The Kemiiwananakwadok Scholarship is awarded annually to a Native American law student within the State of Minnesota. This scholarship was created in honor of our founder’s late wife, Jodi, who was deeply proud of her Turtle Mountain heritage and dedicated to her work as an attorney with the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office and ICWA Attorney.

Jodi was an active member of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association and believed wholeheartedly in supporting Native law students and strengthening Native representation within the legal field. Through this scholarship, her legacy continues by helping support the next generation of Native attorneys and advocates.

This $1000 scholarship is offered in partnership with the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association, which manages the application and recipient selection process.

2025 Recipient: Ashley LaFriniere

2024 Recipient: Amber Van Fleet

2023 Recipients: Savannah Thibert & Dayna Maldonado

2022 Recipient: Brandy DeCoteau-Heminger

The Niizhoodenh Scholarship is awarded annually to two Native American graduating seniors within the Anoka-Hennepin School District pursuing post-secondary education through a two year college, four year college/university, trades program, or other certification program.

Niizhoodenh is the Ojibwe word for “twin,” translating to “two hearts.” This scholarship was created in honor of our founder’s twin sons, whom he lost many years ago.

As alumni of the Anoka-Hennepin School District and former staff within the district’s American Indian Education Program, our founder and co-founder are honored to give back to the community that helped shape their journeys.

2025 Recipients: Maya Brunette and Kathryn Bennett

2024 Recipients: Aaron Arthur Jr and Aubree Hoversten

2023 Recipients: Kendra Pender and Emory Elliott‍ ‍

The MIEA Nashke Scholarship supports Native American students pursuing post-secondary education and is awarded annually through the Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference. This reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of Native leaders, educators, professionals, and community changemakers. By investing in students and their educational journeys, we hope to help strengthen Native communities for future generations.

The $1,000 scholarship is offered in partnership with the Minnesota Indian Education Association, which manages the application and recipient selection process.

2026 Recipient: Brody Lhotka

2025 Recipient: Ashlynn Johnson

2024 Recipient: Maria Swankier

2023 Recipient: Charlise Chase Pendleton

The David Sam Scholarship is awarded annually to Native American students in Minnesota who are pursuing post-secondary education and/or training in the trades. Two $500 scholarships are awarded each year: one to a graduating high school senior and one to a current college, post-secondary, or trade school student continuing their education.
The David Sam scholarship will be awarded annually to a Native American graduating senior within a Minnesota American Indian Education Program who is planning to pursue post-secondary education and/or training program (trades).

The late David (Amik) Sam is Anishinaabe from Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. David was a remarkable individual—a gifted leader, teacher, spiritual advisor, and language instructor. He was also an avid outdoorsman and a revered Makizinataagewin instructor. Nashke Games collaborated closely with David on developing our Makizinataagewin and Bagese games. His contribution remains integral to the work we continue to do today. We are honored to offer a scholarship in his memory.

The scholarship application opens June 1, and closes July 10. Recipients announced on August 15.

2025 Recipients: Noemi Morales-McDonald and Keira Nickaboine

2024 Recipients: Amanda Defoe, Cheyenne Olson, and Juile McCormick

The Ojibwe Educator Scholarship is an annual $500 scholarship supporting students pursuing pathways to become Ojibwe Language Educators. Through this scholarship, we aim to invest in the next generation of language teachers, helping strengthen language revitalization efforts for future generations.

This scholarship is offered through the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network’s partner university (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University). All application criteria, selection processes, and award decisions are managed directly by MIIN and its partner institution(s).

2026 Recipient: Waabshkaa-mkoonhs (Brigitte Neganigwane-Shepard)