FDLTCC student gets scholarship

Valerie Ross Zhaawendaagozikwe, a student at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, was awarded the 2020 Spirit of Sovereignty Scholarship, which is given to students attending tribal colleges across the country. Scholarship recipients are selected by their college, and funds can be used for any education-

related expense, including but not limited to tuition, books, housing, travel and childcare.

Spirit of Sovereignty is a National Indian Gaming Association-advised fund at the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.

Zhaawendaagozikwe is a 2011 graduate of the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School in Cloquet and is a first-year student at FDLTCC. She is working toward an associate of science degree in environmental science, an associate of arts degree in American Indian studies, plus a certificate in Anishinaabe language. She is interested in a career in ethnobotany and plans to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor's degree after graduation from FDLTCC.

Zhaawendaagozikwe works full time as a doula for the Fond du Lac Band Human Services Division community health program. She enjoys helping others through teaching traditional practices, especially with children and infants. Valerie plans to live and work in northeastern Minnesota after completing her college education.