The Native Land Conservancy is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Land of the First Light Fellowship, a paid, immersive summer program designed to support the next generation of Indigenous conservation leaders.

Hosted by the Native Land Conservancy, the first Native-led land conservation nonprofit east of the Mississippi, this fellowship creates pathways for Native American young adults to explore careers in conservation while bringing their whole selves — culture, curiosity, and lived experience into the work. Fellows will spend the summer learning, building skills, and land caretaking within the ancestral homelands of the Wampanoag, People of the First Light, on Cape Cod.

Program highlights include:

• A 10-week, full-time fellowship (June 15–August 21, 2026), based in Mashpee, MA
• Development of an individual conservation project with mentorship from Mass Audubon
• Weekly check-ins with NLC leadership and fellow peers
• Hands-on excursions including land restoration, community events, cultural learning, and time with tribal elders

Fellowship details:

• Open to Native American tribal members ages 18–25
• $8,000 stipend, with additional support available for housing, travel, and technology
• Three fellows will be selected
• Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 (11:59 PM)
• Interviews will be held via Zoom; fellows will be notified by March 30

To learn more or ask questions, contact diana@nativelandconservancy.org.

This fellowship is supported in part by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Cedar Tree Foundation.

We encourage eligible Native youth who are curious about conservation, community, and caring for land to apply - and to join us for a meaningful summer of learning and connection. We also invite you to share this opportunity with your networks, communities, and anyone who may be interested, to help spread the word widely.

With gratitude,

Native Land Conservancy