Fellowship Program

The Native Hope Fellowship Program empowers creativity and leadership in Indigenous Peoples and their communities. The initiative creates and supports opportunities and funding for individuals to develop their vision and improve Indian Country.

Meet Our Fellows

About Our Unique Program

Over their 12-month commitment, Native Hope Fellows receive tools, resources, and capital - up to $5,000 - to launch or sustain their vision of helping and supporting Native communities. Additionally, Native Hope seeks opportunities for Fellows to share their initiatives at speaking engagements, conferences, or events. 

Lily Mendoza

The scope of Lily's fellowship will include a written toolkit and a user-friendly PowerPoint presentation, along with support documents that those who work in the area of MMIW can use in their communities. 

Learn More

Melissa Skeet

As Melissa continues her trail skating awareness, she has big plans to bring awareness and education about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, health, and healing. 

Learn More

Dr. Carma Corcoran

Dr. Corcoran's fellowship is focused on bringing hope and healing to tribal communities whose family members have been impacted by incarceration using Gentle Action Theory in conjunction with Traditional Ways.

Learn More

Swipe

Beverly Running Bear

Beverly teaches Lakóta language at the college and community level. She believes preserving the language for generations to come remains key to cultural preservation. 

Learn More

Jama Bourne

Jama provides meat to Elders in her community each year. A Native Hope fellowship would allow Jama to continue (perhaps expand) this tradition. Serving her community, specifically elders, allows Jama great satisfaction as most are in need of food.

Learn More

Swipe

Dennis Metcalf

Dennis plans to assist with the creation of a graphic novel to promote indigenous storytelling in a positive voice for Indigenous Values.

Learn More

Starr Chief Eagle

Starr plans to supply dance regalia and cultural knowledge to Native American youth. She will target those who have the passion and drive to dance but do not have financial support and connections to the culture.

Learn More

Orlando Skidmore

Orlando aims to create a feature, narrative film based on the Western Apache cultural deity known as the Mountain Spirits, Crown Dancers, or as the Apache call them, "The Gaan."

Learn More

Swipe

Zoel Zohnnie

Zoel's COVID-19 fellowship assisted him with his delivery of water to those in need across the Navajo Nation at the height of the pandemic. 

Learn More

Waylon Pahona Jr.

Waylon's COVID-19 fellowship helped him to deliver clean water to those in the Arizona Hopi Nation, where  the water supply is laden with arsenic and uranium.

Learn More

Blake Pocquette

Blake's fellowship enabled him to teach basic stunt work to Native youth and spoke about pursuing dreams in order to promote confidence.

Learn More

Swipe

Nikki Lowe

Nikki Lowe's Fellowship allowed her to use her life experience as a mixed martial arts professional and BIA officer to inspire Native youth. 

Learn More

Elva Stricker

Elva aims to bridge the cultural gap between generations by helping teenage girls prepare for and experience the Coming of Age ceremony.

Learn More

Jason Goodface

Jason spreads meth awareness within his community and South Dakota, an area where drug and alcohol abuse is high.

Learn More

Swipe

Yvonne "Tiny" DeCory

Tiny works to fight teen suicide, provide job readiness skills, and promote mental health awareness across Indian Country.

Learn More

Swipe