SAA Native American Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Society for American Archaeology
About the Fund
The Native American Scholarships Endowment Fund was established in 1988 to foster shared purpose and positive interaction between archaeologists and Native peoples. Since 1998, income from the fund has supported the Arthur C. Parker Scholarship. In 2009, two additional awards were added to support undergraduate and graduate study in archaeology. Scholarship funding comes from individual donations, a silent auction at the SAA Annual Meeting, and external grants.
- The fund supports training and study in archaeology and related fields.
- Funding is provided through donations, fundraising, and external grants.
Scholarships Offered
The fund offers four scholarships for archaeological training or study in archaeology and museum studies. Award amounts range from $6,000 to $10,000, and one award is available for each scholarship. Eligible expenses vary by award and may include tuition, travel, housing, supplies, research, and related costs.
- Four distinct scholarships are available.
- Review each award’s purpose, eligible expenses, and additional criteria before applying.
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SAA Arthur C. Parker Scholarship for Archaeological Training for Native Americans: Supports archaeological training for Native American students or employees of tribal, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian cultural preservation programs. Any form of archaeological training is eligible; training is not limited to field schools.
- Award: Up to $6,000.
- One award is available.
- Learn more about Arthur C. Parker (1881–1955).
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SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship: Supports undergraduate study in archaeology. Funding may cover tuition, travel, food, housing, books, supplies, equipment, dependent care, medical expenses, archival research costs, and analysis costs.
- Award: Up to $6,000.
- One award is available.
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SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship: Supports graduate-level study in archaeology. Funding may cover tuition, travel, food, housing, books, supplies, equipment, dependent care, medical expenses, archival research costs, and analysis costs.
- Award: Up to $10,000.
- One award is available.
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Bertha Parker Cody Award for Native American Women: Supports undergraduate and graduate study in archaeology or museum studies. Funding may cover tuition, travel, food, housing, books, supplies, equipment, and child care. The award is open to Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women, including gender non-conforming individuals, and is partially funded by the Autry Museum of the American West.
- Award: Up to $6,000.
- One award is available.
- Learn more about Bertha Parker Cody (1907–1978).
Eligibility
The scholarships are open to Native peoples from anywhere in the Americas, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Indigenous Pacific Islanders. Some awards have additional eligibility requirements. Applicants should review the description of their intended award to confirm its specific criteria.
- Applicants must be part of an eligible population listed above.
- Additional criteria may apply to individual scholarships.
Submitting Your Application
Submit your application using the 2027 NASF Application Form. After submitting, check for a confirmation email. If you do not receive one, contact [email protected].
- Use the 2027 NASF Application Form to apply.
- Contact [email protected] if your submission is not confirmed by email.
Application Materials
Applicants must provide a completed application and supporting materials. The application requires two recommendation letters, a personal statement, an itemized budget, and proof of Native identity. The personal statement must be no longer than two pages.
- Completed application form.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably including one from a current SAA member in good standing.
- Personal statement of no more than two pages describing interest in archaeology or museum studies and future contributions.
- Itemized budget using the template, with an explanation of financial need and how funds will be used.
- Proof of Native identity, such as a Tribal Enrollment Card, official council letter, birth certificate, or statement outlining genealogy or ancestry.
Other Requirements
Before an award is finalized, recipients must certify that they meet the program’s conduct-related requirements. They must not have been subject to a discrimination or harassment lawsuit, or related administrative complaint, that resulted in an adverse finding. They must also have no current or pending disciplinary action from the Register of Professional Archaeologists, such as suspension or termination of registration.
- Recipients must make both certifications before an award is finalized.
- The requirements cover adverse findings related to discrimination or harassment and current or pending Register of Professional Archaeologists disciplinary actions.