Verdell Charles Beaulieu, Jr. Awarded Gerald "Butch" Brun Scholarship for 2017

Tom Cain, Jr. Acting Executive Administrator, and acting on behalf of the family of Gerald "Butch" Brun spoke to the tribal council early in their July 11, 2017, monthly meeting.

After reminding the Tribal Council, Hereditary Chiefs, and those present of the Brun scholarship resolution of May 13, 2003, Cain read aloud a letter signed by the Brun family.

"Dear Council members, we the committee for the Gerald "Butch" Brun Scholarship have reviewed all applications submitted for this scholarship and have selected Verdell Charles Beaulieu, Jr., as this year's (2017) recipient for the $3,000 scholarship.

"We would like to thank all the applicants that applied. The essays submitted by each applicant were very good and the decision was not easy. We wish each applicant the best of luck in reaching their goal and desire to become a college graduate."

The winner Verdell Beaulieu was in the audience and came up front to receive his award to the applause of all in attendance.

About Chairman Brun

Gerald "Butch" Brun served on the Red Lake Tribal Council as Red Lake District Representative, and later as tribal Chairman. After Brun's death in April 2003, the Red Lake Tribal Council set up a scholarship fund in appreciation of the faithful service Brun dedicated to his tribe.

In that appreciation for Brun and his family, in May 2003, the council established the Gerald F. "Butch" Brun Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund would award a $3000 scholarship each year to a Red Lake member, who is a college student, in good standing, and studying in a human services field.

The resolution also stated that the scholarship would be determined by a committee of the family's choosing and be announced each July at the monthly meeting of the Red Lake Tribal Council each year. An essay submitted by candidates was part of the application.