Four undergraduates have been awarded scholarships or internships by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation to study Native American environmental, health, and tribal policy.
The foundation, which dates from 1992, established the internship and scholarship programs in 1996. It is named for the late U.S. Rep. Morris Udall, D-Arizona, who served in Congress from 1961 to 1991; and for his brother Stewart Udall, who was also a member of Congress and served as secretary of the interior from 1961 to 1969.
Mecca Bullchild '27 is one of 12 students from eight tribes and 11 universities nationwide selected for a 2026 10-week-long Native American Congressional Internship in Washington, D.C.
Ben Stevenson '27, Eloisa Roach '28, and Lewis McCammon '27 are three of 65 students from 49 colleges and universities who will receive Udall scholarships. The students, who come from 31 states and 12 tribes, each receive $7,500 toward their studies.
"The Udall Scholarship and Congressional Internship recognize students whose work continues the Udalls' public service legacy in the critical fields of environmental studies, tribal public policy, and Indigenous healthcare. Our recipients span all three of these disciplines, and it is impressive to see the immense impact that they are already having on and off campus," says Christie Harner, associate dean of undergraduate education for fellowships and scholars programs.
The Udall Foundation recipients from Dartmouth are:
Mecca Bullchild '27
Native American Congressional Internship
History major, environmental studies minor
Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, Blackfeet Reservation, Montana
"I love the way knowledge can adapt across communities. When it comes to studying at Dartmouth, my focus has been how Indigenous people are at the intersection of these areas of history. My goal is to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous communities," Bullchild says.
"I recognize the complexities surrounding tribal self-governance and all the historical realities behind Native people and the land. With this I am considering law school with my interest in Federal Indian Law and Environmental Law."
"This summer in Washington, D.C, I will be able to see firsthand the relationship with policymakers and better understand the government's relationships between Native nations more in depth. Perhaps the most significant factor in my journey is that I have found a direction that is meaningful to me. As a Native American woman, I share my perspective and background while holding my cultural heritage dear to my heart; whether that would be at the grassroots level or in Washington, I am grateful to be a part of the curriculum and discussions."
Ben Stevenson '27
Udall Scholarship Environment
History major and Spanish minor
Portland, Oregon
"During my time at Dartmouth, I've had the opportunity to help implement federal climate policy in Washington, D.C., and to work with the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative on a new legal and diplomatic framework for global climate policy in Johannesburg. On campus, I've had the privilege to be a part of the Dartmouth Climate Collaborative," Stevenson says.
"I return again and again to my faith in the power of ordinary people: we must get together and fight for our freedom and dignity—these basic rights denied by the current economic and political systems. I believe each of us, as Dartmouth students and as human beings, has an obligation to use our education to understand and to change our society in pursuit of justice, dignity, and freedom. That's why I'm honored to receive the Udall Scholarship. Morris Udall was not only an environmentalist, but also an advocate for peace during the Vietnam War. It is with this integrity and grounded commitment to social, political, and economic transformation that I seek to live my life."
Eloisa Roach '28
Udall Scholarship Tribal Public Policy
History and Native American and Indigenous studies
Iowa City, Iowa
Shawnee Tribe
"I am a history major because I am invested in understanding the ways in which present systems of oppression are constructed, with a focus on how marginalized groups have historically pushed against and transformed their material conditions. I am, as an Indigenous scholar, committed to constructing histories of my people which are recognizable to us and represent not only what is presented in colonial archives, but also our family histories and oral traditions," Roach says. "The Udall scholarship is intended to be used for tuition, housing, and books, so it will be going towards that and alleviating the financial burden of school, allowing me to really focus on what matters: my community."
Lewis McCammon '27
Udall Scholarship Tribal Healthcare
Biological sciences and Native American and Indigenous studies
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
"My professors have spurred my interest in biology fundamentals and in applying the scientific method to identifying and solving the challenges that diseases present," McCammon says.
"Outside of the classroom, I seek ways to combine my interests in my tribal heritage and biomedical research. Through the Pathways Scholars Program at Dartmouth I explore the social determinants of health, work to understand issues arising from cultural differences, and foster community. As an undergraduate, I will also continue to learn about health disparities present in marginalized communities across the world. I plan to obtain an MD-PhD, preparing for a career that achieves my goal of helping Native people live longer, healthier lives through both research and direct patient care."
"I will address this by becoming a physician working with the Indian Health Service, providing healthcare for not just my tribe, but Native Americans all across the country. As a physician scientist working with the IHS, I will treat patients and research health conditions prevalent within Native American communities, such as diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions. In addition to providing clinical care to tribal members, I will advocate for IHS policies and federal legislation that aims to improve access to care in underserved tribal communities."
***
Students interested in learning about Udall Scholarships and other opportunities should visit Dartmouth's Office of Fellowship Advising.