We are an Indigenous-led conservation 501(c)(3) nonprofit

LIGHT Foundation logo by Aylia Marchand
LIGHT Foundation logo by Aylia Marchand
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  • Home 🌱
  • How to Donate 🌱
  • Scholarships 🌱
  • ABOUT US 🌱
    • Council Of Guides
    • Financials
    • Our Voices
    • Job Posting
    • Tribal Climate Change
  • Events 🌱
  • Contact Us 🌱
  • NEWS🌱

We Swim Together Scholarship Program

Eric Stensgar Memorial Scholarship

Through the Eric Stensgar Memorial Scholarship, the L.I.G.H.T. Foundation (LF) Council of Guides foresees awarding a $2,500 scholarship to one eligible Colville Tribal citizen or descendant annually per academic year.


Eric Stensgar was our brother and friend; an avid outdoorsman who was just as comfortable hiking the mountains of the San Poil Valley and calling for elk as he was watching the current of the Columbia River for schools of salmon.  A traditional hunter, Eric provided love and nourishment to his family and community.  He was a respected and accomplished salmon fisherman, earning the honorific title of β€œUncle” among his own Tribal Elders and peers.  He was most at home and at peace when in the lands and waters of his ancestors: feeling the wind, smelling the trees, and hearing the birds.  


Tragically, we lost Eric to suicide during the fall of 2013.  His passing was a painful reminder that American Indians and Alaska Natives are disproportionately affected by suicide, and that there has been a significant twenty percent (20%) increase in Native suicide rates since 2015 (CDC 2024).   It is our belief at LF that the connection to and relationship with the lands, waters, and all our Spirit Relatives is vital to our health, wellbeing, identity, and sovereignty as Indigenous Peoples.  Practitioners of Western medicine are increasing their understanding of these basic truths we have known since time immemorial, as evidenced by research from the American Psychological Association and the Yale School of the Environment (Weir 2020, Robbins 2020).  The dedication of this memorial scholarship to Eric’s joyful and nurturing spirit helps us acknowledge the life he lived and the healing power of Mother Earth.  


Eric still brings laughter, joy, reflection, and inspiration to those of us who were fortunate to make memories with him.  He inspired the painting featured on our LF website (and shown in the image at the beginning of this section) by artist Gregg Caudell, titled β€œSwims With Salmon,” which shows Eric swimming with landlocked salmon in the San Poil River on the Colville Indian Reservation.  See more of Mr. Caudell’s artwork at https://gregg-caudel.pixels.com. 


References:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  15 Sept. 2024.  Suicides Among American Indian or Alaska Native Persons - National Violent Death Reporting System, United States, 2015-2020.  See: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7137a1.htm#suggestedcitation. See also: Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s information about American Indian and Alaska Native Populations at https://sprc.org/about-suicide/scope-of-the-problem/racial-and-ethnic-disparities/american-indian-and-alaska-native-populations/.
  • Weir, K.  1 April 2020.  Nurtured by Nature: Psychological research is advancing our understanding of how time in nature can improve our mental health and sharpen our cognition.  Vol. 51, No. 3.  American Psychological Association.  See: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature.
  • Robbins, J. 9 Jan. 2020.  Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health.  Yale Environment 360, Yale School of the Environment.  See: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health.  


Application Process

The application process for the 2025-2026 school year is now closed. Please check back for the 2026-2027 application opportunity.

Congratulations to Sydney Sparks, who has been awarded the 2025 recipient of the Eric Stensgar Memorial ScholarshIp!   Read more about Ms. Sparks here.

Qualifications and procedures for applicant

  • A Tribal citizen or descendant, applicable to requirements of one of the scholarships.
  • Intention to attend an institution of post-secondary education, full time, for the fall term of 2025.
  • Complete application including all Items 1-5 (see below) sent to Scholarship Committee representative either by electronic or post mail.
    • Post Mail – One packet containing Items must be postmarked by May 14th, 2025, and sent to ATTN: Scholarships, L.I.G.H.T. Foundation, P.O. Box 186, Elmer City WA 99124 
    • Electronic Mail – One email containing Items in PDF format must be submitted by 6pm PST on May 14th, 2025, to j.marchand2045@gmail.com, subject line reading: ATTN: Scholarships
    • Online Application
  • Selection will be based on the completed application and will be at the discretion of the Scholarship Advisory Committee.


       

All Applicants Must Include the Following Items


  1. Proof of Tribal Identification, Certification of Indian Blood, or descendancy, applicable to one of the scholarships (see above), and contact information of certifying Tribal government.
  2. Two letters of recommendation, one from a leader of their community and one from an individual knowledgeable about traditional plants and/or Tribal knowledge's.
  3. Personal resume (between 300-500 words), prepared by the applicant.
  4. Proof of High School GPA of at least 2.5 GPA (i.e. diploma and transcript required) and contact information of certifying high school.
  5. A letter response (between 400-600 words) completing the Section below, as appropriate:

  

  1. Why are you interested in conserving native plants and traditional foods in your community?
  2. What cultural activities have you participated in which utilize Indigenous knowledge's and traditional food practices?
  3. How does your intended area of study have connection to the areas of traditional food and plants conservation, education, or research? 
  4. How do you see yourself being able to utilize your area of study to benefit your community once finished with your academics?

 

Online Application

Apply here
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L.I.G.H.T. Foundation

P.O. Box 186, Elmer City, WA 99124

We support the restoration and cultivation of native Plant and Pollinator Relatives and the culturally respectful conservation of habitats and ecosystems which are climate resilient and adaptive.

EIN: 87-3832254


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