Native American Scholarships Fund

In 1988, the Native American Scholarships endowment fund was founded to promote a sense of common interest and constructive engagement between archaeologists and Native Americans. Since 1998, the SAA has awarded the Arthur C. Parker Scholarship using endowment profits. The Society added two additional awards in 2009 to promote undergraduate and graduate education in archaeology, as well as a new award for Native American women in 2021. Individual donations, a silent auction held at the SAA Annual Meeting, and foreign funds are used to finance these scholarships. 

• An Application Form

• Two letters of endorsement, each from an existing SAA member in good standing, describing the applicant's previous accomplishments and career potential;

• A personal declaration of no more than two pages in length that discusses why the applicant is participating in the proposed program in archaeology and/or museum studies, as well as the contributions the applicant wishes to make in the future of the stated field(s);

• An itemized budget that is consistent, practical, and well justified, as well as a justification of financial need that provides a clarification of how the funds will be used and the basis for financial need;

• Native American, Alaskan Native, or Native Hawaiian identification documentation, such as official tribal enrollment status (e.g., Tribal Enrollment Cards, an official letter from the Tribal or First Nation council, birth certificates, etc.) or a declaration outlining the applicant's genealogy or ancestry.

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