Native Forward Scholars Fund is committed to serving our students through graduation and beyond. Scholar Greta Gustafson (Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation) is Native Forward. She puts her best foot forward to influence positive change for her community and beyond. 

She grew up on the Two Medicine River’s (Naa-to-ko-ka-tsi) banks on the Cross Three Ranch, where she developed a love and appreciation for animals of all shapes and sizes. The horse has always been an integral part of Native American life, and caring for these animals is one way she wants to honor them for all they have provided. 

Greta completed her undergraduate studies at Montana State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and an Honors College Degree. She is enrolled at Washington State University in the College of Veterinary Medicine. 

With her dedication and the help of Native Forward’s Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program, Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund, BIE Internship Funding for STEM Students, and BIE Professional Examination Funding, she interned at various veterinary clinics, including McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital, Clear Creek Veterinary Clinic, Littleton Equine Medical Center, and the Idaho Humane Society Shelter Medicine Program. Greta has also participated in professional development by attending the National Society for Theriogenology Conference, the Western Veterinary Business Management Conference, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners Wet Lab at Texas A&M University.

After graduation, Greta will complete a one-year veterinary internship at Littleton Equine Medical Center to specialize in equine medicine, surgery, and emergency. Greta hopes to return to Montana to give back to the community through veterinary services.