As a strong advocate of Tribal food security and sovereignty, Kurt Grinnell recognised that aquaculture – whether shellfish, finfish, or algae – is a necessity for many Tribes of the Pacific Northwest © KGASF
The KGASF was established to honor the legacy of the late Kurt Grinnell, a Native American leader from Washington State, who passed away suddenly in 2021. Kurt Grinnell viewed aquaculture and natural resources as a solution to Tribal food security, Indigenous reconciliation, Tribal sovereignty and overall wellbeing. The funding supports Tribal and First Nation students who wish to pursue careers in aquaculture and natural resources.
“These scholarships honor the legacy of the late Kurt Grinnell by making it possible for Indigenous students to pursue their dreams in the fields of aquaculture, fisheries and natural resource management. Several of the applicants have consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List at their respective academic institutions. The awardees are highly motivated and will make lasting contributions to their Tribes and communities,” said KGASF’s executive director, John Dentler, in a press release.
Jaiden Grinnell Bosick, a KGASF board member and chair of the Scholarship Selection Committee, noted that many of the awardees exhibit both practical experience and interest in advancing their formal education. “That combination of experience and interest gives us confidence that these students will make a significant contribution to the management and conservation of natural resources so important to Tribal Communities,” she said. Jaiden, one of Kurt Grinnell’s two daughters, operates a commercial fishing business in Alaska with her husband.
Meet the 2025-2026 recipients
- Alana Schofield, a former scholarship recipient who is currently in her final year of study at Lake Superior State University in Michigan, where she will be receiving a B.S. Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Science. A Member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan, Alana plans a career in natural resources and cultural food sovereignty, working with Tribal agencies, and ultimately earning her Ph.D. degree.
- Allison Carl, a Member of the Chugach Alaska Corporation and Native Village of Eyak, Alaska, is pursuing an M.S. degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Alaksa, Anchorage. A previous scholarship recipient, Allison has a strong interest and experience in marine resources, including marine aquaculture. She is currently a lab manager at the Chugach Regional Resources Commission’s Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute in Seward, Alaska.
- Apemesim Galipeau, a Member of the Penobscot Nation, has worked with Tribal youth for six years, coaching competitive canoeing, engaging in planning and outreach to improve the health of Tribal Members, and tutoring students after school. Apemesim is enrolled at the University of Maine at Orono’s Ecology and Environmental Studies program, with plans to work for the Penobscot Nation in natural resources.
- Ilene Goudy, a Member of the Yakama Nation, has worked for many years as a dedicated Fisheries Technician, where she has worked on various fisheries enhancement projects, including coho salmon recovery, habitat enhancement in the Methow Basin, and in hatcheries, where she has been raising spring chinook in the upper Yakima River. She has also worked part of the year at the Cle Elum, Washington, Hatchery. Ilene is enrolled at Heritage University where she is studying Environmental Science.
- Jaycee Williford, a member of the Chickasaw Tribe, will be entering his second year at the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science where he is focusing on Marine Biology and Fisheries. Jaycee grew up near Lake Sammamish and his observations of Tribal efforts to restore Kokanee salmon runs in the Lake Sammamish area helped him realize the importance of aquaculture restoration efforts. He is very interested in pursuing a career in aquaculture.
- Joseph (Joe) Brown, a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, is pursuing an Associate Arts degree in fisheries and wildlife at Washington state-based Spokane Community College. After a decade working in the construction trade, Joe decided to pursue his dream of continuing his formal education in fisheries and wildlife.
- Mary Simeon, a Yup’ik Native and affiliated with the Orutsaramiut Traditional Council of Alaska in Bethel, Alaska, is attending the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, where she is pursuing a degree in marine biology with an emphasis on fisheries science. Mary notes that she is dedicated to bringing back her knowledge and energy to her local community once her studies are completed.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as a recipient. This opportunity is not only a financial blessing but a life-changing gift that will help me continue pursuing my education with greater focus and less stress. Your generosity eases the burden of everyday expenses that come with being a student. This scholarship will give me the ability to put more energy into my studies and involvement in school/community/tribal programs without the constant worry of how to make ends meet. I am deeply appreciative of your investment in my future and the belief you have in my potential,” said one of this year’s awardees, speaking on behalf of all recipients.
