Northern Futures Scholarship Winners
Bright minds, strong roots.
We are proud to introduce the 2024 Northern Futures Scholarship recipients—six exceptional students who reflect the strength, resilience, and leadership found across the North. Each year, this scholarship program, which has been providing support since 2002, awards scholarships to shortlisted students from our operating area, with a focus on supporting Indigenous students. This year’s recipients come from Whitehorse, Fort McPherson, and Yellowknife, each with a unique story that ties their academic journey to the heart of their northern roots. At the core of each recipient’s story is a deep connection to the North—its people, communities, and way of life. These students are not only excelling in their studies but also setting a powerful example for future generations. By supporting these young leaders, Northwestel is investing in the future of the North, empowering them to continue their education, build leadership skills, and contribute to the development of their communities. In addition to the financial support provided, recipients may have the opportunity to join Northwestel as summer students or potentially start a full-time career with the company upon graduation. This year’s recipients, representing a range of disciplines, are a testament to the vast potential within northern communities.
"I grew up in Whitehorse, Yukon, where community and connection are central to daily life. From competing as an athlete to serving as one of the youngest Executive Directors of a Sport Governing Body in Canada, and now helping to develop beach volleyball programs in Whitehorse, I have always felt a duty to help grow and support the communities I am part of. Currently, I am pursuing a Combined Major in Computer Science, Physics, and Life Sciences at the University of British Columbia. I chose this interdisciplinary route because the challenges of tomorrow will not be solved by the knowledge of a single field. My long-term goal is to work at the intersection of health, education, and technology, developing tools that enhance healthy living and access to learning opportunities for remote and underserved communities, particularly in the North. In 2024, I developed YCAD, an app designed to help coaches plan drills, create age- appropriate practices, and work collaboratively with their teams. What began as a tool to support my own coaching development has expanded into a product with downloads across six continents. My aim is to improve YCAD into a solution that simplifies learning and reduces the time commitment for our already busy volunteers. Alongside my studies and software pursuits, I continue to coach youth volleyball, volunteer with local sporting events, and advise sports organizations on equity and development. These experiences remind me of the importance of mentorship and ensuring athletes have access to the same opportunities I once wished for growing up. The Northern Futures Scholarship means more than financial support—it’s a reminder that the North believes in me. I carry that responsibility proudly, determined to keep building pathways for innovation, community, and opportunity that lead back to the North. "
"I am a Chipewyan member of Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation (NT) and was born in Yellowknife, NT. My dad is from Łutsël K'é and my mom is originally from Rocher River but grew up in Deninu Kųę́. I belong to a history of intergenerational trauma and wanted to get myself out of the negative cycle; the best way out was by schooling. I started my academic journey with the UCAP program and completed it with the academic achievement award for the UCAP program. I then became eligible for the Business Administration program; I plan to keep up with assignments and have an ideal attendance. It is important to me to stay on routine and take myself out of any situations that won’t benefit my academic quest. I realized quickly into my educational path that I cannot worry about what anyone else is doing and to worry about myself or kids only. If I can tell my younger self anything it would be to, “get your education and break the cycle”. I know time will fly and I will be where the creator intends me to be in no time. Business Administration will have a lot to offer once the course is completed successfully. A few examples that Business Administration can offer is working in a management area, bookkeeping, accounting, working with the government and even NorthwesTel. I have not yet decided where to go from here, but the ‘sky is the limit’. Masi cho! "
"In my senior year at Inuksuk Highschool I did a project about the possibility of using Small Nuclear Reactors in the Canadian Arctic. While I have always been interested in physics and math, finding a link between these fields and issues relating to Nunavummiut and other Canadians encouraged me to pursue a degree in Engineering Physics with a focus in Electrical Engineering. Hopefully I will be able to use my knowledge and skills to improve energy availability and infrastructure across the North."
