2026 Northern Futures Scholarship winners

Six northern students, six unique journeys, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future for the North.

We are proud to announce the six recipients of the 2026 Northern Futures Scholarship. This year, each recipient has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship and offered a 2027 internship with Northwestel related to their field of study. Together, these opportunities provide financial support and a pathway to gaining valuable professional experience while strengthening connections to the North.

Since 2002, the Northern Futures Scholarship Program has awarded more than half  a million dollars to over 140 post-secondary students across the North, recognizing their academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to their communities. This year’s recipients are pursuing careers in engineering, human resources, economics, computer science, and accounting, each bringing their own experiences and aspirations to their studies.

While their paths may differ, all six share a desire to use their education to create opportunities and make a positive difference in the communities that have shaped them.

Meet the 2026 recipients

Lana Lindell

Engineering | University of Saskatchewan

“This scholarship validates and celebrates all the hard moments.”

For Lana Lindell, pursuing engineering is an opportunity to combine her love of science and mathematics with her desire to give back to Nunavut. Originally from Rankin Inlet, Lana attended Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, where she balanced her studies with a passion for sports and maintained honour roll standing.

Growing up in a remote northern community inspired Lana to pursue a career where she could help address challenges facing Nunavut. She hopes to use her engineering education to support Nunavummiut and contribute to the development of her home territory.

The scholarship recognizes the hard work that has brought Lana this far, while the offered internship could provide valuable practical experience and help her take the next steps toward making a difference in northern communities.

Tori Bayha

Engineering | University of Calgary

“Guided by my ancestors, inspired by my community, and committed to caring for future generations.”

Growing up in the rural Indigenous community of Tulita, Tori Bayha developed a strong connection to the people and places that shaped her. Her interest in engineering grew from her love of mathematics and physics, as well as encouragement from her younger brother, whose own engineering studies introduced her to the possibilities of the field.

Tori hopes to become a professional engineer and contribute to infrastructure, energy, and environmental projects that reflect the needs and perspectives of Indigenous communities. She also hopes to mentor future Indigenous students interested in engineering.

For Tori, the scholarship helps ease the financial challenges of studying away from home. The offered internship could give her practical experience in her field and help her build the skills needed to support northern communities.

Olivia Aviugana

Human Resources | Algonquin College

“It inspires me to give back to the North even more.”

For Olivia Aviugana, education is about creating opportunities not only for herself, but also for future generations in Nunavut. Raised in Coral Harbour before moving to Iqaluit, Olivia has strong ties to her northern roots, family, and culture.

Now pursuing Human Resources at Algonquin College, Olivia discovered her interest in the field while learning about her personal strengths during her first year of studies. She hopes to use her education to address human resources challenges in the North and help create workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and valued.

As a mother of two studying away from home, Olivia says the scholarship eases financial pressures and allows her to dedicate more time to her education. The offered internship could provide an opportunity to apply her growing HR knowledge in a professional setting while building connections that support her goal of returning to work in Nunavut.

Keegan Newnham-Boyd

International Economics | University of British Columbia

“Northwestel’s support has helped me take meaningful steps toward a future where I can give back to the North.”

For Keegan Newnham-Boyd, the North has always been home. Growing up in the Yukon shaped his love for the outdoors, his appreciation for community, and his desire to build a career that makes a meaningful difference.

Now entering his third year of International Economics at the University of British Columbia, Keegan enjoys using numbers and data to solve problems and support decision-making. Over the past two summers, he has worked in finance at Northwestel, where he gained on-the-job experience developing dashboards and analyzing data to help teams make informed decisions.

These experiences have strengthened Keegan’s interest in pursuing a career in economics, finance, and data analysis while remaining connected to the North. The offered 2027 internship could allow him to continue building on his previous experience and explore new ways to contribute to the region he calls home. 

Colton Tumoth

Computer Science | University of Alberta

“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me, as it will allow me to continue focusing on studying and pursuing my career. Knowing that my efforts are being recognized and supported drives me to work even harder to achieve my goals.”

Born in Yellowknife, Colton Tumoth has always been fascinated by computers and their potential to solve real-world problems. His interest in computer science took shape in high school, when a teacher encouraged him to explore programming independently.

Today, Colton studies Computer Science at the University of Alberta and works as a research assistant in applied machine learning. Outside the classroom, he contributes to his university’s Formula racing team, working on autonomous driving technology, and is developing a live Formula 1 strategy tool with a fellow Northwest Territories student.

Colton hopes to use his technical skills to develop innovative solutions that benefit northern communities. The scholarship will help him dedicate more time to research and personal projects, while the offered internship could provide an opportunity to apply his skills to real-world challenges and explore future career opportunities in the North.

Alexandra Ibrahim

Accounting & Operations | University of Alberta

“This scholarship will have a lasting impact on my education and future career.”

For Alexandra Ibrahim, an interest in accounting began at home. Inspired by her parents, who met while working at a bank in Nigeria, she developed an early appreciation for mathematics and finance. After moving to Canada as a child and growing up in several communities, Alexandra found a home in Whitehorse.

Now studying Accounting at the University of Alberta, Alexandra hopes to explore the many career opportunities available in the field, including undergraduate research. She also hopes to become a resource for other northern students interested in pursuing business careers.

The scholarship provides Alexandra with greater financial stability and allows her to take on more responsibilities for her educational expenses. The offered internship could help her build professional connections, learn from Northwestel employees, and gain valuable insight into potential career paths in accounting and finance.

Investing in northern potential

The Northern Futures Scholarship Program is about more than financial assistance. It is an investment in the people, skills, and ideas that will help shape the North for generations to come.

From engineering solutions for remote communities to creating opportunities in technology, business, and human resources, this year’s recipients demonstrate the potential of northern students to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

By combining scholarships with internship opportunities, we are helping students connect their education with practical experience and explore the possibilities of building a career closer to home.

Congratulations to all six recipients of the 2026 Northern Futures Scholarship!