Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

February 8, 2003 - Issue 80

Opportunities - Page One

• Positions Available - including Fellowships and Internships;
• Scholarship, Award and Grant Information; and
• Event Announcements.

We receive these announcements from various sources including Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP)

To view additional listing from previous issues, click here

4TH ANNUAL AWARENESS EVENT FOR POLITICAL PRISONER LEONARD
PELTIER SCHEDULED FOR JUNE ON PINE RIDGE RESERVATION.

Information Contact:
Oglala Commemoration Committee
web: www.geocities.com/oglala_commemoration
email: oglala_commemoration@yahoo.com

OGLALA SD - The 4th Commemorative Event is scheduled for June 26, 2003 (Thurs) at the in Oglala SD on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. (Known as the Oglala Lakota Nation.)

The Lakota Student Alliance and Kansas City AIM Support Group jointly sponsor the annual event to honor and
remember the lives lost during the 1970s Civil War on the Reservation and to also raise awareness toward the unjust imprisonment of AIM member Leonard Peltier whose incarceration resulted from a Shootout incident between AIM members and Federal police agents at Oglala 28 years ago. It is also an event which promotes reconciliation and healing for the 1970s events with emphasis on alternatives or restorative justice.

Activities begin with a Spiritual Ceremony conducted at the Gravesites of Joe Stuntz, Anna Mae Aquash, and Jun Little; A memorial walk ends at the Jumping Bull Property; a Community Dinner and a Concert commences at the Loneman School in Oglala. This years event celebrates the wonderful accomplishments of Lakota Youth and also honors the past heroes of contemporary such as Buddy Lamont, Pedro Bisonnette, Anna Mae Aquash, Joe Stuntz, Jun Little, Nilak Butler and Standing Deer.

Musical Guests include Anishnabe Artist Wayquay; Lakota Rockers Steel River Band; Folk Singer Jim Page; Oglala Hiphopper Storm; Southern Cheyenne Singer JD Nash, Spyderzback of Pine Ridge and more performers as they arrive.

Speakers at this event will include distinguished characters who played a vital role in the justice movement for Leonard Peltier: Bruce Ellison, Peltier Attorney for 26 years from Rapid City will discuss Globalization as well as and update us about Leonards case; Vernon Bellecourt , AIM Spokesman from Minneapolis MN will discuss Racism in Sports and Media; Tom Cook, Mohawk Founding Editor of former Akwesasne Notes and Founding member of Slim Buttes Land Association will speak about many uses of Hemp As An Alternative Energy; and members of the Lacreek Civil Rights Association will discuss the many wonderful accomplishments they made this past year.

Other speakers include Russell Blacksmith of the Lakota Student Alliance who was recently inducted into the
National Congress of American Indians Youth Board; And Tom Poor Bear updating us on the Progress of Camp Justice. More Speakers will be added to the roster as we near the fourth Annual event. We invite all concerned people to come join us this very historic day to celebrate and share.

Lakota Student Alliance
PO Box 225
Kyle, SD 57752
lakotastudentalliance@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/lakotastudentalliance/index.html

FELLOWSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
African American Urban Studies Fellowship

Postdoctoral Fellow: Center for Africanamerican Urban Studies and the Economy (CAUSE). The Dept. of History, Carnegie Mellon University, seeks a scholar in the humanities and/or social sciences doing history-related research in African American urban studies. The fellow will pursue his/her own research project; collaborate with the director on current Center projects; and interact with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. The appointment is for 9 months beginning August 15, 2003. The fellowship carries a stipend of $37,000, $4,000 for research and expenses, and benefits.

Send a cover letter, c.v., two letters of reference, 3-5 page project proposal, and writing sample to:

Prof. Joe W. Trotter,
CAUSE,
Department of History,
Carnegie Mellon University,
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890.

Deadline for receipt of applications is March 3. (Notification of decision by March 17). Women and minorities are urged to apply, AA/EEO.

Nancy Aronson
Center for Africanamerican Urban Studies and the Economy
Department of History
Baker Hall 244
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412.268.8928

AWARDS PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
Harvard Project launches Honoring Nations 2003

Application deadlines: Paper application needs to be postmarked by March 10, 2003 and the electronic application needs to be submitted by March 14, 2003, 5 p.m. (eastern time). The electronic application may be accessed at: www.ksg.harvard.edu/hpaied/hn_main.htm.

