Sweetgrass Award

For Native peoples, sweetgrass is a sacred plant that attracts positive energy, beauty and sweetness. In some Native teachings, it is considered the sacred hair of Mother Earth, and its fragrance reminds people of the gentleness, love and kindness mother Earth has for the people. Traditionally, braided in three strands, each strand represents love, kindness and honesty. This award honors the Indigenous psychology professional who epitomizes these values and virtues through the dedication of outstanding professionalism in service such as the following:

1. Mentoring and support Indigenous women;
2. The development or adaptation of research methods or models for treatment and intervention that are ethnical, cultural and gender appropriate for Indigenous women;
3. Advancing the understanding of the psychology of Indigenous women; the scientific understanding of features of ethnicity, culture and class among Indigenous women which pertain to the psychology of women; adequate education and training in service and investigative approaches related to Indigenous people; and
4. Advocating on behalf of Indigenous women in policy, clinical and research findings in the area of services to AN/AI and other Indigenous women, children, youth and families.

Nominees/applicants should be a member of Div. 35, Section VI and preferably mid- to senior career level or more than 10 years since graduation. Non-members are welcome to apply and agree to become a member of Div. 35 and Section VI once selected to be the award recipient. Membership information and application can be found on our membership brochure (PDF, 175KB). Nominations including self-nominations are welcome.

Please submit:

• A one-page statement articulating the applicant’s contribution to the commitment (or relevance of proposal) to feminist goals and contributions to AN/AI/Indigenous feminist psychology, including the applicant’s reflection on its impact on AN/AI/Indigenous communities (and/or families).
• A letter of support/recommendation from a faculty who is familiar with the applicant’s work.
• The applicant's curriculum vitae.

Deadline for all submission is in April of every year. Applications that fail to meet the guidelines described below will not be reviewed. Electronic applications should be submitted via email. Please contact Career Committee Representative Stephanie Parisien via email for all award inquiries.

Melinda Garcia, PhD (2018)

Alberta Arviso, PhD