Living my dream! Story and Photo from Shara Diamond Hello, My name is Shara Diamond, I am Unangax and Tlingit. My Grandma Alma Foster was from Unga Island and my Grandfather Paul Rudolph Senior was from Southeast, Alaska. My Mom is Sharon P. Kay, Unangax Culture bearer and Master Basket Weaver of the Attu style. … Read more
Thank you TCF! Story and Photo from Hannah Lowery I am going into my senior year of college in the nursing program at Arizona State University. Currently, my plan is to become a postpartum nurse or further my education with graduate school. These scholarships made it possible for me to further my education and begin … Read more
The Gift of Continuing Education Story and Photo from Jacob Schmidt Dear The CIRI Foundation, I wanted to take a moment and try to put into words what the support I have received over the years has meant to me. Financial support from The CIRI foundation has allowed me to pursue educational goals beyond my … Read more
Appreciation from a Scholarship Recipient Story and Photo from Marissa Shaver Hello! My name is Marissa Shaver from Fostoria, Ohio. I have been one of the scholarship recipients for the past four years and now for this upcoming school year. I attended Trine University in Angola, Indiana and studied biomedical engineering. I recently graduated this … Read more
My Journey to a Law Degree Story and Photo from Brenda Blankenship My name is Brenda Marie Blankenship, and I’m one of those people who decided to go to school later in life. I am Athabaskan, and an enrolled member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, as well as a direct lineal descendant of an original … Read more
The Honor of Representing CIRI in College Story and Photos from Steven Brown Over the past two years I have been blessed to receive the general academic year scholarship from The CIRI Foundation (TCF) and I cannot begin to express my thankfulness for having been selected for the Excellence Annual Scholarship this year. In no … Read more
My Journey to Becoming a Speech Pathologist Story and Photo from: Lauren Sanford My name is Lauren Sanford and I was born and raised in Washington State. My mom was born and raised in Fairbanks, and has taught me to love and appreciate my Alaska Native heritage through educating me about my great grandmother, a … Read more
“An Inuit in Arizona” Story and Photo from: Peter DuBois I am Yupik Inuit, and a CIRI descendant of James and Mabel Larsen, my grandparents, original CIRI shareholders and my mother, Katherine DuBois, also an original CIRI shareholder. I am a PhD candidate in American Indian Studies at the University of Arizona. I received my … Read more
“Iḷisimmaaġiksuaq” Story and Photo from: Ayyu Qassataq Through my work and studies, I aspire to embody one of our traditional Iñupiaq characteristics: Iḷisimmaaġiksuaq – one who seeks knowledge and wisdom to become an informed and active contributor to their community.I strongly believe that the gifts we were born with don’t belong to us – … Read more
“Rocketing Bearkat” Story and Photo from: Trey Oursler I was extremely lucky to be chosen as a recipient through The CIRI Foundation to pursue my college education at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. I studied Communications with a minor in English Literature while also participating in sports and school programs. I graduated in … Read more