Success stories

Aleah Wallette (Bois Forte Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is from the town of Cook on the shores of Minnesota’s famed Lake Vermilion, a region her Tribe has called home for generations. She chose to attend the Fond du Lake Tribal and Community College because she’s supportive of the Tribal community and wanted to be around other Anishinaabe people. It also gave her the opportunity to learn more about her culture. Aleah is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Development. After graduating in 2024, the Dean’s List honoree plans to transfer to a larger school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education. Aleah used her Spirit of Sovereignty Scholarship to pay tuition and help with the purchase of a new laptop computer.

Wilburta Bigback (Northern Cheyene) has struggled with addiction for much of her life, but in 2018 she made the decision to get sober. Although her life didn’t magically improve once she got clean, things are gradually coming together as she pursues a degree in addiction studies with the goal of becoming a licensed addiction counsellor. In 2020, Wilburta volunteered with the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Program before being hired as a driver delivering meals to the elderly on the reservation in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that she is a full-time student, Wilburta still volunteers but finances have been a struggle. The Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship has helped. “I will not give up on my passion to become an LAC help people on my Northern Cheyenne Reservation. I believe everything will work out!”

Shiloh is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He is a part-time student enrolled in the Anishinaabe Studies program and works full time as a substance abuse counsellor at a day treatment center in L’Anse, Michigan. Shiloh has been clean and sober himself for more than four years, and is an active member of the recovery community. He is committed to living a healthy lifestyle and works out at a local gym five days a week while also participating in community events and awareness walks. Shiloh’s goal is to use his education to help others attain and maintain their sobriety. “I try to lead by example for the younger individuals in our community.”

Stetson Baker is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota, a devoted father, and a student at the Turtle Mountain Community College where he is working towards a degree in education. Like his mother, Stetson plans to become a teacher so that he can have the same positive impact on kids in his community as teachers did for him. He is also doing it for his young son. “Education is one of the most important things for a Native American on a reservation to have,” he said. “It gives them the opportunity to become and pursue what they want. I want to be able to give my students that and show them they can do anything they put their mind to.”

Yvette Simmons is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In addition to raising her children and being active in her community, Yvette works full time in accounts payable for her tribe. She is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree at KBOCC and Ferris State University with the goal of earning a master’s degree by age 40. She is active in her community, including serving as an elections poll worker. Yvette has been through hard times but has worked diligently to build a good life for her family. “I love learning and I try to push myself to be the best that I can be. I try to stay focused the best I can and work hard for what I want,” she said. “I want to show my kids that you can do anything you put your heart and mind to and it doesn’t matter your age or circumstances.”

Larin Crissler (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) has big goals and is well on his way toward reaching them. Larin is a student at the Turtle Mountain Community College where he is studying towards an Associate’s of Science Degree. Upon graduation, he plans to transfer to the highly-regarded aviation program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks where he will study for his bachelor’s degree. He plans to pursue a career as an air traffic controller as well as a drone pilot. Larin is already licensed by the FAA to fly drones and has done special events and aerial photography work for his tribe and tribal casino. “I have three brothers and a sister,” Larin said. “I have an amazing support system from my family. They have supported me through it all.”

Jon Dowd (Ojibwa) is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at the college in his community of Keweenaw Bay, which is located on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship has helped with the costs of getting to and from classes, especially with the skyrocketing price of gas over the past year. “I say ‘Miigwetch’ for selecting me for this scholarship. It is greatly appreciated,” said Jon. “I plan on teaching what I have learned to the people that are coming after me to help them with our culture and ways of life that we, as Indigenous people, live and hold sacred in our way of living a good and peaceful life.”

Juanita Reed (Klamath) is currently working on an associate’s degree with a focus on chemical dependency and plans to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Juanita’s new career path grew out of a lifelong struggle with addiction. Now more than 18 months sober, Juanita enrolled in college with encouragement from supporters in a 12-step program she attends. Juanita is the oldest of nine children, six of whom she helped raise with her dad until he passed away in 1992. She had her first child at age 15 and has five grown boys out on their own and one daughter still at home. Her life has been hard but the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship is helping Juanita pursue a more positive path. “I am a single mother getting an education to teach my children that it’s never too late,” she said. “I believe with the proper education I can turn my life experiences into helpful tools to help another addict overcome addiction.”

