Financial Aid & Scholarships
ingrid washinawatok scholarship
The Ingrid Washinawatok Scholarship provides full tuition for a young person to attend the National Leadership Conference for the entirety of the four-year program.
Whether as Ingrid White at Younger Girls camp or as Ingrid Washinawatok at Older Girls, Ingrid touched each camper with her indomitable spirit. Her ready laugh, encouraging smile, and high energy sense of fun would light up any room…or trail.
To honor Ingrid’s life and continue her legacy of leadership, a group of friends from her years at Miniwanca have created this scholarship fund. We are inspired by Ingrid’s self-determination, commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, and transformative work as a human rights advocate.
As of January 8, 2026, the generosity of our donors has raised $33,173.
Who is Ingrid?
Young Ingrid
Ingrid was born in Keshena, Wisconsin, a few years after the U.S. government terminated federal recognition of the Menominee Tribe. Her family moved to Chicago, and during Ingrid’s teenage years, returned to their homeland to be part of the successful movement to restore the Menominee Tribe’s sovereignty. After using the adopted last name of White for years, Ingrid and her family reclaimed their Menominee name, Washinawatok.
Ingrid: Leader, Activist, Visionary
Among the most promising Native American leaders of her generation, Ingrid was a courageous advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, human rights, education, and environmental conservation. She drew strength from the traditional values of her culture and had an unwavering commitment to her people, inspiring others along the way. As an activist, writer, spokesperson,educator, and director of a philanthropic foundation (Fund for Four Directions), she dedicated her life to fight for the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. A devoted mother and wife, Ingrid was also a prominent leader of the Native American community of New York City, co-founder of Indigenous Women’s Network, and chair of the Indigenous Caucus in the United Nations. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors.
Ingrid’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Ingrid traveled to the remote highlands of Colombia in 1999 at the invitation of the U’wa tribe. She was working to help set up a school to preserve the culture and language, and to defend their lands against oil exploration. Ingrid and two American colleagues were kidnapped and murdered by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.
How to Support
Donate online. Your gift will be credited In Memory of Ingrid Washinawatok and included in the scholarship fund.
Donate by check. Gifts can be mailed to the American Youth Foundation, 6357 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117.
Looking for other ways to give? We can work with Donor Advised Funds, gifts of stocks and securities, and more.
