Heidi Gudgell Memorial Scholarship

The Heidi Gudgell Wisteqn'eemit Scholarship fund has been created for eligible Nez Perce members to receive $1,000 as they pursue higher education.

Eligibility

  • College Student Currently Enrolled at a College or University
  • Enrolled Member of the Nez Perce Tribe

How to Apply

  1. Complete Scholarship Application
  2. Attach Letter of Reference Detailing Applicant’s Status in College
  3. Attach 250-500 Word Personal Essay Detailing Applicant’s Plan to put College Education to Work in the Future
  4. Application must be postmarked by December 15, 2023.
  5. Submit Application and all required material to:
    Nez Perce Tribe
    K. Heidi Gudgell Memorial Scholarship
    PO Box 305
    Lapwai, ID 83540

The Nez Perce Tribe will award at least one scholarship annually in the minimum amount of $500 to a qualified applicant that is or will be majoring in Journalism, History or English.

The scholarship is dedicated to the memory of K. Heidi Gudgell. Ms. Gudgell was an attorney who served for fifteen years (1996-2011) in the in-house legal office for the Nez Perce Tribe, Office of Legal Counsel. Heidi was originally hired to manage the Snake River Basin Adjudication matter for the Nez Perce Tribe.  She also provided legal services in many areas, including personnel, retirement benefits, taxation and many other areas.

Heidi was a tireless, dedicated member of the tribal staff and held the Nimiipuu people close to her heart. In 2011, Heidi retired from the Tribe to focus full-time on her battle with cancer and to spend time with her husband Gery and extended family. This scholarship is a symbol of Heidi’s positive outlook on life and her belief that although we all deal with personal struggles, it is important to keep fighting and to be unwavering in the pursuit of your goals. Heidi passed away on September 21, 2014. She lives on in our hearts.

Following verification of college enrollment, the scholarship winner will be announced, notified via U.S. Mail, and the check will be presented on the second NPTEC meeting in August. Applicants not awarded the scholarship will also be notified via U.S. Mail. For additional information contact Joyce McFarland, Education Manager, at (208) 843-7303.

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People &
Community

Wisteqn'eemit works to develop a strong organizational structure in order to benefit quality of life for Nez Perce Tribal members and their communities; Tribal sovereignty is respected in all Wisteqn'eemit efforts; Wisteqn'eemit encourages giving and sharing among Tribal members.

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Arts &
Culture

Wisteqn'eemit supports activities to benefit Tribal arts and tradition, past and present; Tribal arts and culture are respected in all Wisteqn'eemit efforts; Wisteqn'eemit encourages a deep cultural connection among Tribal members.

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Nature &
Environment

Wisteqn'eemit supports projects to benefit our natural resources; the environment and its abundant resources are respected by Wisteqn'eemit efforts; Wisteqn'eemit encourages a strong sense of place among tribal members.