Scholarships

NAFWS recognizes that achieving and pursuing a higher education in any field of study requires funding. We work to secure funding through silent auctions, donations and grants to be able to award students merit based scholarships.

Scholarship Type

National: awarded to student applicants from overall applicants.

Regional: are awarded by the regional directors and/or regional membership to students belonging to that region.

Application Timeline

Application open between Late April to Early May
Due date is mid to late July
Notification of Award August
Disbursement of Award to Education Institution August - September

Eligibility

Current full-time undergraduate or graduate student to the Fall of Award Year
Pursuing degree in the natural resource fields or related fields
Enrolled with a U.S. Federally-Recognized Tribe or descendant (must submit BIA Form 4432)
Must be a U.S. Citizen

Application Components

Complete application consists of:

Scholarship Application and Essay
Up-to-Date Resume or CV
Enrollment Verification to a College and/or University for Fall of Award Year
Copy of Most Recent Transcripts (unofficial are accepted)
Proof of Tribal Enrollment or completed BIA Form 4432
1 Letter of Recommendation

2025 National & Regional Scholars

Gwen Lankford

Tribe: Selish and AnniihGraduate: University of Montana

I am Séliš and Aaniiih, born and raised in Montana. With support from the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society, I am pursuing a PhD in Forest and Conservation Sciences through the University of Montana’s Forestry and Conservation program. My research centers on the social dimensions of conservation, with a focus on relational climate solutions and resilience. My goal is to strengthen understanding between ecological and societal systems and to help reimagine them with greater reciprocity and interconnection. I hope to contribute to regenerative, inclusive systems that serve both present and future generations. Lemlmtš for this scholarship, which provides me the opportunity to continue learning and, in turn, to give back to my community.

Steelle Melinda Orenda Stevens Scearce

Tribe: Cherokee NationGraduate: University of Wyoming

Steelle Scearce is a member of the Cherokee Nation and a first-generation college student. She is currently pursuing her master’s in Environment, Natural Resource, and Society at the University of Wyoming, where her work focuses on collaboration and stakeholder engagement surrounding the Colorado wolf reintroduction. Steelle received her bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Northeastern State University, where she conducted research on small mammal communities within rivercane(ᎢᎯᏯ), a critically endangered ecosystem recognized for its significance as a riparian buffer and a material source for many Southeastern Tribes. By combining her background in biology with her experience in collaboration and stakeholder engagement, Steelle wishes to advocate for a deeper integration of traditional knowledge within modern management practices.

Justin Herne

Tribe: Oneida Nation of New York Graduate: State University of New York

She:kon sewakwe:kon! I am a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Aquatic and Fishery Science at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry under Dr. Karin Limburg. My research, Exploring Migration Histories Through Biomarker Chemistry for the Highly Migratory and Cryptic Alosa aestivalis, examines natal origins and juvenile migration patterns of blueback herring, a species of ecological and cultural importance. I am dedicated to applying my education and passion for fisheries toward sustaining migratory fishes, advancing Indigenous fisheries management, and supporting Tribal sovereignty. Alongside my studies, I have had the privilege to advocate for these priorities with the U.S. Forest Service, SUNY-ESF’s Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, and the seed-sovereignty nonprofit Seedshed.

Tanikwah Lang

Tribe: Klamath Tribe

Graduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Tanikwah is a second-year master’s student in Agroecology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, focusing on strengthening Indigenous Food Sovereignty through the stewardship of wild foods. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from the Oregon Institute of Technology. Tanikwah’s current research, conducted in collaboration with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, examines how forest management practices affect the growth and accessibility of wild blueberries, which support community food sovereignty initiatives. The results of this research will support forest management practices that will not only embody sustainable timber harvest practices but also balance the needs of wild blueberries. She is committed to expanding access to traditional foods across Indian Country and promoting cultural, spiritual, and physical health for future generations.

