Haminatam (Hello)
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).
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.
Our Caitlin Gulley Memorial Scholarship is also open to non-Native applicants in the fields associated with her work and who carry the spirit of solidarity that Caitlin demonstrated in defense and preservation of the Tataviam’s cultural resources.
Through Pukúu’s three 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
Deadline: October 16th, 2022
In 1971, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (Tribe) established a scholarship fund that provided awards to help American Indian students with higher education studies. Upon the passing of the Tribe’s Tomiar (captain), Pukúu’s board of directors named this fund in his honor: “Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship.”
The Tomiar Rudy Ortega Sr. Scholarship program provides two awards annually up to $1,000 each towards supporting American Indian students in their academic studies who reside in the State of California.
Caitlin Gulley Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 16th, 2022
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 and the Tribal Administration Office.
The Caitlin Gulley Memorial Scholarship program provides awards up to $1,000 each annually towards supporting students concentrating on tribal cultural resources management and preservation who reside in the State of California.
Austin Martin Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: October 16th, 2022
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 spiritedness for uplifting his people towards a bright future, and was especially passionate about empowering Tribal youth.
The Austin Martin Memorial Scholarship provides up to $1,000 annually towards supporting Native American/Indigenous students who reside in the State of California in their academic studies.
Learn more about enrollment options open at all 116 California community college campuses visit ICanGoToCollege.com today.
