11/19/2025
Spotlight: Coeur d’Alene Tribal member Joe Brown has received a $5,000 scholarship from the Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation (KGASF) to further his education in fisheries and wildlife, marking a major step in his career transition and his commitment to his Tribe’s natural-resource future. The foundation awarded a total of $25,000 across seven Indigenous students for the 2025–2026 academic year.
After spending more than a decade working in the construction industry, Joe decided to follow his passion: contributing to his Tribe’s and region’s fisheries and wildlife programs. He is now enrolled at Spokane Community College, pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Science.
“To be a Coeur d’Alene Tribal member pursuing this path is something I don’t take lightly. I’m committed to this work for my family, for our lake and lands, and for the future of our people.”– Joe Brown
The KGASF scholarship supports Tribal and First Nation students who are pursuing careers in aquaculture, fisheries, or natural-resource management. The foundation notes that recipients are not only academically motivated but also committed to serving their communities and advancing Indigenous food-security and sovereignty initiatives.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe congratulates Joe on this achievement and extend thanks to the Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation for their ongoing support of Tribal students and natural-resource education. Joe’s success represents the power of perseverance and the value of turning a lifelong dream toward meaningful contribution.
Read more: https://councilfires.com/coeur-dalene-tribal-member-joe-brown-awarded-scholarship-to-advance-in-fisheries-wildlife-studies/
Read more on the KGASF Scholarships: https://thefishsite.com/articles/kurt-grinnell-foundation-awards-25-000-to-indigenous-aquaculture-students?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOK7m1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEel0YzJQkwBm