Torance J. Marie Henry (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) is from St. John, North Dakota near the Canadian border. She is a student at the Turtle Mountain Community College, about 10 miles to the south, where she is working towards an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences. Following graduation, Torance plans to transfer to Bemidji State University in Minnesota where she’ll pursue a degree in Indian Studies with a minor in photography. She wants to eventually have her own professional photography studio. “I want to take professional pictures that showcase the beauty and culture of Indigenous nations,” she said. “Receiving this scholarship will help lessen the rising financial burdens of attending college.”

Melaine Whitrock (Ojibwe) is a student at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College. She returned to school after the COVID-19 pandemic ended a 19-year career she loved working as a restaurant cook at a college and later an upscale restaurant. Melaine also suffered a workplace injury that has made it difficult to do the job and now she’s looking for a fresh start in something new. Melaine has faced some tough challenges in her life and feels confident that she can make it through college, too. She is motivated by her grandchildren’s future. “I would love to be able to give them the information and knowledge I have not had the privilege of learning myself. I feel that attending college here is giving me every opportunity to conquer my dreams and give me the teachings I need to pass on to future generations.”

Heather Newrobe (Blackfeet) is a mother of children with disabilities who has overcome a difficult upbringing and is now working towards an Associate’s Degree in Business. Her dream is to open a center for children with disabilities on the Blackfeet Reservation, a place where the kids with Autism and other conditions can receive the therapy and services they need and parents can find resources to help them cope with the challenges they face. Heather is no stranger to overcoming obstacles, having been given up for adoption by her alcoholic mother who was not able to care for her. The SOS scholarship has helped Heather cover the cost of much-needed car repairs so that she can travel to and from school. “I haven’t really had a support system other than SKC. They have always had my back from the day I started school.”

Monica Weninger is majoring in Native American Studies, Education and Human Services at Sitting Bull College. As a classroom educator she has learned how to teach as part of a team, manage large groups of students and prepare activities for kids of all ages. What she also knows is how eager her students are to learn about their culture, language and traditions. Her goal is to teach high school students about the Oceti Sakowin and Essential Understandings, and she wants to be able to pass along the Lakota language as effectively as possible. “I grew up in a school system where there was no Native American history being taught at all,” she said. “Now, in that same school, we have come so far as learning the Lakota language and knowledge for competitions and well-being.” It’s not easy working full time while pursuing higher education but the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship has helped ease the burden.

Chantelle Kuchta (Oneida) is a student at the College of Menominee Nation in Wisconsin where she is working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education. The single mother of two children has a goal to teach, mentor and support youth in her community. Chantelle has worked in her community library for many years, and the children there have made her realize how important it is to be a positive, successful role model for younger kids. “The children who came in the library knew I was attending college and would always tell me they wanted me to be their teacher once I am finished. Those children are the voices in the back of my head saying, ‘Don’t give up. You can do it!’”

Valerie Ross Zhaawendaagozikwe is a 2011 graduate of the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School in Cloquet, Minn., and is now a first-year college student working toward an associate of science degree in Environmental Science, an associate of arts degree in American Indian Studies, and a Certificate in Anishinaabe Language. Valerie is interested in a career in Ethnobotany and plans to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Valerie works fulltime for her tribe as a doula in the community health program. She enjoys helping others through teaching traditional practices, especially with children and infants.

Dakotah Eltherington is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe and a full-time student at Sisseton Wahpeton College in Northeastern South Dakota. She is working towards her Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science with plans to continue at the University of South Dakota to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She also works full time at the Dakotah Pride Treatment Center as a case manager helping tribal members who are pregnant and struggling with substance abuse. Dakotah lives with her husband and four children on a farm near Groton, S.D., about an hour and a half drive from the college. “I am very thankful for the generosity of this scholarship,” she said. “It helps immensely with the gas going back and forth to school.”

Cody Malaterre is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa in North Dakota and a student in the Building Trades Certification program. “I love to make something out of nothing,” he said. “I can turn a boring sheet of metal or piece of wood into beautiful artwork or something that people use almost every day… I always strived doing hands-on work and it’s what I enjoy the most.” Cody plans to have a home-building business, and the scholarship will help him reach that goal. “Having an unreliable vehicle makes it tough to get back and forth to school,” he said. “This scholarship will help with vehicle repairs to keep my truck running.”

