Ruth Demmert Language Scholarship Grant

The Ruth Demmert Language Scholarship, offered by Sealaska, provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. Named after a revered Tlingit speaker and cultural advocate, Ruth Demmert, this scholarship supports Alaska Natives and their descendants. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates or 3.0 for graduates and be enrolled in accredited institutions. This initiative aims to empower the community and preserve the Tlingit language heritage.

Sealaska offers financial support for students who want to go to college or vocational schools.
The scholarship is named after Ruth Demmert of Kake, a fluent Tlingit speaker, teacher and tireless advocate for the revitalization of the language. She is so highly regarded that the Organized Village of Kake designated her as a cultural treasure. The fund was named in her honor at the urging of participants at SHI’s 2018 Native language summit, which drew more than 70 fluent Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian speakers and 200 language learners. Ruth is Raven from the Kaach.ádi clan, and her Tlingit name is Kaanak.

Eligibility

To qualify, individuals must meet the following criteria:Alaska Native as defined as "Native" under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. 1602(b).Enrolled to Sealaska Corporation, OR are Native lineal descendants of Alaska Natives enrolled to Sealaska Corporation whether the applicant owns Sealaska Corporation stock or not.Have a GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate, and 3.0 for graduate.Accepted and enrolled in an accredited post-secondary educational institution.