NEAH BAY, Wash. — When Kaela Tyler, a member of the Makah Nation, was growing up in Neah Bay there was one message she received consistently from her family:
"My parents always told me, come back and give back to your community," Tyler said.
A message Tyler took to heart – she's a college student now, studying dental therapy, and giving back during her summer break - working in her tribe's dental clinic.
Important work, says Makah Tribal Chairman TJ Greene.
"That's one of the largest needs that we've had in our community, in our health care. Your healthcare starts with your teeth, you know,” said Greene. “I think it's just wonderful that she's pursues it with the passion that she has, and wants to be home and serve her community."
Tyler is studying dental therapy thanks to a scholarship from the Washington Indian Gaming Association that's supported by tribal leaders across the state and empowers Native American students to pursue their dreams.
“I thought it was really cool that the scholarship is helping Native Americans get higher education,” Tyler said.
She learned about the Washington Indian Gaming Association – or WIGA - scholarship from her father, and Rosina DePoe – another member of the Makah Tribe who received it.
"WIGA supported me while I got my Masters,” DePoe said.
DePoe is now the Deputy Director of WIGA - another success story that started with access to post-secondary education.
“Higher education is very important to the Makah Tribe,” Greene said.
Rebecca George, Executive Director of WIGA, has seen these scholarships transform lives.
“Education is particularly important to native communities to bridge the education gap. And it is the avenue that is helping to lift communities out of poverty, said George. "And so to be here and to see students that have benefited from our program now here, serving the community in such big ways, I think is, is amazing."
After graduation Tyler hopes to come home to the Makah Nation and continue to provide dental care to her community.
Paying it forward, just like her parents taught her to do.
"I think it's really important for Native Americans to come back and give back to their people, get back to their community. And so I just feel like it's a respect thing coming back and working for them,” Tyler said.
Sponsored by Washington Indian Gaming Association.
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