Applications for the Native Student Professional Development Program offered by the Native Peoples Wildlife Management Working Group of The Wildlife Society are due *NEXT FRIDAY August 1, 2014!* Please consider applying to this great program and forward this announcement to those who may be interested.
*Information Below:* *As a scientific organization for professionals who manage and conserve wildlife and habitats, The Wildlife Society (TWS) is increasingly concerned about the lack of ethnic and cultural diversity within the profession. Diversity is essential if the profession is to grow and meet the nation’s * *conservation challenges. The indigenous community has enormous potential to enrich diversity within the wildlife profession. Native lands are important to a national strategy for fish and wildlife conservation, and indigenous students are showing a growing interest in pursuing careers in wildlife. * *TWS has an active Native People’s Wildlife Management Working Group composed of wildlife professionals and students, tribal and non-tribal, who recognize native people’s cultural, spiritual, and biological connections to the land. TWS and the Working Group have been exploring * *ways to promote the early development of Native American and indigenous wildlife professionals. * *The Wildlife Society believes that one of the most effective ways to support indigenous wildlife students is to give them the opportunity to attend TWS’s Annual Conference – the largest gathering of wildlife professionals on the North American continent. The Society is therefore raising funds to enable indigenous students to attend the 21st Annual Conference, to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 25-30, 2014 through the Native Students Professional Development Program. * *How the Program Works: Individuals selected for this program will receive funds to help cover registration fees, lodging, meals, and transportation to and from the conference. Program participants will also receive a one-year membership in The Wildlife Society and become * *members of the Native People’s Wildlife Management Working Group. As TWS members they will receive the quarterly magazine The Wildlife Professional, monthly electronic newsletter The Wildlifer, the Wildlife Society Bulletin, discounts on TWS peer-reviewed publications such as The Journal of Wildlife Management, and access to the TWS website, blog, job board, and other online resources. * *Eligibility: Candidates must be members of a Native American, First Nations, or Indigenous Tribe, or identify as Native Alaskan or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a relevant academic discipline such as wildlife biology or * *ecology. Applicants must display a record of academic excellence and a strong interest in pursuing a career in wildlife management or conservation. Qualified applicants will be evaluated by a panel consisting of the Chair of the Native People’s Wildlife Management Working Group, two other working-group members, a TWS staff member, and representatives from other program partners. * *Applications: Submissions must include name, address, email, phone number, tribal affiliation, name of college or university, current level of study (undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate), field of study, and a copy of most recent transcripts, showing courses and grades. Mention any * *relevant extracurricular activities, memberships in societies, honors, or awards. Also include an essay (500-750 words) explaining why you’d like to participate, how this program might benefit your career development, how your personal and cultural experiences and skills contribute to the wildlife profession, and any other special circumstances you may have. * *Deadline: Email all application materials to Serra Hoagland ([email protected] <[email protected]>) no later than August 1, 2014. * If you have any questions please contact Heather Stricker ( [email protected]) or Serra Hoagland ( [email protected]). -- Michel Kohl Chair Native Peoples Wildlife Mgmt. W.G. The Wildlife Society <><><><><><><><><><>