Chelle Brown (Blackfeet) enjoyed the seven years she worked as a pharmacy technician but decided that she would like to be a Pharmacist. The mother of two opted to take a chance on herself. “I took that big leap, resigned from my job, and signed up for school,” she said. Chelle is now a full-time student at Salish Kootenai College where she is enrolled in the Life Sciences program doing her prerequisites in preparation for Pharmacy school. Her long-term goal is to return to her community to help her people achieve better health. “I want people to know that I am Native American,” she said, “and I am here to help our people.” She is using the scholarship funds for books, transportation and childcare. “With this award this is one less thing I will have to worry about so I will be able to put more energy and time into my studies. Thank you again.”

Shania DeLille grew up on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Northern Minnesota and in the community of Cloquet. She earned her General Education Diploma in 2010 and returned to school to pursue an associate of arts degree at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Her goal is to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies or Anishinaabe Language. DeLille serves as a language tutor at the college and is secretary of the Anishinaabe Student Council. She enjoys being around her family and her involvement in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium annual conference and student competitions.

Alexandria Weaver is a single mother who faces significant challenges as a full-time student. Her daughter was involved in a serious automobile accident when she was just seven weeks old. After emerging from a coma, Willow was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Now Alexandria has to juggle her school work with a multitude of weekly therapy sessions for her daughter while commuting 110 miles round trip to school. “My mother lets me use her truck and tries her best to keep enough money aside for me to make it to and from school so I can graduate with a college degree and build a better life for me and my daughter,” said Alexandria, who appreciates the flexibility of the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship. “I’m using the scholarship money for commuting expenses to ensure that I never have to miss a day of school or worry about how I am going to come up with the money to get there.”

Shiree Strange Owl (Crow) is working towards an Associate’s Degree in Business, with plans to move on to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Her educational pursuits have been shaped by her life experience as a single mother and the oldest of 11 children. Growing up on the Crow Reservation, where poverty, crime and the realities of drug abuse are a constant presence, life did not come easy for Shiree. Fortunately she learned the value of hard work and a positive attitude and became a leader and a role model for her siblings. “There is no replacement for the innate desire I have to make changes in my life and other’s lives,” she said. Shiree recognizes the importance of the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship program. “My people have fought to gain sovereignty, which has given me the opportunity to get an education.”

It was at her tribe’s Community Center that Jasmin Budreau found what she wanted to do with her life – become an advocate for youth, on and off the reservation. Jasmin first began working with youth while she was in high school. “I want the youth to know there is no shame in their struggle and that they have strength within them.” Jasmin is pursuing her Associate of Arts Degree and plans to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology or Psychology after that. “When I first heard I was selected for the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship, I was shocked … I want to give back to the youth I have been working with and continue for the next generations.”

Roberta Crowe is a Native American Studies student who has found her passion for her culture, traditions and language while attending Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College in Wisconsin. After graduating with a certificate in Native American art, she will be transferring to a four-year university to continue her education with plans to become a teacher. Her future goals are to come back to the Lac Courte Oreilles community to teach others about their culture, tradition and language. “I would like to bring my knowledge back here and teach the younger generation all that I learned, giving them the same gifts that I received. I will do all that I can to help the younger generation and to learn my language, heritage and culture,” Crowe said. She used her Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship funds to help pay for educational and living costs while attending LCOOCC.

Kayla Jackson is an enrolled member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in Nevada. She moved to Northern Minnesota when she was young and was raised in the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa community. Kayla earned her associate of arts degree in 2016 from Fond du Lake Tribal and Community College, and in 2018 graduated with an associate of science degree in environmental science. She has also earned a certificate in geospatial technologies (GIS), skills that are in much demand in Indian Country. As an intern with the Tribe’s natural resources department and working at the Environmental Institute, Kayla has participated in numerous projects and initiatives related to her passion for the environment. She used her scholarship funds towards tuition, books, transportation and housing.

Brian dropped out of college after his father died in 1997, but he isn’t giving up on his dream of earning a business degree. His father’s death was a shock that set him off course, but 17 years later Brian found himself back in school. “I pulled myself up and got myself back on my path. That was when I walked into the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College and signed up for classes for the first time in 17 years. It was the best thing I had ever done for myself,” Brian said. Having earned his Associate’s Degree in Anishinaabe Studies in 2018, Brian is now pursuing his Bachelor’s degree. Brian plans to run his own business and return to the reservation to give back to his community.

