2026 Lorraine Loomis Memorial Scholarship Recipient Announced

The Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lorraine Loomis Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Isabella Long (Sisitsalitsa) of Washington will receive the $5,000 award for the 2026/27 academic year in pursuit of her undergraduate biology degree.

Sisitsalitsa is an enrolled member of the Swinomish Tribal Community who has demonstrated sustained leadership, cultural engagement, environmental stewardship, and community service. For more than 15 years, she has participated in the annual Pacific Northwest Canoe Journey, recently serving as a puller on her grandfather’s canoe and helping preserve Coast Salish traditions while strengthening her connection to her ancestors and tribal heritage.

She is an active member of the United National Tribal Youth Council (UNITY), where she helps organize community service projects, elder programs, community dinners, and civic engagement activities, while pursuing additional leadership development through national conferences.

Isabella has also dedicated herself to preserving Indigenous arts by teaching herself traditional beadwork, ribbon skirt making, and sewing clothing that incorporates Coast Salish designs.

For two consecutive summers (2024–2025), Isabella interned with the Swinomish Tribe’s Department of Environmental Protection, conducting air and water quality monitoring along the Skagit River, assisting with culturally significant camas plant restoration, and helping organize environmental education programs for tribal youth. These experiences strengthened her commitment to environmental conservation, tribal sovereignty, and community leadership.

Drawing inspiration from a family history of tribal leadership and resilience, Sisitsalitsa plans to pursue a degree in biology and eventually a graduate degree, with the goal of returning to work for the Swinomish Tribe. She hopes to use scientific knowledge to protect natural resources, support sustainable fisheries, and preserve the lands and waters that are central to the Swinomish people’s culture and future.

She will be invited to introduce herself and her studies to Commissioners during the 2026 Fall PSC Meeting.

Background

Lorraine Loomis, an elder in the Swinomish Tribe, passed away in 2021 leaving behind a decades-long career advocating for indigenous fishing rights and salmon conservation. She was one of the first women to play an active role in fisheries policy and management, rising to prominence at the tribal, state, national, and international level. Her achievements and consensus building led to her replacing the esteemed Billy Frank Jr. as chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission upon his passing and receiving many other accolades.

The scholarship seeks to honor Lorraine’s legacy and her many contributions to the fisheries community, with a view to inspiring and enabling future leaders like her.