Patriotic Service
- The mission of the Colonial Dames is to stimulate a spirit of true patriotism and to foster a knowledge of American history.
- The Indiana Society annually collects comfort items for distribution to veterans residing in the greater Indianapolis area.
- Indiana Dames contribute to the NSCDA District History Scholarship and American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program in addition to awarding an annual scholarship to a local college student studying American history.
- The Dames participate in naturalization ceremonies welcoming new U.S. citizens and presenting them with American flags.
American Indian Nurse Scholarship
The American Indian Nurse Scholarship Award Program was started by The National Society in 1927 to give students of American Indian descent the opportunity to pursue careers in nursing. The students are expected to return to work among their people to help improve health care. Some students work on reservations and others find employment in hospitals in areas largely populated by American Indians. Intended originally to benefit females only, the program has expanded to include males, and the career goals are now not only nursing careers, but jobs in health care and health education as well.
The goal is to grant a $1,000 scholarship each semester, as long as the student remains in academic good standing. The scholarship money is restricted to tuition and specific academic expenses. To meet the financial demands of their education, many students seek additional government grants and subsidies and maintain part-time jobs. Over the years, this program has made a significant contribution to breaking the pattern of poverty and unemployment that has plagued the American Indian population for many years.
The Indiana Society has made major yearly contributions to the scholarship over the years and has been in contact with some of the recipients and followed their progress.
Naturalization Ceremony