Facing addiction, debilitating depression and illness, Rose Ramsey found that education was the key to her survival. The Native American Studies student is working toward becoming a suicide prevention worker and inspirational speaker, hoping to use her story of resilience to instill hope in others who are struggling. “I have rebuilt my life, and set a goal and am working towards that goal to complete graduation. Never in a million years would I have thought back then that I could go back to school.” Ramsey used the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship funds to help with living costs while attending Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College in Wisconsin.

Angela Hindsley is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a student at the College of Menominee Nation where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Angela believes that a sound financial background is a key to success and intends to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration, as well. Following graduation, the mother of three children plans to work in Native communities providing financial services and advice. “I want to show my children and others that higher education is important and achievable regardless of age, gender or circumstance. Thank you for providing the funds that make the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship possible.”

Tanika Saunsoci is a member of the Omaha Tribe of Macy, Nebraska. Raised by her aunt and grandmother before having to move into group homes in Iowa, Tanika had a very difficult upbringing. As an adult she moved to Fort Yates, N.D. to attend Sitting Bull College on the Standing Rock Reservation. Now a mother of two, Tanika earned her GED before pursuing a degree in human services. She plans to become a social worker to help Native American children and families similar to hers. “I want to thank you for believing in me and my education. Investing in someone’s future is an amazing selfless act!”

Katlin Yellow Fat resides on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota where he is a full-time student at Sitting Bull College. Katlin previously earned an Associate’s Degree in Building Trades and worked in construction for many years. In search of a better career, he is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Studies with plans to become a teacher or work with at-risk youth in his community. As the single parent of a high school student, Katlin was unhappy with the lack of cultural relevance in reservation schools so he decided to become a teacher. “If children understand their own culture,” he said, “and know where they came from, they will have more direction in life and will find their place in society.”

Courtney Bunker (Chippewa) earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from the White Earth Tribal & Community College (Gaawaabaabiganikaag Gabegikendaasowigamig) with a 4.0 GPA. She spent her last semester in the Arctic Exchange Program at Ilisagvik College in Barrow, Alaska, and is now working towards a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Growing up on the White Earth Reservation where she saw many people succumb to their addictions, Courtney knew she wanted a career helping others better their lives. In high school she served as a Boys and Girls Clubs volunteer, assisting youth with Ojibwa language revitalization, homework help, and recreational activities. She has also been a care coordinator for Indian Mental Health Services. “Thank you for funding the Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship. I was honored to be the first recipient at White Earth.”

Mequon (Mak) Frechette (Menominee) is pursuing a degree in Business Administration while working full time for the Menominee Tribe at Maehnowesekiyah Wellness Center, a drug and alcohol rehab center located on the reservation. Mequon grew up in the reservation community of Keshena, attending the nearby Shawano Community High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He has also been a mixed martial arts fighter. The Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship is the first support Mequon has received in pursuit of his educational dreams.

Melissa Peone (Wellpinit) graduated from Spokane Tribal College with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Spokane Tribal College. Melissa works for the Spokane Tribe as a fisheries technologist. She is also a hard-working mother of two who attended school full time while working at the college under the Federal Work-Study Program. Melissa credits her family for helping her establish a strong work ethic.

Charity Valentin (Ojibwe) graduated from Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Science. At LCO, she was vice president of the student body, and earned a 3.5 GPA. Charity is currently studying to be a dental hygienist at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where she plans to pursue a Master of Science degree in Dental Therapy. In addition, Charity is a STEM mentor at the LCO Boys and Girls Club, and a member of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Charity, whose husband is a tribal police officer, is the mother of three young children.

James White, Jr. (Ojibwe) is pursuing a degree in small business management at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College. HIs long-term goal is to create jobs and work opportunities for people in his Tribe. Better-known in his community as “Jimmy,” White strives to be a role model for the younger generation since there weren’t many strong role models around as he was growing up near the reservation. He is also the founder of SAFE – the Sober Activities For Everyone program that promotes sobriety for teens and adults by holding concerts, lunches, video game competitions, and other activities. James used his Spirit of Sovereignty Scholarship to help buy supplies for SAFE’s community events while also paying some of his school expenses.

Debbe Charge On Him (Oglala Sioux) is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work. It has been a long and winding road to higher education for this mother of two, grandmother of 11, and great grandmother of two. She earned her GED in 1990 but didn’t seek higher education until 10 years later, enrolling in college to pursue a career in the field chemical dependency. In 2007, Debbe had to put her education on hold in again due to family issues. After experiencing difficulties helping her granddaughter navigate social services, Debbe decided to return to school to study for a bachelor’s degree in social work. Debbe works for her tribe’s community health program in Rapid City, S.D. and is most proud of her 3.5 GPA. “It is a challenge financially but this is what I want to do,” she said. “I love my job but I know it is in my heart to become a social worker.”

