2025 Northern Futures Scholarship winners
Northwestel is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Northern Futures Scholarship, continuing our long-standing commitment to supporting post-secondary education for students across the North.
Now in its 23rd year, this program offers six scholarships of $4,000 each. Since its inception in 2002, Northwestel has awarded more than $500,000 to young people from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Northern BC, and Northern Alberta. The scholarship recognizes academic potential, leadership, and community involvement, with studies in fields such as Engineering, Business, Communications, and Technology.
Our focus on equity and reconciliation remains strong, with at least half of each year’s scholarships awarded to Indigenous students.
Scholarship winners also gain access to mentorship, new connections, and potential future career opportunities with Northwestel.
"The North is full of promise. This scholarship is our way of investing in that promise and showing the next generation that we see their potential and they belong in classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond."
— Curtis Shaw, President of Northwestel
2025 winners
Meet this year’s six recipients:
Conlan Wilson grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon, and has always felt a strong responsibility to give back to his community, from competing as an athlete to serving as one of the youngest executive directors of a sport governing body in Canada. He contributed to the development of beach volleyball programs in Whitehorse and is currently pursuing a Combined Major in Computer Science, Physics, and Life Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Conlan believes that the North’s biggest challenges require interdisciplinary solutions that span health, education, and technology.
In 2024, Conlan developed YCAD, an app designed to help coaches plan drills, create age-appropriate practices, and collaborate with teams; a project that has reached users on six continents. Alongside his studies and software work, he continues to coach youth volleyball, volunteer at local events, and advise sports organizations on equity and development. Conlan views the Northern Futures Scholarship as more than financial support; it is a reminder that the North believes in him, inspiring him to lead pathways for innovation and opportunity across the region.
Elizabeth is a Chippewan member of Łutsel K’e Dene First Nation, born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. After completing the UCAP program, she is now working toward a Business Administration degree, determined to use her skills in bookkeeping, accounting, or management with the government, private sector, or organizations like Northwestel. Elizabeth’s commitment comes from a desire to ‘get your education and break the cycle,’ supporting other Indigenous youth to see possibilities for themselves. Her goal is to build a better future for her family and her community.
Justin’s journey began at Inuksuk Highschool, where he researched the potential for small nuclear reactors in the Arctic. Inspired by the links between physics and regional infrastructure challenges, he decided to pursue Engineering Physics with an emphasis on electrical engineering. Justin hopes to use his knowledge and skills to improve energy availability and infrastructure, making life better for communities throughout Nunavut and Northern Canada.
Jamie Nickel is completing a degree in Indigenous Studies with a minor in Economics at the University of Victoria. Raised in Whitehorse, she moved to Vancouver Island in 2022 and is participating in an exchange program at James Cook University in Australia this year. Her education is driven by a commitment to economic reconciliation and supporting Indigenous communities. Jamie previously worked as a Marketing and Communications summer student with Northwestel, where she gained firsthand experience in how northern organizations support their people. She is grateful to be named a Northern Futures Scholarship recipient and looks forward to carrying these opportunities forward in both her academic and professional journey.
Keegan is a second-year Bachelor of International Economics student at UBC. He grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon, where he enjoys backcountry skiing, paddling, running, and camping with his family and dog. This summer, Keegan worked in Whitehorse as a Northwestel student, reconnecting with the community and applying his studies in real-world settings. With strong ties to the North and a passion for economic development, Keegan wants his work to benefit the place he calls home.
Cole just finished his third year in Electrical Engineering at UBC Okanagan and is now entering his co-op year with hands-on experience in asset management and infrastructure design. He’s a Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation member, passionate about sustainable community development. Cole’s studies connect engineering with finance and long-term planning, preparing him for professional roles in asset management and investment forecasting. He’s determined to use his education to create economic opportunities, strengthen local communities, and pursue sustainable development.