In 2025, the Yellowknife Community Foundation disbursed over $100,000 in 54 Student Awards across the Northwest Territories. Each student has demonstrated hard work, excellence, and care for their community through the pursuit of their unique discipline. Click on a fund or awardee below to read their stories.
YKCF Scholarships
Adolf Duesterhus STEM Scholarship Fund
Mina Lockhart
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Studying: Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Excerpt: I want to work in both clinical and diagnostic settings. I plan on helping children navigate the school system by developing learning strategies and collaborating with teachers and families. I also hope to help further by providing ongoing clinical sessions with patients. Early diagnosis and intervention can change lives, and by increasing access to these services, I can help children and their families improve educational experiences and enable better mental health from a young age.
Alice & Randy Daniels Music Fund
Alexander Ketchum
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Studying: Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music
Excerpt: I think my most significant accomplishment from my time in [school] is the fact that I recently performed at the Yardbird Suite for the first time. The Yardbird Suite is an iconic music venue, and it represents the foremost venue for jazz in the city. I got the opportunity to play there twice this year. My first performance was in January when I played a 40 minute set to open the regular Tuesday night jam. In March, I did a two hour emerging artist show. I worked very hard to prepare for both performances, but I was very happy with both of them, and I’m looking forward to the next time I get to play…
Bella’s Veterinary Student Award Fund
Kandis Villebrun
Amount Awarded: $5,000
Pursuing: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Excerpt: After graduation, I plan to return to my home community of Yellowknife to be a practicing vet. As I experience the standards of vet care elsewhere in Canada, I really hope to be able to provide that level of care to the communities in the NWT as well. This decision is rooted I my personal experience growing up in a community and territory where veterinary services were and are still limited. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the health of animals directly affects the health and livelihood of people. Dogs are not just pets; they are guardians, hunters, and companions. And thus, I also want to promote the concept of One Health. This emphasizes the connection between human, animal and environmental health. As an indigenous northerner I can help bridge indigenous and scientific perspectives, to foster a more integrated and respectful approach to clinical practice and public health initiatives.
Butler-Hushagen Health Education Fund
Niobe Darku
Amount Awarded: $2,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Criminology
Excerpt: …I also see a significant opportunity to bridge mental health education with sport-based mentorship. As a long-time soccer coach and current competitive player with the VIU Mariners, I have seen firsthand how sport can be a powerful outlet for emotional regulation, confidence-building, and community connection. With the support of this fund, I plan to develop inclusive, sports-integrated wellness programs tailored to Northern youth, particularly girls and young women of color who often face layered challenges in accessing both leadership and mental health resources. My work helping coach [a youth] soccer team with my parents is just one example of how I am already fostering these connections and mentorships.
Con Employees' Benevolent Fund
Carter Stirling
Amount Awarded: $2,000
Pursuing: Juris Doctor
Excerpt: I hope to be a lawyer specializing in Indigenous law as well as resource development. I want to bridge the gap between being a strictly mining lawyer, or an Indigenous lawyer. Growing up in Yellowknife I have seen the immense benefits mining and other natural resource development can have upon Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities when done responsibly. I want to become a lawyer that emphasizes this in work, by working with both industry and Indigenous groups to ensure this work is done in the true spirit of reconciliation. While continuing this work, I always want to maintain a strong pro bono practice and improve access to justice.
David J. Ramsden Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jada Beck
Amount Awarded: $1,500
Pursuing: Doctor of Medicine
Excerpt: In addition to my advocacy work at Queen’s, I was involved with the Hay River Committee for Persons with Disabilities in my home community, where I served as a wellness leader. In this role, I was responsible for incorporating health and fitness into the daily routines of unhoused individuals and those living with disabilities. I recognized that well-being is multi-dimensional, so I made it a goal to go beyond physical health and also support cultural and emotional wellness. One of the ways I did this was by designing and distributing cultural kits that allowed participants to create traditional wallets. These sessions provided a meaningful opportunity for individuals to reconnect with their heritage, foster creativity, and engage in therapeutic, hands-on activities. This initiative combined movement, cultural expression, and community building three areas I believe are essential to true wellness. It was a powerful reminder that health care doesn’t always happen in clinics, but in the spaces where people feel seen, supported, and valued.