Melissa Besaw (Menominee) earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies from the College of Menominee Nation, and is pursuing a career in interior design. She followed in the footsteps of her older brother, choosing to attend tribal college because it was close to home, offered a more personal learning environment, and enabled her to become more familiar with her culture and community through Menominee language classes and studies in Native American history and culture. Her involvement on campus included participating in the college’s American Indian Higher Education Conference knowledge bowl team, and finding ways to demonstrate her leadership skills as a team member. “Knowing more of my own language makes me feel more confident in my identify as a Menominee.”

Joshua Plumage is majoring in environmental science at Aaniih Nakoda College on the Fort Belknap Reservation, home to the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine (Nakoda) tribes. He is an excellent student who moved from Washington to Montana to live with extended family and attend college. Joshua receives no financial aid and is responsible for the entire cost of his education, including tuition, fees, books and living expenses. The Spirit of Sovereignty scholarship is helping him pursue a career in solar energy to benefit Native American communities in the future.

Charletta Yazzie (Navajo) is a Diné Artist from Lukachukai, Ariz. Born in Chinle, Ariz., in the Navajo Nation, her clans are To‘aheedliinii (Water Flows Together) and Tachii’nii (Red Running into the Water). She is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Studio Arts (Painting) from the renowned Institute of American Indian Art in Sante Fe, N.M., and she holds an Associate of Arts degree from Dine College in Tsaile, Ariz.

“Thank you for this opportunity. It was a great honor to receive this award,” Charletta said. “With the help of this scholarship, I have the opportunity to continue in my education and career goals. Without this award, many students could not afford to come back next semester.”

Glenda Goodsell (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) is pursuing an associate’s degree in science at Sisseton Wahpeton College. Glenda graduated from the Tiospa Zina Tribal School where she played varsity volleyball and was involved in a variety of community and volunteer activities. After graduating from her tribal college, Glenda intends to pursue her Bachelor of Arts degree and wants to go into early childhood education.

The biggest challenge I overcame was being scared I wouldn’t be accepted into college. Now I can ask questions without being afraid and I am much more comfortable in college than I ever was in high school,” she said. “I want to thank you for what you are doing to help Native Americans go to college. You are teaching those who want to go farther in life that life does not stop after high school, and you are helping them follow their dreams.”

Carrie White Antelope (Northern Arapaho) is the first member of her family to earn a college degree, graduating from Wind River Tribal College in Wyoming with an Associate of Arts in Native American Studies. “My greatest reward is learning to speak the Arapaho language,” she said. “I consider it the most important experience I will ever have.”

The impetus behind Carrie’s pursuit of higher education is her work at Head Start, a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and families. There she encourages families to continue their education by providing them with the resources they need to enter college. “I found that I had no power in my words,” she explained. “Getting my degree has helped me learn our language, our culture, and to better understand my identity, while also giving me the power behind my words of advice to other families.”

As an accomplished athlete who is looked up to by the younger members of his community, Jerry Racine (Blackfeet Nation) is able to reach kids with positive messages through sports. Now he wants to do it in the classroom. “I know I can make a difference for the students that I teach,” said Jerry, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education at Blackfeet Community College in Browning, Mont. Jerry excelled at football and wrestling in high school, and went on to play college football in Kansas. Since returning home, he has volunteered extensively in the community working in after-school programs, coaching, mentoring and inspiring kids to achieve. One of Jerry’s goals is to help kids live a healthier lifestyle.

“I want to make a difference in improving the health disparities in our community,” he said. To do that, he needs assistance paying for life’s necessities while attending college, and his Spirit of Sovereignty Scholarship has been very helpful. “At this point in my academic career, the most difficult thing is funding to accomplish my educational goals,” he said. “Education is important but it comes with a cost.”

Kaylie Trottier (Chippewa) is a second-year student at Sitting Bull College on the Standing Rock Reservation in Fort Yates, N.D. An enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Kaylie is studying Business Administration. Like many of the recipients of a Spirit of Sovereignty Scholarship, Kaylie is a non-traditional student and the mother of two young daughters – 8- year-old Rylie and her sister Paislee, age 3. “I am pursuing higher education now to show my girls how important education is.”