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 June
Due date is July or August
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

Scholarships go through a selection process, access the rubric here.

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

2026 National & Regional Scholars

Audrey Harvey | National

Tribe: Navajo Nation

Graduate: Northern Arizona University

Audrey is a Ph.D. candidate in Biology at Northern Arizona University whose research focuses on plant adaptation, restoration ecology, and seed-based conservation strategies in dryland ecosystems. She has led projects across the Western U.S., with expertise in vegetation surveys, invasive species management, and sustainable rangeland practices. Audrey is Charcoal Streaked of the Red Running into the Water People, Náneesht’ézhí Táchii’nii, and is born for the Big Water People, Tótsohnii. She was raised in Tselani Springs on the Navajo Nation, where her family continues to raise livestock and practice dryland farming. This upbringing grounds her in a lived understanding of land stewardship and the communities that depend on our western landscapes.

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Kee Hernandez | National

Tribe: Cherokee Nation

Undergraduate: Arizona Stat University

Currently, I’m a senior at Northern Arizona University as a forestry major with a focus in forest resilience and adaptation. Over the summer, I interned with the Mormon Lake Work Center as a timber/silviculture with much of my work involved detailed surveying, inspection, and data collection to support future management prescriptions on land that is both significant spiritually and culturally to many Indigenous peoples, making my work especially meaningful to me. Additionally, I serve as the treasurer for the Advancing Indigenous Science and Engineering Society chapter at NAU. With the help of my executive team, I am excited to share that we will be sending ten members to the AISES national conference this month in Portland, Oregon.

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Shaun McKinley | National

Tribe: Navajo Nation

Undergraduate: University of New Mexico

Yáʼátʼééh. I am from Shiprock, NM. Hooghanłáni nishłį́ ( Many Hogans Clan), Tábaahi báshíshchíín (Waters Edge Clan). I am also part of the Sac & Fox tribe of Oklahoma. The opportunities given and classes I have been a part of, has deepened my understanding of the critical importance of food sovereignty and language revitalization within tribal communities. I hope to bring my knowledge to all tribal communities so we can all combat intergenerational trauma and protect Mother Earth. I strongly believe, we as humans must understand to coexist with the land than to live off it. I encourage everyone to remember their roots and sustain their cultural practices, as culture diversity is essential for a sustainable future. I also like to hike and try new foods.

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phezi hota nagi win (Sierra Red Bow) | National

Tribe: Oglala Sioux Tribe

Graduate: Colorado State University

Sierra Red Bow, also known as phezi hota nagi win, is a citizen of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She grew up in Virginia along the Chesapeake Bay. She travelled to the Salish Sea a decade ago to attend the University of Washington, where she earned a dual degree in Indigenous studies and environmental science. She worked for the Washington State Environmental Justice Council as their Tribal and Community Engagement Strategist. She is excited to return to graduate school with a focus on ecological restoration. She enjoys spending time outdoors, in community, or with family. She spends long days foraging, late nights beading, and many hours cooking.

Tatum Collins | National

Tribe: Navajo Nation

Undergraduate: Arizona State University

I am an undergraduate student at Arizona State University studying Political Science and Environmental Science with a minor in American Indian Studies. My interests focus on Tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, natural resource stewardship, and Indigenous-led conservation. Through research experiences with Northern Arizona University and The Nature Conservancy, I have worked on projects involving water quality, environmental health, ecological restoration, and Indigenous approaches to land management. At ASU, I am involved in AISES, the Undergraduate Law Association, and the Alliance of Indigenous Peoples. I hope to pursue a career combining environmental policy, law, and Indigenous perspectives to help Tribal communities protect their lands, waters, wildlife, and natural resources.

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Tusweca Win Spotted Tail | National

Tribe: Rosebud Sioux

Undergraduate: Fort Lewis College

Hi! I am a second-year student at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, majoring in Ecology & Biodiversity, with a concentration in Botany and a minor in Native American & Indigenous Studies. I am also currently pursuing certificates in Plant Identification & Assessment and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I am passionate about environmental stewardship and community-based restoration projects, where I can connect cultural values with ecological care. Hospitality is a core part of who I am. Whether mentoring, tutoring, volunteering, or simply creating welcoming spaces, I believe in uplifting others through service and compassion, equally valuing the relational aspects of community care. My long-term goal is to continue blending science, culture, and service to help protect ecosystems while strengthening Indigenous communities for future generations.

Jason Thomas | Pacific Region

Tribe: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Graduate: University of Idaho

I am a graduate student at the University of Idaho pursuing a thesis-based Master of Environmental Science with a focus on Indigenous Knowledge and the interweaving of Western Science and Technology. I am also pursuing a Certificate of Indigenous Research & Education. I wish to apply these knowledge systems to help sustain and restore culturally important plants for my home community as well as all that rely and care for them as medicine, food and other-than-human relatives. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation, an Associates in Fisheries and 12-years of work experience in the conservation of spring Chinook salmon on my ancestral lands. Thank you to NAFWS for supporting me on this journey!

Marie Taylor | National

Tribe: Muscogee
Undergraduate: Utah Valley University

Marie Taylor is currently pursuing her bachelors of science in Zoology at Utah Valley University. She has served as a Biological Threats Intern with the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, completed a Marine Conservation Externship through a partnership between National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy, and been a Wildlife Protection Intern with Humane World for Animals. 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 one day work to promote human-wildlife coexistence.

