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
“My Education Journey” Story and Photo by: Janelle Feller (2017) Hello, my name is Janelle Feller and I am an Athabascan Alaska Native, as well as a member of the Native Village of Ruby. I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and plan to stay here as I have always loved this state. During … Read more
Patricia Baldwin captured the moment her grandson, Marcus Nolan, received notification that he would have a scholarship from The CIRI Foundation to support his study of engineering. She says, “One very happy Grandson and very happy family. Thank you.”
Story by: Denise Tuttle (2017) “Going Back to School” Although I teach full-time and have periodically taken educational classes, a Master’s Degree seemed unreachable for me. I wondered if I could manage as a full-time teacher, a mom, a wife and a part-time graduate student at the same time, let alone re-enter graduate school 27 … Read more
Story and Photo by: Vanessa Standard Dear TCF- Thank you so much for the generous vocational grant that you awarded me. I was able to graduate with my yoga teacher training certification. I am now working with others – teaching them the healing science of yoga. Many people’s lives are improving because of my education. … Read more
