Chickasaw Foundation


Your gift helps us instill hope and foster resilience in Chickasaw families and friends. Make a donation today.

The Story Behind the Barbara Woelk Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for a full-time undergraduate or graduate Chickasaw student enrolled at an accredited college or university pursuing a major in elementary education or Native American studies. Must maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

picture1-3_340x.jpg

Barbara Woelk was a historian and a Native American leader. She was the granddaughter of Elihu Bennett Johnson of Meers Oklahoma, a member of the Chickasaw tribe. She helped start the Mid-American All-Indian Center in Wichita Kansas and the Austin Powwow in Austin Texas. Barbara had a passion for helping young Native Americans understand and be proud of their culture. She organized classes on powwow dancing, shawl making and bead working for students. In those classes, Barbara also taught the importance of their Native American heritage and culture. This scholarship honors her accomplishments and will help prepare the next generation of Chickasaws to pursue her passion and vision.