Frequently Asked Questions

If you don't see your question answered here, please contact us — we are happy to help.

1. What is SCAIR and what services does it provide?

SCAIR, a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization, is dedicated to serving Native American, Alaska Native, and Hawaiian Native parents, children, and families in pursuing career, educational, and personal goals. For detailed information on SCAIR programs, please visit our Programs page.

2. Does SCAIR fund educational pursuits?

SCAIR does not directly fund long-term educational pursuits, but we can offer valuable information on college options and scholarship opportunities. Tribal TANF participants interested in educational funding through the Tribal TANF Training Program should contact their Tribal TANF Case Worker for eligibility and further details. After eligibility is determined, the SCAIR Native NetWORKS Program provides assistance for trade schools, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training on a case-by-case basis.

If you are interested in scholarship and grant opportunities:

3. What is the purpose of tribal enrollment?

Tribal enrollment requirements preserve each tribe's unique character and traditions. The tribes establish membership criteria based on shared customs, traditions, language, and tribal blood.

What are tribal membership requirements?

Tribal enrollment criteria are set forth in tribal constitutions, articles of incorporation, or ordinances. The criteria vary from tribe to tribe, so uniform membership requirements do not exist.

Two common requirements for membership are lineal descendency from someone named on the tribe's base roll, or relationship to a tribal member who descended from someone named on the base roll. (A "base roll" is the original list of members as designated in a tribal constitution or other document specifying enrollment criteria.) Other conditions, such as tribal blood quantum, tribal residency, or continued contact with the tribe, are common.

For tracing ancestry: Bureau of Indian Affairs — Tracing American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Ancestry.

4. Does SCAIR provide cash, emergency housing, or transportation assistance?

SCAIR provides various emergency services through specific programs for eligible participants. For more information and to schedule an intake for eligibility determination, contact us or check our service area and eligibility page.

5. How do I find a Native American speaker or performer for a community or school event?

For information on potential speakers and performers for community or school gatherings, please reach out to:

• Connie Greybull — (619) 209-4501 — cgreybull@sandi.net
• Randy Edmonds & Bonnie Jerome-Edmonds (SCAIR Senior Advisors) — (619) 226-6581