We guide and support the next generation of Washoe leaders
“Protect the children—teach them values and support them to gain tools to become responsible citizens.” —WZGT Core Values
At Washiw Zulshish Goom Tahn‑Nu/Washoe Warrior Society, we believe that caring for our youth is key to ensuring strong, healthy Indigenous Washoe futures. We are committed to restoring in our youth a sense of the uniqueness of their tribal heritage, language, and culture—so they may walk tall and proud, guided by the time-honored values of their ancestors as they navigate how to walk in this world today.
Our youth programs provide support in education, holistic wellness, and cultural leadership so that Washoe youth thrive—academically, spiritually, and in community.
Washoe Ways: Youth Programs
Our youth programs emphasize service, health, and cultural learning.
Service: We create opportunities for youth attendance and community service at tribal gatherings. For example, at the Washoe Tribe’s Annual Elders’ Dinner, youth receive stipends to cook, serve, and care for Elders—reaffirming opportunities for intergenerational exchange and respect.
Health: We offer hands-on opportunities to learn healthy cooking using traditional and organic plants and herbs for food and medicine.
Cultural learning: Whether it’s mentorship and training for our youth video crew, supporting opportunities to gather—like stick games, basket contests, and the Washoe Olympics—or scholarships to attend Indigenous youth conferences, these activities connect youth with one another, with elders, and with our cultural values.
Our Washoe youth video team recorded our Washoe Warrior Society spring event (2024).
Washoe Youth Education Access
Frank Grayshield Washoe Youth Scholarship Fund:
Named in honor of beloved elder, language-carrier, and veteran Frank Grayshield, this annual scholarship supports Washoe students pursuing higher education and carrying forward Wá∙šiw values—so they may stay rooted in their community while also achieving their dreams. Each year, the Frank Grayshield Washoe Youth Scholarship awards one or more scholarships to Washoe students.
2025 Campaign Outcome
Together, 46 donors helped us exceed our $5,000 goal — uplifting and amplifying the voices of our Native youth.
This year, we awarded scholarships to five incredible Washoe college students and provided stipends to youth helpers who supported community events over the summer.
Ellorie is a nursing student at Unitek College, set to graduate this December. Her commitment to community care, health, and service inspires us all. We are proud to award Ellorie a $1,000 scholarship in recognition of her dedication and perseverance, and we can’t wait to celebrate her graduation later this year.
Kolbie is a first-year student at Western Nevada College, an artist and beader who loves plants, animals, and the Earth. Still exploring her academic and creative path, Kolbie’s curiosity and love for learning promise an exciting journey ahead. We, the WZGT Board of Directors, are proud to present Kolbie with this $1,000 scholarship to support […]
Destiny is a culinary student in Hilo, Hawai‘i, dedicated to preparing food that nourishes both body and spirit — embodying the belief that “food is medicine.” Her dream is to return home after completing her education to open a restaurant that will bring the community together through healthy, traditional, and inspired meals. We are proud […]
Itmahawa achieved a 3.0 GPA in her first semester at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where she is majoring in Business Management and minoring in Native American Politics. Her plan upon graduation is to return home to pursue a leadership role, following in the footsteps of her great-aunt Wanda Batchelor — the first Chairwoman […]
Aspen graduated from Western Nevada Community College, where she served as president of the Native Student Association. She is now a third-year Art major at the University of Nevada, Reno, and a talented artist whose work reflects Wá∙šiw culture and values. We, the WZGT Board of Directors, are proud to present Aspen with this $1,000 […]
Oscar is a descendant of Washoe Tribal Members Ruth Peirce Abbie and Ruth Kay Abbie, and is a sophomore at the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in Computer Science & Engineering. In his essay, he wrote about how his community and Tribe, and Washoe TANF have provided him with assistance. He has taken his scholarship […]
The Wà:šiw Zùlšiš Gum T’ànu Fall 2024 College Student Scholarship will be awarded to Isabella Smokey. This Fall semester, Isabella will be attending the University of Nevada Reno as a freshman majoring in Environmental Science. As a true 7th generation Native woman, Isabella is passionate about protecting nature, the animals and the ecosystem on the […]
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Washiw T'anu' Angal (The Peoples House)
WZGT is currently seeking funding for land and materials to build Washiw T'anu' Angal (The Peoples House) on traditional Washiw homelands. We are inviting you to join Washiw Zulshish Gum T'anu in this Land Back movement.