To learn more about Honoring Nations and eligibility requirements, or previous awardees, please visit our website (www.ksg.harvard.edu/hpaied) or contact Terrelene Gene, Associate Director of Honoring Nations, at
Terrelene_Gene@ksg.harvard.edu and (617) 384-9622 or Andrew Lee, Director and Executive Director of the Harvard Project, at Andrew_Lee@ksg.harvard.edu and (617) 496-6632.

SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MINORITY STUDENTS IN THE SCIENCES

The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is seeking applications from underrepresented minority students for its scholars program. The application deadline is February 15, 2003. The ACS Scholars Program provides financial support to academically accomplished African American, Hispanic and Native American students in their pursuit of undergraduate studies in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, environmental science and related disciplines in two- and four- year college and university programs.

Up to 100 scholarships will be awarded to minority students seeking a career in chemistry. Freshmen can receive up to $2,500 per academic year. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for up to $3,000 per academic
year. According to the Society's ChemCensus Report, relatively few minorities major in science-related disciplines at the college level. In 2000, for example, those of Hispanic heritage - 12.5 percent of the U.S. population - represented 2.6 percent of the chemistry work force; African Americans - almost 12 percent of the population - made up less than two percent of the chemical work force; and Native Americans ? one percent of
the population - made up less than one percent of the chemical work force.

For more details on the ACS Scholars Program, including an online application form, please visit www.acs.org/scholars or telephone 1-800-227-5558, extension 6250.

SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
Scholarships to Students in Filmmaking and Writing

The Institute is currently accepting applications for its Film and Fiction Scholarships, which provide funding to promising young filmmakers and writers who "share an appreciation for the potential and promise of a free society." The scholarships of up to $10,000 in tuition and stipend will be awarded to support students who are pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in filmmaking, fiction writing, or laywriting: have a demonstrated interest in classical liberal ideas and their application contemporary society; and demonstrate the desire, motivation, and creative ability to succeed in their chosen profession.

For complete program guidelines and information obtaining and applications, see the IHS Web Site at: http://www.theihs.org/tab1/mfa.html

For additional URLs in Arts and Culture, visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholars Program Fact Sheet
Summer 2003

Program Description:
The Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholars Program is a unique summer Internship experience at the U.S. Department of Education, established in commemoration of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his contributions to civil and human rights in America. Up to ten outstanding undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in education policy or public policy and administration will be selected to participate in the program this summer. Selected students will be designated as Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholars and will receive temporary Federal appointments in the excepted service for an eight-week period, June 16-August 8, 2003. This time period may be extended for an additional four weeks on a case-by-case basis. Scholars will be hired at grades GS-4, 5, 7, or 9, depending on qualifications and education level completed (corresponding pay range: $10.86 to $18.40 per hour).

Scholars will be assigned to the Office of the Secretary and the immediate offices of the Assistant Secretaries of Education at the Department's headquarters in Washington, D.C. Scholars will assist with a variety of projects related to critical education programs and initiatives, analysis, policy development, legal, or other work designed to provide developmental experiences and exposure to government and public policy in a Cabinet-level Department.

Eligibility Requirements:
The program is open to continuing juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis in an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree program and have plans to register for the Fall semester. Students can be from any field of study. Note: Graduating baccalaureate, master's, or doctoral students who are not enrolled and continuing their education in the academic semester following the summer internship are not "continuing students" and are not eligible for this program.

Students must be in good academic standing (academic transcripts required). Two academic references will also be a required part of the student's application. Recruitment Procedures: The U. S. Department of Education, Office of Management, Human Resources Services, will post a special announcement for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholars Program. The recruiting announcement will briefly describe the program and specify eligibility requirements, application procedures, citizenship requirements, contact information, and other required announcement information. It will be posted on www.ed.gov, on the U. S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) USAJobs website (www.usajobs.opm.gov), and on the new www.studentjobs.govwebsite.

The announcement will be open on January 8, 2003, and close on February 21, 2003.

Scholars will be notified by March 31, 2003, of their acceptance to the program. Applications: Students desiring to be Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholars will be required to submit:

• A resume or application form (OF-612)
• Proof of continuing enrollment (transcript or letter from the registrar)
• Proof of academic good standing (transcript)
• Two academic references (name, title, contact information)
• Brief essay (500 words, 2 pages) on the link they see between the philosophies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and education policy or public policy and administration.
• A one-page cover letter on why the student wishes to be a Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholar and what he or she has accomplished or plans to accomplish that embraces Dr. King's philosophies. Applicants may also include a preference for an area of interest within the Department.