Tynya Taylor Kee | National

Tribe: Navajo Nation

Undergraduate: Northern Arizona University

Yá’át’ééh shí éí Tynya Kee yinishyé. Tódík’ǫ́ zhí nishłį,́ Tł’ízí Łání bashishchiin, Naakai dashicheii, dóó Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii dashinalí. Ákót’éego diné asdzáán nishłį.́ Old Cedar déé’ naashá. Shimá dóó shizhé’é éí Tanya Begaye dóó Tyrone Kee wolyé. I am of the Salt Water clan, born for the Many Goats clan, my maternal grandfather's clan is the Mexican clan, and my paternal grandfather's clan is the Coyote Pass clan. I am a student at Northern Arizona University pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Forestry with a certification in forest resilience and adaptation. I love to learn about Indigenous permaculture and agro-forestry and how they can help Tribal families reclaim food sovereignty as well as adapt to the changing climate. Ahéhee’!

Rachel Lankenoff | National

Tribe: Unangax̂

Graduate: University of Alaska-Fairbanks

Rachel Lekanoff is Unangax̂ with strong ties to Unalaska, Alaska. In 2023, she was accepted into the University of Alaska Fairbanks as a PhD student in Fisheries and as a Tamamta fellow. She earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Western Washington University in 2016 and an M.S. in Oceanography from UAF in 2020. Since then, Rachel has worked on behalf of Unangax̂ communities across the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands on projects in tribal fisheries co-management, climate resilience, and environmental remediation. Her research interests include using genomics as a fisheries monitoring tool for rural Alaska. Academically and professionally, she endeavors to elevate Indigenous Knowledge to develop a more holistic view of the fisheries and marine ecosystems all Alaskans rely on.

Tierra Barbara Baird | National

Tribe: Lakota

Graduate: University of Minnesota- Duluth

I am from the Porcupine community on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. I grew up learning about plant medicines and our buffalo relatives from my grandparents and relatives. This sparked my passion for ecological knowledge and land restoration. I am currently pursuing my Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship at the University of Minnesota Duluth. My hope is to apply my education toward aiding my community to engage with the land from Lakota land stewardship practices that are informed by our teachings, language and protocols."

Marie Taylor | National

Tribe: Muscogee
Undergraduate: Utah Valley University

Marie Taylor is a zoology student at Utah Valley University with a strong passion for wildlife conservation. She has served as a Biological Threats Intern with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society and completed a Marine Conservation Externship through a partnership between National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy. At UVU, Marie is a member of the Cusick Lab, where she contributes to research on the foraging behavior of bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a master’s in wildlife biology and hopes to work with a tribal nation to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts.

Maybelle Hobucket. 2025 Native Scholar.jpg

Maybelle Hobucket | National

Tribe: Quinault

Undergraduate:Grays Harbor University

I am from Taholah, Washington, and a proud member of the Quinault Indian Nation. I am working towards my Bachelor's in Forest Resources Management and hold an Associate of Applied Science in Forestry Technician/Natural Resources from Grays Harbor College. My two children have been my greatest motivation in pursuing higher education and giving back to our community. I am passionate about sustainable resource management and cultural preservation, and I feel honored to work in service of my people. My connection to the land and heritage guides my commitment to protecting our natural and cultural resources for future generations. I am also deeply grateful for the support of the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (NAFWS) scholarship throughout my academic journey.

Brandee Keyonnie. 2025 Native Scholar.jpeg

Brandee Keyonnie | National

Tribe: Navajo

Graduate: Northern Arizona University

"Yá'át'ééh. Shí éí Tódík'ózhi nishłį (I am Salt-Water) Honágháahnii Báshíshchíín (born for one who walks around). A current graduate student in the Biology M.S. program at Northern Arizona University, with an emphasis in Ecology and Conservation. My research focuses on understanding the physiological responses of Pinyon Pine to drought and elevated CO₂ in a changing climate. As a Diné scholar, I seek to integrate the teachings and knowledge passed down through our elders that recognize conservation, restoration, and the protection of our lands known as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern science. Highlighting that these methods are essential for supporting the resilience of Pinyon, a keystone species that sustains many tribal communities along with the diverse wildlife inhabiting these woodlands."

