to the extra few percentages she provided because people always reminded me I was not white. If I couldnt be white, it wasnt enough to be half-Indian for me either. Indianness gave me legitimacy. But still, many of my childhood memories bear the stain of the innocent cruelty of other children. They called me Squanto and my sisters Pocahontas, threatening to give us pox-laden blankets, promising a new Manifest Destiny, or Trail of Tears. They included me only to play cowboys and Indians and always obliged me to lose.
This cruelty didnt stop with children. I remember the second-grade teacher who inspected my hands to make sure they were clean, and who sent and resent me to the bathroom throughout the year to clean them. I remember scrubbing my hands before school to the point of bleeding to avoid these inspections. And when there was not cruelty, there was the general racial illiteracy of well-meaning adults, including my own family.
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What Government Benefits Do Native Americans Receive
Free health care, college tuition grants, temporary assistance for needy families, food stamps and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are some of the government benefits that Native Americans who are eligible can receive as of 2015. Supplemental Security Income and the Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program are available to Native Americans living on or off of reservations. Some tribes also receive government benefits that fulfill treaty obligations or for the extraction of minerals on tribal lands.
Indian Health Services corresponds in activities with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Health care services are provided through a network of clinics and hospitals based on reservations. This network also provides mental health services, substance abuse counseling and treatment, home health care, nutrition education, and mother and child health programs.
Native Americans are eligible for all of the low-income assistance programs that other American citizens can receive, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Some of these programs may be administered directly through tribal authorities instead of traditional channels.