Pukúu means ONE in the language of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, ONE place celebrating and bringing together American Indians living in California and beyond. Each year through our Tomiar Rudy Ortega Sr., Tribal Senator Austin Martin, and Cultural Defender Caitlin Gulley scholarships, we celebrate Native scholars, artists, community and student activists and organizers—who are living here in California and continuing into or currently attending post-secondary schools (colleges, universities, trade schools). At this time, Cultural Defender Caitlin Gulley scholarships is the only scholarship open to non-Native applicants in the fields associated with her work, who carry the spirit of solidarity that Caitlin demonstrated in defense and preservation of the Fernandeño Tataviam Tribe’s cultural resources.
Growing in the knowledge of our Native ancestors that may not be taught at these schools is also deeply valued in our scholarships. We recognize and honor our holistic intellectual legacy that has been on this land since time immemorial.
Through our three Pukúu scholarships, we work to help transform the educational systems upon our Indigenous lands for a healthier and more just world—for our ancestors, present, and future generations. Pukúu, we are one!
Click on the scholarships below to learn more & apply!
Tomiar Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship
Applications Open: July 1, 2023
Applications Close: September 22, 2023
Eligibility: Native American-American Indian-Indigenous to this continent (North, Central, and South), or Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiian or Tagata Sāmoa / Native Samoan students who reside in the State of California.
In 1971, Pukuu’s founders Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians established a scholarship fund that provides awards to help American Indian students with higher education studies. Upon the passing of the Tribe’s Tomiar (traditional captain) and Tribal President, Pukúu’s board of directors named this fund in his honor: “Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship.”
Cultural Defender Caitlin Gulley Memorial Scholarship
Applications Open: July 1, 2023
Applications Close: September 22, 2023
Eligibility: Students concentrating on tribal cultural resources management and preservation who reside in the State of California
Caitlin Gulley, a graduate of University of California Los Angeles, began her journey with the Tribe in 2014 as a Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation officer. She was instrumental in defending and preserving the cultural resources of a non-federally recognized tribe and became determined to further her education in law due to the legal aspects intertwined with the practice of cultural resources protection. The Tribe treasured her as a family member beyond the organizational structure of the Tribal Historic and Cultural Preservation department.
Tribal Senator Austin Martin Memorial Scholarship
Applications Open: July 1, 2023
Applications Close: September 22, 2023
Eligibility: Native American-American Indian-Indigenous to this continent (North, Central, and South), or Kanaka Maoli / Native Hawaiian or Tagata Sāmoa / Native Samoan students who reside in the State of California.
Tribal Senator Austin Martin served as a Tribal Senator on the legislative branch of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Senator Martin had the spirit for uplifting his people towards a bright future and was especially passionate about empowering Tribal youth.