David Sutherland Memorial Fund
Kira Young
Amount Awarded: $1,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts and Science Interdisciplinary Degree
Excerpt: My journey as an athlete has been characterized by unconventionality, community, and a love for sport. Growing up, weeknights were filled with various sports until I chose to focus on cross country skiing at a high performance level. I was drawn to the warmth of the ski community, and found immense joy and learning in the relationships I formed with my teammates and with the land… While training with the territorial ski team, I also coached younger skiers, hoping to share a love for the sport and an opportunity for growth, connection, and introspection.
Doug Bothamley Memorial Fund
Sarah Fleming
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Education, Elementary; Sport: Hockey and Softball
Excerpt: I have been a dedicated hockey coach for 6 years, and I continue to stay actively involved in supporting youth, especially young female athletes, as they are more likely to quit a sport at a young age. Last year, I was honoured to be recognized by Hockey Canada BFL for my contributions to female hockey and my community, an award made even more meaningful because I was nominated by my fellow coaches.
Dustin Pidborochynski Memorial Scholarship Fund
Cohen Shaffer
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship
Excerpt: I had set some goals for myself in grade nine. My first goal was to start the SNAP program↗ as soon as possible. I was able to achieve that goal, as Aurora Ford was willing to have me start right after my 16th birthday. The next goal I had set for myself was to be accepted in an apprenticeship. I feel very lucky that Aurora Ford was able to offer me an apprenticeship. I completed my third goal last year by graduating high school and continuing to work… They have a great team and it has been great to learn from such an experienced group. There are also other apprentices, so it is nice to have others around you that are also learning with you.
Elaine 'Sweet' Whitford Scholarship Fund
Victoria Wedzin
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Practical Nursing Diploma
Enough Talk, Hurry Up and Do It Already Arts Scholarship Fund
Micheal Le
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Design in Communication Design
Excerpt:
Marshmellow came from a branding identity course at Emily Carr that prompted us to create a sleeping device for children who are neurotypical. With children being the target audience, we aimed to create a brand identity that fosters friendliness, welcoming, and calmness.
Eugène Roach Memorial Fund
Grace Clark
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Jazz Studies
Excerpt: Something I’ve been working hard on lately is recording my music. I spent all of my last semester (January – April 2025) recording a project for my degree. This included writing all the music, separating instrumental parts and rehearsing with my band. I also learned to communicate my ideas clearly and learned how to give artistic direction when it was needed. An example of this being successful for me in the past was last year at Folk on the Rocks, when I brought completely new songs to my band to play for the festival.
Time management and self discipline are important skills in band leading. You can only hold your band members to the same standards that you hold yourself! I take pride in knowing that I have high standards, but I create great results and opportunities for myself because of that!
Fine & Performing Arts Scholarship Fund
Anonda Canadien
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts
Excerpt: I will be entering my fourth year in the Motion Picture Arts program and in the Producer concentration stream of the program. I aim to write, direct, and produce a project this year. Previously, I have attended the Indigenous Digital Filmmaking program before entering this one, and have completed two short films and one short documentary that I wrote, directed, produced, and edited. In my third year, which has since completed, I have supported multiple short films and produced one.
One of my educational goals is to do a short film before the end of my program, which is this year. To achieve this goal, I will have to be attentive in classes, which I am, and to pitch my submission at the end of the fall semester. With my grades and passion, I am certain this will happen.
