Clark became alive with the sound of wooden flutes, drums and live vocals as people of all ages filled Gaiser Student Center to celebrate indigenous cultures Nov. 6. in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
The Diversity Center hosted their sixth annual Pow Wow, but what made this year’s celebration different was their announcement of the Dreamcatcher scholarship.
Starting this fall, Clark students who identify as Native American can apply for a $500 scholarship if they are enrolled or plan to enroll in five or more credits. The application is due Dec. 4 and must include a written essay and letter of recommendation.
“I think people believe that there is a lot of financial support for people that identify as Native American, but really there is not,” said Felis Peralta, lead of the Office of Diversity and Equity. “That’s a myth.”
Peralta said the scholarship will look at students as a whole. “We know there are barriers to education, so we’re not always looking at grades,” she said. “Somebody with a 2.0 and multiple barriers or obligations could fit this scholarship, versus somebody with a 4.0 [who doesn’t have those hardships].”
The announcement was only one part of the festivities, which also included performances by Native American flutist Isaac Trimble and the Kaleinani Hula School. Coupled with fried tacos and vendor booths, Clark College brimmed with cultural tradition.