Possible areas include: elementary and secondary education, vocational education, postsecondary education, civil rights, research, special education, English language acquisition, education innovation, teacher quality, legislation, and technology. The U. S. Department of Education's Human Resources Services will review the application packages for legal, regulatory, and program requirements.

Applications from eligible students will be referred to a panel for review of letters, essays, academic references, and transcripts. The panel will develop a list of the top 25-30 candidates. Applications will be evaluated based on academic achievement, the quality of thought exemplified in the letter and essay, and the strength of the candidate's interest in education policy or public policy and administration. A second panel will be convened to make final selections from the top group of candidates.

Expectations:
Scholars will be expected to:

• Commit to an eight-week period beginning June 16 and ending August 8, 2003;
• Work closely with a Senior Official on a specific issue/project;
• Participate in periodic briefings and other activities held for Scholars;
• Prepare a final paper on the experience as a Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholar; and
• Present a brief summary to Senior Staff outlining the specific issue or project worked on and any results or recommendations OR present a brief summary of their experience as a Martin Luther King, Jr., Scholar.

SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
USA FUNDS
Deadline: Midnight March 15, 2003

USA Funds® is accepting applications for two scholarship programs to help lower-income students pay for higher education. By completing and submitting one application, students may qualify for both scholarship opportunities. USA Funds Access to Education ScholarshipsTM offer financial support to students with economic need. USA Funds will award up to $3 million in new Access to Education Scholarships for the 2003-2004 academic year. Up to 50 percent of awards are targeted to members of ethnic minority groups or individuals with physical disabilities. Help America LearnTM Scholarships will award up to $547,500 in one-time scholarships to qualified full-time undergraduate students.

Eligibility
USA Funds Access to Education Scholarships are open to high-school seniors, currently enrolled college students or incoming college students who:

1. Plan to enroll or are enrolled in full- or half-time undergraduate or full-time graduate coursework at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school. Eligible applicants include students attending or planning to attend law school, medical school or other professional-degree programs. GED recipients also are eligible. Students must plan to enroll or be enrolled beginning with the fall 2003 term through Feb. 1, 2004.
2. Have an annual adjusted gross family income of $35,000 or less, as documented on a 2002 federal income-tax return on which the applicant is claimed as a federal tax exemption.
3. Are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Eligible non-citizens must be permanent U.S. resident aliens with a Green Card, or refugees with a Departure Record (Form I-94)
4. Are not currently in default on a federal education loan.

Applicants from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all U.S. territories and commonwealths are eligible for the program.

Approximately 50 percent of the awards will be targeted to applicants from the states that USA Funds serves as the federally designated guarantor of student loans. Those states are Arizona, Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada and Wyoming. Additionally, up to 50 percent of the scholarship awards will be targeted to applicants who are members of an ethnic minority group* or have a documented physical disability**.

*Ethnic minority groups are defined as follows: Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, American Indian Asian, African American, Hispanic

Awards
The program will award scholarships worth $1,500 for full-time students, and $750 for half-time undergraduate students. The scholarships may be renewed annually, if the student maintains a 2.5 grade-point average on a four-point scale, until the continuously enrolled student receives a final degree or certificate, or until the total award to the student reaches $6,000.

Application
Applications must be postmarked by midnight March 15, 2003, for consideration. To Download an application form go to: http://www.usafunds.org/borrowers/access_to_education_scholarship.html

If you have questions, call CSFA toll-free at (800) 537-4180, or send e-mail to scholarship@usafunds.org.

Federal Student Aid for College or Career School

The U.S. Department of Education provides grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to eligible students (of all races) attending participating colleges or career schools. We are the source of nearly 70 percent of all student aid awarded in the U.S. each year. The vast majority of our aid is based on financial need rather than academic merit.

We have designed a poster aimed at American Indians, letting them know that money is available for college (and listing our web site and toll-free number). We encourage you to download a color 8.5x11 PDF of the poster at www.studentaid.ed.gov/brightfuture and place the poster in a prominent place in your school, library, office, business, community center, or other appropriate public place. Share this web site with other educators, librarians, small business owners, and anyone in Indian Country who would be willing to print out the poster and display it.

American Indians/Alaska Natives graduate from college at less than half the rate of the general population. Help us ensure that lack of information about funding is not an obstacle.

Thank you.

Cindy Forbes Cameron
Student Aid Awareness
US Dept of Education

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