Fine & Performing Arts Scholarship Fund
Loraine Menicoche
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts Indigenous Studies
Excerpt: I am a Dene Knowledge Keeper. I have been attending the University of Lethbridge Fine Arts program and I am in the fourth year of the program. I am very knowledgeable about the Indigenous art history and have shared this knowledge with many community members whenever I have the opportunity. I am a strong believer in healing with the arts. My intentions is to hold workshops with community members to work with their creativity with painting and drawing. When people get together in a space of healing then there are opportunities to provide support to one another and that is one of my goals.
Gary Robinson Memorial Fund
Lucas Huber-Pilgrim
Amount Awarded: $4,500
Pursuing: Environmental and Natural Resources Technology Program
Excerpt: My goals are to:
1. Reduce environmental impacts on the local environment produced by northern mines in an effort to curb the destruction of natural habitats and ensure all regulations are followed strictly including remediation and restoration measures.
2. There will also be the secondary goal of improving how we look at remediation and repairing the damage caused by mines.
I intend to accomplish this by working closely with environmental specialists and providing information and insights on how the environment can more quickly recover and become more resilient than previously envisioned.
George Cleary Memorial Scholarship Fund
Serenity Grenier
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Education in the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program
Excerpt: A long term goal I have is teaching day by day, learning alongside my students and teachers, and being a support person for my community in and out of the classroom. I know my style of teaching will break generational trauma and instill healing into a routine that becomes normal. And I hope to inspire others to do the same, at the same time I am raising the next generation with love! I believe that every act of love and compassion is an act of reconciliation that we all deserve!
Haylee Carlson Memorial Legislative Assembly Fund
Katie Weaver-Charpentier
Amount Awarded: $2,000
Pursuing: Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law
Excerpt: I did a lot of personal research, a lot of learning and mentorship from colleagues, but eventually I knew I wanted to add some formal education under my belt to be a true expert in the building on this material. It is a great sense of pride for me to be able to be the person in a building where somebody says “Hmm, I’m not sure, let’s ask Katie, she’ll know the answer.” It is my hope to be that person at the Legislative Assembly when it comes to the intersection of politics and legal matters.
Ian Legaree Youth Leadership Fund
Karen Lepine
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in nehiyawewin
Excerpt: I believe in community as a circle of family, for all to be heard, listened to, and included, as we are all as one. I try to be supportive when I can and I am open to advocating so that all may have a voice and that they all may be included. I strive for equality and equity and I cheerlead the positive growth of others. I have been involved in my community, in different capacities, depending on my role in the community at the time.
Ian Legaree Youth Leadership Fund
Saia Brown
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science
Excerpt: …in coaching… I find it more important to also be teaching social skills and other things like that.
At the beginning of every practice, we discuss a new theme. Some past themes have included sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence, and fair play. We discuss what the theme means and the kids can volunteer examples they see in their lives. After the practice, we go over the theme again and have the kids choose examples from the practice where that theme was present.
I also think making the gym a comfortable setting for everyone is very important. Making sure everyone is having fun and trying new things is critical to being a coach. Having been a young girl in sports I know how daunting it can be to be playing in a program that is predominantly boys. Of course that doesn’t mean favouriting the girls but it is something that I tend to take into account, making sure they get extra support or instruction if they are too shy to ask or speak up.
Jenny Gamble-Fournier Memorial Fund
Maura Smith
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Music
Excerpt: Throughout my experiences, music has been a source of fulfillment, resilience, and joy. It has connected me to communities, challenged me to grow, and given me a sense of purpose. I aspire to build a career where I can share that same impact with others—whether in the classroom, in choirs, or through producing music that resonates beyond borders. My dedication to music is not just about performance; it is about creating spaces where others can also find belonging, expression, and inspiration. It is this passion, effort, impact, and deep personal fulfillment that drive me forward.
