FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do you have to be American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian to be a member of NIEA? No. We offer associate and international memberships to those who are non-Native. How long does a membership last? One year. Per the NIEA Constitution and Bylaws, membership "shall commence from the opening of each annual convention." What is NIEA's definition of American Indian? The term "American Indian" is used to describe a person who: 1) is a member of a tribe, band, or other organized group of Indians, including those tribes, bands, or groups terminated since 1940 and those recognized now or in the future by the state in which they reside, or who is a descendent, in the first or second degree, of any such member, or 2) is considered by the Secretary of the Interior to be an Indian for any purpose, or 3) is an Eskimo or Aleut or other Alaska Native, or 4) is recognized as an Indian by his/her community. What is NIEA's definition of Native Hawaiian? The term "Native Hawaiian" is used to describe any descendent of the aboriginal peoples inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands, who exercised sovereignty and subsisted in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, and who have continued to maintain residency in Hawaii. How do I find out if I am American Indian? The United States Department of the Interior (http://www.doi.gov/ancestry.html) offers resources in tracing Indian ancestry. How do I become a tribal member? Each tribal government has specific and differing requirements in becoming a tribal member. You will need to contact your tribal enrollment office to see if you meet their eligibility requirements. Do I have to be a member to attend the Annual Convention? No. Membership is not required, but we recommend everyone to become a member. Registration fees for non-members are more than registering as a member. Where can I find information regarding scholarships? NIEA does provide limited information on scholarships available to Native students. For more information on outside scholarships, please visit the scholarship section of our website at (http://www.niea.org/media/scholarships.php) Does NIEA offer scholarships? Yes. Every year, during the Annual Convention (typically held in October) we offer the John C. Rouillard and Alice Tonemah Memorial Scholarship. The award is given to post-secondary American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian students who are enrolled full-time pursuing an associate, bachelor, masters, or doctoral degree. Nominee does not need to be a member; however, nominator must be a current member of NIEA. Award amount varies. Do you have grants available? NIEA does provide limited information on grants available to Native students. You may access our Scholarship and Grant Information in our links section (http://www.niea.org/history/links.php). Do you have a list-serve? Yes, we have an email list-serve that informs members and guests of news, events, and information regarding NIEA activities. You may sign-up for the list-serve by following this link: http://www.niea.org/media/email.php. Where is your office located? NIEA's National Office is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.