At Washiw Zulshish Goom Tahn‑Nu/Washoe Warrior Society, we believe that caring for our youth is key to ensuring strong, healthy Indigenous Washoe futures. We are committed to restoring in our youth a sense of the uniqueness of their tribal heritage, language, and culture—so they may walk tall and proud, guided by the time-honored values of their ancestors as they navigate how to walk in this world today.
Despite the ongoing impacts of genocide, colonization and forced assimilation, the Washoe people have kept our traditions, language, and teachings alive. We are committed to passing this ancestral knowledge forward—to the next generation of Wá∙šiw youth, and to our community of over 1,400 registered members, countless descendants, and those across the Tahoe Basin who seek to reconnect with Indigenous wisdom and identity.
Our youth programs provide support in education, holistic wellness, and cultural leadership so that Washoe youth thrive—academically, spiritually, and in community.
Our youth programs emphasize service, health, and cultural learning.
Named in honor of beloved elder, language-carrier, and veteran Frank Grayshield, this annual scholarship supports Washoe students pursuing higher education. Our goal is to uplift students who are committed to carrying forward Wá∙šiw values—so they may return and strengthen their community in return.
Each year, the Frank Grayshield Washoe Youth Scholarship awards one or more $1,000 scholarships to Washoe college students.
Your contribution will directly support a Washoe youth college student. Your support helps grow the next generation of Wá∙šiw leaders, scholars, and community stewards.
Every gift helps ensure our youth have the support they need to learn, lead, and return home to carry on the work: dedicating ourselves to nurturing the cultural, spiritual, and physical well-being of our people; protecting the land, water, and all living beings; uplifting our youth; and honoring our Elders so future generations may walk tall and proud upon Wašiw homelands.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Recipients will be selected by the WZGT Scholarship Committee and announced at the next WZGT community gathering: 33rd annual Arts Festival & Basket Competition, Meeks Bay Resort, Lake Tahoe, July 26-27. Applicants must be present to receive the award.
Questions?
Contact: Dr. Lisa Grayshield
Email: info@WashoeWarriorSociety.org
Subject Line: Washoe College Student Application
The Wà:šiw Zùlšiš Gum T’ànu Fall 2024 College Student Scholarship will be awarded to Isabella Smokey. This Fall semester, Isabella will be attending the University of Nevada Reno as a freshman majoring in Environmental Science. As a true 7th generation Native woman, Isabella is passionate about protecting nature, the animals and the ecosystem on the […]
Aspen graduated from Western Nevada Community College this past year where she was the president of the Native Student Association. She now attends UNR. We are proud of you Aspen! Our next scholarship will be awarded during the Washoe Basket Festival at Meeks Bay, and announced on Sunday, July 23rd.
Oscar is a descendant of Washoe Tribal Members Ruth Peirce Abbie and Ruth Kay Abbie, and is a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in Computer Science & Engineering. In his essay, he wrote about how his community and Tribe, and Washoe TANF have provided him with assistance. He has taken his scholarship […]
The Wà:šiw Zùlšiš Gum T’ànu Winter College Student Scholarship will be awarded to Itmahawa Enos. Itmahawa achieved a 3.0 GPA in her first semester of college at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She is now in her second semester of college with a major in Business Management and a minor in Native American Politics. […]
wzgtmail@gmail.com