Jerry and Monica Loomis Sahtu Education Legacy Fund
Danielle Pike
Amount Awarded: $5,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Education, Elementary
Excerpt: My overall goal for my career is to teach northern students and to be the teacher I wish I had during my grade years in the North. I intend to be the teacher who encourage students and push every one of my future students to be the best to their ability. I have always intended to have a career where I could benefit others, rather than only myself. After my grade school years in the North, I reflected on the issue of the lack of representation of Indigenous teachers across Canada and the education in the North.
John Tumchewics Memorial Fund
Dorota Medrzycka
Amount Awarded: $4,250
Pursuing: Commercial Helicopter Pilot License
Excerpt: Through my work in glacier research I had the opportunity to spend hundreds of hours flying in various helicopters, in unpredictable weather, across remote Arctic regions and challenging alpine terrain.
Those experiences deepened my respect for aviation, and for the discipline, precision, and situational awareness required for a skilled pilot. I am eager to develop the technical knowledge and hands-on flight skills necessary to fly safely and confidently in demanding conditions.
Long term, I aim to support operations such as scientific research, environmental monitoring, emergency wildfire response, and other critical services that helicopters provide in remote, and difficult to access areas.
For the last four years I have also been involved with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), first as a spotter, and now as a navigator, and I would be thrilled to continue providing air search support as a pilot.
In the longer term, I am interested in aerial wildfire suppression, and am planning on pursuing the appropriate training with the goal of gaining the necessary experience to be able to contribute to future firefighting efforts.
John Tumchewics Memorial Fund
George Camamile
Amount Awarded: $4,250
Pursuing: Commercial Helicopter Pilot License
Excerpt: My main goal is to become a precision drill pilot in the northern territories on the Bell 407 and AS350. My route to achieving this is to gain a minimum of 2000 hours piloting turbine helicopters to meet BARS regulation standards with an emphasis on external loads.
My secondary goal is to become a captain and instrument rated pilot flying offshore for the natural resource industry on medium and heavy lift rotary wing aircraft. My route to achieving this is to achieve an instrument rating and ATPL and build 2000 hours.
Jonas Konge Memorial Fund
Margaret Namyalo
Amount Awarded: $3,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Excerpt: I intend to remain in the North and build a long-term nursing career serving this region. I plan to participate in the new graduate nurse training program at Stanton Hospital, which will prepare me for the next step in my journey, working with the tuberculosis program.
I was recently involved in a community project focused on TB, which deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by those affected and inspired my commitment to this area of care. My goal is to make a meaningful difference by supporting a population facing significant stigma and contributing to a more compassionate and equitable healthcare system in the North.
Lena Gosselin Memorial Fund
Treyleen Neyelle
Amount Awarded: $3,000
Pursuing: Office Administration Certificate
Excerpt: I am drawn to this field because it combines organizational skills, financial management, and communication, all of which are critical for supporting community initiatives and governance structures… My long-term goal is to build capacity within the North—whether by working in Indigenous governance, supporting grassroots initiatives, or mentoring others on their own educational paths.
Lilly Borges-Oldham Language Scholarship Fund
Matthew Brien
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance
Excerpt: I have been able to pass on many skills and teachings shared with me to youth from all across Denendeh and further. Whether that be modelling how to prepare ourselves for a day on the Land or how to engage respectfully and with consent when harvesting from the Land. Passing on teachings to younger generations and facilitating time with elders is an important part of what builds resilient Indigenous communities.
Maureen Tonge ‘Living Your Legacy’ Fund
Glennda McGee
Amount Awarded: $4,000
Pursuing: Social Work Diploma
Excerpt: My educational and personal goals are rooted in my passion for supporting my community and advancing reconciliation through social work… I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many dedicated social workers in the Beaufort Delta Region and from other provinces such as Ontario and Alberta, each bringing unique perspectives and strengths. These experiences have deeply inspired me and helped me realize that social work is not just a career path, but my calling.
Midnight Sun Aviation Fund
Annabella Churchill
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Applied Science in Aerospace Engineering
Excerpt: I was drawn to this path at the age of 12, when my grandfather handed me the book he was reading called The 15-Minute Scientist by Anne Rooney… I read the story over and over until I understood it in its entirety, researching how hydrogen fuel works and learning how it could be applied to aircraft and spacecraft.
