Application Deadline: March 16 (March 9 for International Students)

Current or admitted graduate students in the Indigenous Food Systems Certificate Program can apply for a Buffalo Nations Scholarship. Scholarships will be offered through a competitive application and interview process, developed and conferred by a committee composed of advisory council members, MSU faculty, staff, and student representatives. Itis our express goal to develop an Indigenous Food System Knowledge Network for the Buffalo Nations biocultural region across the Great Plains. This scholarship serves to cover the full costs of tuition and fees for the one-year online certificate. 

Buffalo Nations is offering a limited number of scholarships to this program to build capacity for intertribal food sovereignty. Scholarship priority to the program is given to those engaged directly in the Indigenous food sovereignty work of their communities. Tribal college instructors/staff are encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements: 

  1. A 500 - 1,000-word essay written by the applicant that addresses why they should be awarded a BN scholarship. Include a brief description of prior academic experience(s), including research and community food sovereignty work (if applicable) and how you, as an Indigenous Food Systems scholar, would serve as a role model and/or contribute to the community. This course design provides a unique opportunity to study in a seasonal-ecological model (1 year - 4 seasons), as well participate in a cohort. Please indicate your commitment to cohort participation and program completion.
  2. Your Academic Record (as evidenced by transcripts, GPA, and other related materials) from your application to graduate school will be attached to the application by graduate school staff.
  3. Three letters of recommendation. Ideal letters of recommendation would include statements from a 1) community member and/or mentor; 2) someone who can speak to your academic history, for example, a former instructor; 3) someone who can speak to your engagement with food sovereignty work. 

Please fill out the below personal information and then email your required documents to buffalonations@montana.edu 

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For example, Spring 2025