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Lawrence Shaffer | Southwest Region

Tribe: San Carlos Apache

Graduate: New Mexico State University

I am a federally enrolled member of the San Carlos Apache Nation located within the Arizona state boundaries. My people were one of the last tribes to make a broken treaty agreement with the United States federal government, for the protection of future generation like me. I feel it is our responsibility to maintain and continue to be the original stewards of what land we have left, which is held in trust by US Congress. I am a graduate of science student at New Mexico State University, studying Geographical Information Science & Technology. By mastering this field of study, I can represent my people and all native nations for the protection of our land for future generations. I am honored to be a recipient of the NAFWS scholarship award, thank you.

Brandee Keyonnie 2025 Native Scholar portrait

Lelahneigh Mitchell | Southwest Region

Tribe: Navajo

Undergraduate: Northern Arizona University

Yá’át’ééh! My name is Lelahneigh Mitchell, and I am from Chinle, Arizona. Tlááschí’í nishli, Tódíkozhí baashishchiin, Tábaahí da shicheii, Nakaii Dine’é da shinali. I am a senior at Northern Arizona University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies. I received my associate’s degree in Environmental Science on the Navajo Nation, where I also completed my undergraduate research internship to help address public water concerns and improve water security. My research interests include biodiversity conservation and sustainability implementation on the Navajo reservation. Axhéhee’, thank you!

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Courtney Old Chief | Great Plains

Tribe: Blackfeet

Undergraduate: Salish Kootenai College

As a child raised on my family’s ranch, my deep connection to the land and wildlife of Indian Country inspired my career in conservation. Over the past five years, I have served as a scientific researcher, and this spring I graduate from Salish Kootenai College with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Management. Next, I plan to pursue environmental law to protect our treaty rights, influence policy, and safeguard our natural resources. I am deeply grateful to the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society for their generous support during my final year at SKC.

Brittney Pratt | Great Lakes

Tribe: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Undergraduate: Alaska Pacific University

Growing up in northern Wisconsin and living on Lake Superior has given me endless opportunities to be outside and explore. That has definitely impacted my current hobbies and interests. My favorite activities include hiking, swimming and just hanging out outside, breathing in the fresh air. I hope that after I graduate with my bachelors degree I can get a job doing field research, either back home or a place I haven’t been before!

Agapito "AJ" Perez | Pacific Region

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. I transferred to Cal Poly Humboldt fall of 2025 and now entering my senior year going into my last season of track and field. I'm studying forestry to help bring back healthy forests back on our tribal lands so we can keep our traditions alive and create more stories for the next generation to come. As well as helping to bring back fire onto the landscape.

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Bastion Sock | Northeast Region

Tribe: Mi'kmaq Nation

Undergraduate: University of Maine

I am currently pursuing a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology with a minor in Criminal Justice at the University of Maine. I have been blessed to be supported by both the NAFWS and the WaYS programs along with numerous fantastic individuals throughout my educational journey. With their continued support and this degree, I hope to help my tribe in developing a strong warden service to monitor our lands that also integrates traditional knowledge. I am also hopeful that I can inspire our youth to protect and conserve our lands for future generations to come.

Jackson Crutchfield. 2026 Native Scholar. Northeast.HEIC

Jackson Crutchfield | Northeast Region

Tribe: Monacan Indian Nation

Undergraduate: Virginia Tech

My name is Jackson Crutchfield and I am a freshman studying forestry at Virginia Tech. I love spending time in the great outdoors fly fishing, rock climbing, backpacking, or doing anything with friends or family. I also enjoy playing and listening to a wide variety of music. I listen to mainly jam bands, bluegrass, and rock, and connecting over these genres of music is very meaningful to me. I am very thankful to receive this scholarship and would like to thank all who made it possible!

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Xan Francis | Northeast Region

Tribe: Penobscot Nation

Undergraduate: University of Maine - Orono

2023 National SYP Alum

Hello! My name is Xan Francis. I am a first-year at the University of Maine in Orono and majoring in Ecology and Environmental Science. For the last two years I have been an intern with the Penobscot Nation's Water Resources Department. My internship really helped me decide what major I chose and goes right into my interests with the outdoors and preserving my people's homeland and the river that runs through it. My goal is to get a good education and go back to my people with the knowledge I gained to improve the community and our homeland.

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Jasmine Newton | Great Plains Region

Tribe: Oglala Sioux

Graduate: State University of New York

Im currently a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Biology at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where I'm a scholar with the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Haskell Indian Nations University. My interests center on wildlife biology and conservation, particularly strengthening Tribal involvement in wildlife research and management. My research experience includes using ARUs (autonomous recording units) to examine long-term changes in bird communities, and I plan to continue using acoustic monitoring in collaboration with first Nations communities in Canada. I aspire to become a wildlife biologist and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts that support Tribal stewardship and management of wildlife resources.

Scholarship Type

Application Timeline

Eligibility

Application Components

2026 National & Regional Scholars

Audrey Harvey | National

Kee Hernandez | National

Shaun McKinley | National

phezi hota nagi win (Sierra Red Bow) | National

Tatum Collins | National

Tusweca Win Spotted Tail | National

Jason Thomas | Pacific Region

Marie Taylor | National

Lawrence Shaffer | Southwest Region

Lelahneigh Mitchell | Southwest Region

Courtney Old Chief | Great Plains

Brittney Pratt | Great Lakes

Agapito "AJ" Perez | Pacific Region

Bastion Sock | Northeast Region

Jackson Crutchfield | Northeast Region

Xan Francis | Northeast Region

Jasmine Newton | Great Plains Region

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