This curiosity led me to discover the roles of aerospace engineers, and it felt like I was unlocking a new world full of curiosity and discovery. This was the spark that ignited my passion for aerospace engineering, as I discovered a career that would allow me to apply my strengths, pursue my scientific interests, and help shape the future.
Through aerospace engineering, I hope to improve the sustainability of air travel by developing cleaner and more effective technologies that reduce the negative environmental impacts of aviation, pushing both the boundaries of aviation and my own potential. I also aspire to contribute to the future of space exploration by making discoveries and designing systems that support life and research beyond Earth.
Midnight Sun Aviation Fund
Fraser Dumont
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License
Excerpt: Throughout the last year and half I have been working at Air Tindi working as a ground support staff, assisting with loading aircrafts, towing aircrafts, assisting with clean up around the ramp.
I have always been interested in becoming a pilot… I am doing it out of my own will and because it is something I have loved for many years.
Milo Martin Memorial Fund
Ty Lafferty
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Environment and Natural Resources Technology Diploma
Excerpt: Since I was a child, my passion has been learning the traditional teachings of my Elders and being on the land. I had many opportunities to participate in cultural activities on the land with family and school. My grandfather was a trapper. We spent many days hunting, trapping and fishing from his cabin. Since elementary school, I worked as a student leader and mentor for younger students at culture camps. I am grateful for the opportunities to be mentored by Elders.
Upon graduating high school, I continued to learn and promote traditional knowledge for two years as an Educational Assistant and Cultural Instructor in Yellowknife. My focus is to teach students about the importance of our natural resources and animals to the Dene people and pass on the traditional teachings of the Dene as I learn them.
Northern Aviation Scholarship Fund
Rylie Strowbridge
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Aircraft Maintenance
Engineering Diploma
Excerpt: I have always had an interest in working with my hands and fixing things… During my grade 11 year of high school, I participated in the SNAP program and worked as a student apprentice.
I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and solidify my passion for aircraft maintenance. I was given the chance to remove and install parts, assemble nose wheels, take parts inventory, learn to create serviceable/unserviceable tags and perform other maintenance duties as assigned by the crew chief.
I worked diligently to maintain my grades while still giving the apprenticeship my full effort and attention every shift. I was also cognizant of how important it was for me to demonstrate that women belong in the trades. Being a woman in a male dominated field has pushed me to work harder and has rewarded me with a deep sense of pride and belonging in my chosen field.
NWT Indigenous and Kitikmeot Inuit Leaders
Rio Tinto Diavik Community Scholarship Fund
Faith Gaudet
Amount Awarded: $3,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Excerpt: I have always wanted to advance my understanding of power, governance, and political systems… Eventually, I plan to return to my hometown of Deline, NWT, and work for the Deline Gotine Government.
Pat McMahon Memorial Fund
Mira Mercer
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Political Science and Psychology
Excerpt: My primary educational goal is to deepen my understanding of the intersection between political science, psychology, and law, with the aim of pursuing a career in international law, particularly in human rights and global governance…
This interdisciplinary approach allows me to explore the complexities of human behavior, political systems, and legal frameworks in an integrated way. My psychology studies have provided me with valuable insights into the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that influence decision-making, behavior, and policy. Meanwhile, my political science coursework has given me a deeper understanding of governance, power dynamics, and how political structures can impact individuals and communities, especially in terms of human rights and legal protections.
Randy McBride Hockey Project Fund
Emma Carey
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Kinesiology Diploma; LW in Hockey
Excerpt: One unique personal value I’ve developed through hockey is empathy. In a high-performance, competitive environment, it can be easy to focus only on performance and results. But through coaching, mentoring, and team experiences, I’ve learned to recognize when others are struggling and how to offer meaningful support. I’ve come to understand that being a great teammate or leader means being aware of what others might be going through, on or off the ice and being someone who lifts them up when they need it most.