Mary Gagnon | Great Plains

Tribe: Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

Undergraduate: United Tribes Technical College

"I am a first generation college student at United Tribes Technical College. I have been in school for 6 years and I am very close to completing my Bachelor's in Environmental Science and Research as well as my Bachelor's in Fisheries and Wildlife. I am dual majoring with these two Bachelor's degrees. I am very close to completing these degrees and being able to start a career that will help to protect our mother earth and to help my tribal community. I plan to go back to my tribal community to help my tribes college with their Environmental Department by teaching and doing research for my tribe. "

Christian Valandra. 2025 Native Scholar.HEIC

Christian Valandra | Great Plains

Tribe: Rosebud Sioux

Associates: Oglala Lakota College

"I am currently attending Oglala Lakota College in Rapid City, South Dakota. I am earning my associates degree in Life Sciences, and my bachelor’s degree in Nature Sciences. I hope to attend grad school in the future for my master’s in wildlife biology with a minor in ecological conservation. I hope that at some point I’m able to help our world and be able to heal the scars that our mother nature has endured. I would like to educate others on why our environment is so important, and that we must take care of what we have and treat nature as one of our own, and not just a material commodity."

Agapito Perez | Pacific

Tribe: Yurok

Associates: California State Polytechnic University

"I graduated from a 2 year, College of the Redwoods, in May 2025 with an AA in Forestry. participating in Football and Track and Field. Over the summer I worked for the Yurok Tribes Marine Department and went to Truck driving school to get my CDL. Now entering my Junior Year at Cal Poly Humboldt. Going into my third season of track and field."

Mary Helen Simon | Alaska

Tribe: Orutsararmiut Native Council

Associates: University of Alaska - Southeast

"Hello, I’m Mary Simeon from Bethel, Alaska. I’m currently getting my degree in marine biology with an emphasis in fisheries science. I attended Mt. Edgecumbe High school and graduated in 2023. I plan on going back home after school and helping my community in anyway i can. I enjoying fishing and beading in my free time."

Jamie Begay | Southwest

Tribe: Navajo Nation

Graduate: Colorado State University

"Jamie Begay is Ma’ii Deeshgiizhinii (Coyote Pass) born for Táchii’nii (Red Running into the Water People) and is from Rock Point, Arizona. She is a master’s student in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University, where her research focuses on desert bighorn sheep on the Navajo Nation. Her work examines movement ecology, habitat selection, and the risk of disease transmission from domestic sheep to support the Navajo Bighorn Sheep Recovery Program. Jamie earned her B.S. in Biology from Diné College in 2021. Beyond academics, she is a mother, mentor, and advocate for Indigenous representation in wildlife science. Grounded in cultural teachings and community values, she integrates traditional ecological knowledge with scientific research to strengthen wildlife management on tribal lands and inspire Native youth in STEM."

Cory Dayish | Southwest

Tribe: Navajo Nation

Graduate: Arizona State University

"Cory Dayish, a citizen of the Navajo nation, from Shiprock, New Mexico serves as an Environmental Specialist for the Navajo tribal government. In his role, he collaborates with tribal and federal partners to advance the goals of conservation and preservation of natural resources, wildlife, communities, and the environment through outreach initiatives, scientific strategies, and interagency domains. Cory is pursuing a Master of Legal Studies, with an emphasis in environment and sustainability, at Arizona State University College of Law. This program will deepen his understanding of the role of laws, regulations, and policies in environmental management through the indigenous lens of seven-generation analysis. With academic foundation in chemistry, Cory aims to expand his knowledge of environmental stewardship, interpret environmental regulations, and share environmental concepts from individuals to diverse audiences. He is honored to be a recipient of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society Scholarship recognizing the organization’s mission to supporting and sharing knowledge within native communities."

Scholarship Type

Application Timeline

Eligibility

Application Components

2025 National & Regional Scholars

Gwen Lankford

Steelle Melinda Orenda Stevens Scearce

Justin Herne

Tanikwah Lang

Tynya Taylor Kee | National

Rachel Lankenoff | National

Tierra Barbara Baird | National

Marie Taylor | National

Maybelle Hobucket | National

Brandee Keyonnie | National

Mary Gagnon | Great Plains

Christian Valandra | Great Plains

Agapito Perez | Pacific

Mary Helen Simon | Alaska

Jamie Begay | Southwest

Cory Dayish | Southwest

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