We are so excited to introduce the Storyteller, Doyon Foundation’s new monthly e-newsletter! Each month, we will share news and opportunities from our scholarship and language revitalization programs, as well as ways to support the Foundation as a donor or volunteer. View our October 2021 e-newsletter in your web browser here. Want to sign up to receive our e-news? Sign up on our website.
We also just launched a new quarterly printed newsletter. Download a PDF of the October 2021 issue here, or join our mailing list by sending your name and address to foundation@doyon.com.
Here are some highlights from our October 2021 Storyteller:
Get up to $2,400 for School Next Spring
The application period for spring 2022 scholarships from Doyon Foundation is now open, and eligible students could receive up to $2,400 for school! Applications must be received by Monday, November 15, 2021, at 5 p.m. AKST. Remember, our basic scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your application in early. Also, vocational students are eligible for basic scholarships as well as short-term vocational scholarships, depending on the length of the program. Get all the details and apply: bit.ly/2YKn3qy.
TCC and Doyon Contribute to Foundation Health Scholarship Fund
We are pleased to announce a $100,000 donation from Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC). The award from TCC is matched by a financial commitment from Doyon, Limited to dedicate $200,000 to the Foundation’s health scholarship fund. With a growing need for healthcare workers, both organizations agree that supporting Alaska Native students in pursuing healthcare careers is a priority. The additional funding allowed the Foundation to award eight additional health competitive scholarships to students in fall 2021. Read more: bit.ly/3zzz2oA.
STUDENT PROFILE: Shondiin Mayo
Shondiin Mayo keeps very busy: She graduated with her bachelor’s degree this spring, interned with Doyon, Limited this summer, and is now a master’s student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks! “I’m excited to take next steps in my education – I’m still learning about myself – and Doyon Foundation’s financial support helps in immense ways,” she says. Read more about Shondiin: bit.ly/2W3e1nD.
Foundation Awards $706,000 to 291 Students for Fall 2021
Congratulations to the 291 students who received a total of $706,000 in Doyon Foundation scholarships for the fall 2021 semester! We are pleased to award 165 full-time basic scholarships, 72 part-time basic scholarships and 54 competitive scholarships. Mark your calendar for our next application deadline on Monday, November 15, 2021, for spring 2022 scholarships.
Vocational Student Scholarship Opportunities
Many students hear the word “scholarship” and think it’s just for students pursuing a traditional four-year degree at a university. But at Doyon Foundation, we have scholarships for everything from short-term vocational courses to doctorate programs. Whatever educational goals and career dreams you have, we have the scholarship for you! So what exactly IS a “vocational student”? And what vocational scholarships are available? Find out everything you need to know on our blog: http://bit.ly/39SWGBT.
Watch Our Scholarship Award Video
We celebrated the start of a new school year and recognized our fall 2021 scholarship recipients in our scholarship award recognition video, which premiered on Facebook and YouTube last month. There were welcomes from Doyon, Limited and Doyon Foundation leaders, a special prayer for students by Elder Ruth Ridley, words of inspiration and encouragement from student speaker Chael Idzinski, announcement of our fall 2021 basic and competitive recipients, and recognition of our donors, who make our scholarships possible. Watch the video: youtu.be/sappcZMxQ3g.
Health Students Can Apply for Spring 2022 Competitive Scholarships
Full-time students studying health-related fields have the opportunity to apply for a Doyon Foundation competitive scholarship for the spring 2022 semester, thanks to a generous contribution from Tanana Chiefs Conference and Doyon, Limited. The competitive scholarships for the spring semester range from $3,500 for undergraduate students, to $4,500 for graduate students, to $5,500 to doctoral students. Read more and apply: https://bit.ly/3vFF7Pj.
NATIVE WORD OF THE MONTH
Our October Native Word of the Month honors Every Child Matters Day, a National Day of Remembrance for U.S. Boarding Schools, which was recognized on September 30.
The day is an opportunity to reflect on the history of residential schools, and remember the lost children, the survivors, and all those affected.
It is also a reminder of the importance of language revitalization and an opportunity to celebrate and use our language by proudly saying, “We remember you.” Find written audio and video translations: bit.ly/3DH6FGr.
LANGUAGE SUPPORTER OF THE MONTH: MYLES CREED
Myles Creed is a project assistant with our Doyon Languages Online project, as well as a doctoral student in linguistics. Working in support of Iñupiaq language revitalization, Myles led a Facebook Translations project that, since 2020, permits anyone the ability to use Facebook in Iñupiaq. He is also a founding member of Ilisaqativut, a grassroots collective of Iñupiaq second-language learners and partners. Read more about Myles’ inspiring support of language revitalization: bit.ly/3mdt07x.
Language Journeys
Earlier this year, we partnered with the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center to launch Language Journeys, a series of episodes featuring interviews with different learners and teachers of Doyon region languages. The episodes air the last Friday of each month at noon Alaska time on the Morris Thompson Center website. The October episode, featuring Polly Hyslop speaking about her journey with Nee’aanèegn’ (Upper Tanana), will premiere Friday, October 29, at noon. Watch past and upcoming episodes: morristhompsoncenter.org/live.
DLO On the Go
Our first DLO On the Go contest concluded in early September and we were thrilled to see the all the new students and all the progress completed in Doyon Languages Online! The contest launched in March and ended September 3. Students received one prize entry for every course unit they completed. We’re currently calculating the entries and will hold a random drawing for prizes including iPad Mini, iPod Touch and Apple gift cards! Keep an eye on our website and social media for the announcement.
Deadline Extended for Language Mentor-Apprentice Program Project Manager Applications
We’re seeking a project manager for our exciting new language revitalization mentor-apprentice program. This is a full-time position based at our office in Fairbanks. The new close date is Friday, November 5, 2021. Learn more and apply or help us spread the word: https://bit.ly/2YLMb04.
Supporters Create Successful 20th Anniversary Golf Classic
After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, our Morris Thompson Memorial Golf Classic returned this summer in Fairbanks. A big thank you to the 116 golfers, 60+ sponsors and 50+ volunteers who helped make our 20th anniversary event such a success. The 2021 golf classic raised approximately $131,000 for the Morris Thompson competitive scholarship fund, which honors the memory of the late Morris Thompson while supporting our students on their educational journeys. Read more and watch our anniversary video: bit.ly/2VXUdSd.
Ducks Bring in Scholarship Bucks
A big thank you to everyone who purchased a duck to race in the Great Alaska Duck Race last month! This year, we had the opportunity to partner with the event, which is organized by Alaska EXCEL, a nonprofit providing educational opportunities to rural Alaska youth.
Our supporters purchased $3,535 in ducks through our fundraising page, of which we received half of the proceeds for our scholarship program. Overall, the event raised $100,000 for the 13 participating nonprofits, including Doyon Foundation. Read more: bit.ly/3veEJXw.
Support Scholarships While You Shop
Did you know you can support scholarships while you shop? Between July to September, we earned $329.93 in donations from Fred Meyer – simply because shoppers linked their Rewards card to the Foundation! Join the 52 households who are supporting the Foundation while they shop by linking your card to the Foundation. You can search for the Foundation by name or by nonprofit number QB344. We’ll earn a donation every time you shop and use your Rewards card. Watch this short video as we walk you through the simple sign-up instructions step-by-step: youtu.be/eBDNYHh6L74.