Overall, hockey has helped me become more disciplined, resilient, and compassionate. It’s shaped my character in ways that go far beyond the game itself, and I know the lessons it has taught me will continue to guide me in every area of my life.
Sharon Morrison Memorial Indigenous Education Fund
Paige Kochon
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Sharon Morrison Memorial Indigenous Education Fund
Victoria Wedzin
Amount Awarded: $2,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Trades
Rio Tinto Diavik Community Scholarship Fund
Jayden Kochon
Amount Awarded: $3,000
Pursuing: Trades Education in Welding
Excerpt: One moment that stands out for me was when we had a water truck breakdown during a busy week. I stayed after my shift to help troubleshoot and assist the mechanic, even though it wasn’t required.
I knew people were counting on us for a basic need, and I wasn’t going to walk away just because my shift ended. That sense of responsibility and pride in my work is something I bring to every job and it’s something I’ll carry into my welding career.
Travis Booker Memorial Fund
Mason Kelsey
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License
Excerpt: I was introduced to the aviation community when I started at Air Tindi over 2 years ago, while in high school as a ramp agent, which developed my passion to be involved in the aviation community and the impact it has in the North.
I want to do my part to help provide needed supplies to remote communities, help people by flying medevac flights that can change someone’s life and encouraging support and partnerships with communities in the north.
United Soccer Coaching Fund
Cole Clinton
Amount Awarded: $1,500
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science with Honours in Sports Coaching
Excerpt: I feel as though I was very lucky with the coaches I got… I really want to give the next generation of players the opportunity to take the next step in their journey and not be halted like so many of the players I played with growing up. I believe there is still a lot which needs to be improved within soccer in the NWT as our pathway to develop players is cut off after high school with very minimal help for players trying to pursue soccer at university and beyond.
Wally12Million Arts Fund
Miranda Currie
Amount Awarded: $3,000
Pursuing: Masters of Indigenous Land Based Education
Excerpt: I am completing my Masters in Indigenous Land Based Education (MILBE) in order to further decolonize myself and my teaching practices, which will also benefit my creative practices. I hope to be able to advocate for educational needs of our youth at higher institutional levels (school boards & governments), and I believe a masters will open doors to have a seat at the table where those decisions are being made. I strive to positively change the Indigenous narrative in Canada by creating authentic northern, indigenous content in the form of books, music, films and educational workshops, so that indigenous kids can see themselves represented in mainstream media, in a way that I did not see growing up.
www.mirandacurrie.ca
www.youtube.com/mirandacurrie
https://soundcloud.com/miranda-currie-321118914
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/northern-sled-dog-film-festival-1.6149442
Yellowknife Community Student Award
Cheiyenne Fontanilla
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Combined
Master of Arts and PhD in Clinical Psychology
Excerpt: I’ve come to realize that some of the most meaningful work happens in the in-between spaces—between research and lived experience, between clinical practice and community advocacy. What fuels my effort is not only a desire to build a career, but to take part in reshaping a field that has historically excluded many. This program has given me the tools to deepen that work and sharpen my focus, and I am excited to continue developing as a clinician, researcher, and advocate. I feel fortunate to be on this path, not only because it aligns with my values, but because it allows me to contribute to something much larger than myself.
Housing NWT's Alfred Moses Memorial Scholarships and Tom Williams Memorial Scholarships
Antonia Dryneck
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: First Nations Governance and Public Administration Certificate
Faith Gaudet
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Excerpt: Ultimately, I plan to return to my hometown and work for the government… to focus on housing individuals and families in adequate units in our community.
The benefit of having a political science degree is the ability to work and further my studies in many fields, from law, journalism, governance, and politics. The importance of recognizing housing needs in small communities is hard to ignore. Many households are intergenerational, as there is inadequate housing in many northern communities.
