Scholarships for Native Americans

Following the relocation of many Native American tribes to Oklahoma, it is now the state that has more Native Americans of diverse tribes than any other state.

Among the many Native American tribes that were relocated to Oklahoma were the Muscogee Creek tribe. Tusa Beaver is a member of the Creek Tribe. Beaver is also a a junior at the University of Oklahoma who studies special education.

The American Indian Student Association puts on some activities for Native Americans throughout the year. Beaver believes the school and clubs like this are doing a good job helping Native Americans in their studies there, and letting them show some of their culture on campus.

“Last year in April we were able to go in the south oval and they were able to do some powwow songs there and we were able to dance a little bit there and I think OU is doing a good job.”

Beaver grew up in Eufaula, OK which is part of the Creek Nation territory in Oklahoma.

“I like to joke and say 'if you pass by an Indian, they are probably related to me.'”

Beaver doesn’t think that there are many differences between Caucasians and Native Americans living in Oklahoma.

According to the 2010 Census, the Creek Nation has approximately 88,000 members currently living in the United States. It is the 9 largest Tribe in the U.S.

Beaver receives some scholarship money from both the Creek Nation and other associations. Beaver has received around $5000 from her tribe for school, she said other tribes are not as giving.

“I think a lot of tribes aren’t helping as much as they could. My tribe might pay more than many other tribes. I don’t think the Cherokee Nation helps as much.”

Beaver’s fiancé, Lawrence Scraper Jr., is from the Cherokee Nation. He met Beaver after a high school professor told him about her.  At the time she was a Muscogee Creek Nation Princess, a pageant that awards scholarship money to the winner.

Scraper also believes OU is doing a good job representing the Native American Tribes of the state.

“They have different languages that they offer to everybody, I guess." Scraper said, "Not like you have to be of the tribe to learn them.”

The American Indian Student Association puts on several events throughout the year to celebrate the heritage of the Native Americans who go to OU. The annual powwow will be held in spring 2013.