“Native women have survived, Indian nations have survived, because of our beliefs and teachings.”
— Tillie Black Bear, Sicangu Lakota
Welcome, Relative
Our Mission
To create and support a pathway for educational scholarship to Native survivors and their children who have experienced interpersonal violence, specifically domestic violence.
About the Memorial Fund
What’s At Stake
The spectrum of violence against Native women is not a “new” issue. American Indian and Alaska Native women suffer the highest rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, with more than 4 in 5 — a staggering 84.3% — having experienced violence in their lifetime. In addition, 96% of American Indian and Alaska Native female victims of sexual violence experienced violence at the hands of a non-Native perpetrator (i.e. individuals of other races). This violence continues to be multilayered, occurring over a lifetime.
As advocates, our work is centered on the reclamation of the sacred status and safety of Native women.
Until all Native women and girls are safe and free of violence in all forms, we will continue to carry the medicine passed down from our elders and ancestors to heal by advocating for the sovereignty of tribes and supporting our sister advocates, Tribal leaders, and community members in strengthening their capacity to serve American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian victims and survivors of violence in their communities.
Uplifting Advocates
The Tillie Black Bear Memorial Fund was established to honor her legacy by providing educational opportunities to Native survivors of domestic violence and their children. Through your generous donations, we aim to award 2-3 scholarships annually to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to their community and personal growth.
We would be honored by any contribution or gift you feel moved to make. Your support empowers survivors and advocates to better their journeys, becoming leaders in their communities.
Together, we can make a lasting difference.
The Scholarship
The Power of Community and Support
Central to our efforts is the scholarship program, which aims to provide financial support and resources to Native survivors and their families. This program helps them pursue professional or educational betterment, reflecting Tillie's belief in the power of community, education, and opportunity.
The Application Process
The scholarship application process serves as a platform for public education about Tillie Black Bear's life and contributions to the movement. Applicants are encouraged to learn about her legacy, ensuring that her story continues to inspire future generations of advocates; the selection committee will award 2-3 scholarships to applicants who best align and follow the criteria of:
(1) community involvement,
(2) having an established goal or plan for education or betterment,
(3) outlining how this financial support with help inspire their goals and plans into fruition.
We have established a comprehensive application and selection process to ensure fairness and transparency. To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must submit a checklist of required materials. The selection process, in which we have assigned committee roles and an open criteria rubric for applicants to view as they submit materials, is designed to be anonymous and fair, allowing applicants to be evaluated solely on their merit and need.
As we continue to work towards a future free from violence, Tillie Black Bear's legacy remains a guiding light. Her vision and values inspire us to create meaningful opportunities for survivors, helping them to rebuild and flourish. Through our scholarship program and other initiatives, we are committed to honoring her memory and carrying forward her mission of empowerment and justice beyond the shelter doors.
The application open in 2025.