Jada Beck
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Doctor of Medicine
Excerpt: …I understand “care”, not just as treating illness, but looking at the whole person, including where they sleep and how they live. I believe that housing is healthcare, and the more I understand the housing landscape, the more effective and compassionate I can be as a future physician. Gaining this broader perspective would not only help in small, rural communities where housing shortages are common, but also in urban settings where systemic inequities persist.
Jayden Kochon
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Trades Education in Welding
Excerpt: In many northern communities, there is a pressing need for housing development and maintenance. I want to be part of the solution: bringing technical skill, consistency, and care to a sector that impacts people’s daily lives. Welding is a key trade in housing construction, from framing and structural work to utility installation. I believe that by mastering this skill, I can make a direct and lasting difference.
Loraine Menicoche
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies
Excerpt: One of the ways to approach the housing initiative is dealing with the issues holistically. My goal is to complete the Bachelor of Arts program and then pass on this knowledge by providing space for people to explore their creative side. My intention is to set up workshops teaching art to interested people in the communities starting in Fort Simpson. I would encourage them to pursue their creativity and to build their self-esteem and possibly it will have a positive impact on their lives and the community.
Mariyah Snowshoe
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance
Excerpt: [On practicing restorative justice at the community level] We honored each person with tasks that suit their talents and skills and when people strayed off their path, we reminded them who they are through the practice of restorative justice. This is important because it shows why our traditional governance practices are important and if we begin to reclaim them and utilize them, our communities will be stronger in our connection to culture and each other.
Mira Mercer
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Political Science and Psychology
Excerpt: …my psychology background will be essential in addressing the mental health challenges often faced by individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. The ability to integrate psychological principles with housing policy will enable me to design more effective, compassionate, and sustainable solutions to these issues. The political science component of my degree will help me understand how governmental systems function, and how policies can be designed and implemented to address housing disparities and promote social justice.
Mishelle Lavoie
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Arts in
Social Sciences
Excerpt: …one of my main objectives is to work with our unhoused people in the Northwest Territories, and to advocate for their needs from their perspective, giving them autonomy, pride, and a voice.
Natalie Villeneuve
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Technology
Excerpt: I work for an electrical engineering firm in both a technical design and project management capacity and have had the opportunity to work on many different projects during my employment.
I believe housing is a basic human right, and considering how housing insecurity affects the North I also believe it is our responsibility as professionals to advocate for our communities through this crisis. I wish to pursue a career in housing to bring the knowledge I have to the North in order to support and empower my community to keep fighting for their wellbeing through an Indigenous-led lens in an effective and respectful manner.
Olivia Cox
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a Minor in Political Science
Excerpt: In an effort to help our community thrive, I volunteer in various places around town. I help fold and label clothes a couple of times a week in the church basement, I have helped coach CanSkate to the little kids for five years, and I help out at the animal shelter from time to time. I also like to volunteer with sports events when they go on. I am graduating with 116 logged community service hours, and I will continue to volunteer and be involved when I go to university.
There is nothing more fulfilling than the feeling of helping the people I see everyday. While I may not yet have built homes, I have helped build community. I am eager to contribute to the structures, both physical and social, that support people’s well-being.
Sara Anderson
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Social Work Diploma
Excerpt: Simply relating to someone else’s past is almost meaningless compared to the actual action of helping them find a way out of what feels like impossible situations… In my role I will advocate for families waiting to obtain safe and affordable housing and help to make sure everyone has a place to call home.
Sierra Apples
Amount Awarded: $1,000
Pursuing: Business Administration Diploma
Excerpt: I am very dedicated to my education and achieving my goals at my highest of standards. My inspiration comes from my mom who graduated from a few programs at the Aurora College and is now working in the Health Field. I have always known from an early age that I would like to pursue something similar in what my mom has chosen in her career path which was helping others with their quality of life.
