2014/15 Northern Futures Scholarship Winners Announced

Northwestel has awarded $24,000 in scholarships to six post-secondary students as part of the 2014/15 Northern Futures Scholarship program.

More than 80 northern students applied for the $4,000 scholarships, which include a summer opportunity at Northwestel.

“This year, we received a very large number of submissions from across northern Canada,” said Northwestel President and CEO Paul Flaherty. “We are very happy to award our Northern Futures Scholarships to another deserving group of students and we are pleased to help develop these students as they work toward graduation.”

The scholarship program is open annually to northern post-secondary students enrolled in Commerce/Business, Engineering, Electrical/Telecommunications or Computer Sciences programs across the country. Since the program’s inception in 2002, 121 scholarships have been awarded, representing a total of $329,500 in contributions to outstanding northern students.

The 2014/15 winners of the Northwestel Northern Futures Scholarship are:

Lori Tagoona (Rankin Inlet, NU)

Second year – Business/Commerce

University of Winnipeg

“I chose to study business because I felt like it would enable me to further support my community and other Aboriginal communities. Moreover, I chose a specialization in accounting because I want to be involved in financial and strategic planning for Aboriginal people. Oftentimes, it is outsiders who make important decisions. Unfortunately they lack the commitment or local knowledge to create sustainable action. Using my knowledge of business, I hope to contribute to local and sustainable economic development. I believe that if it is done properly, it will contribute to self-reliance and improved social conditions for my people.”

Madison Gray (Norman Wells, NT)

Second year – Accounting

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

“I have been an active member of the community for years and hope to make a difference in the years to come.”

Robyn Fortune (Whitehorse, YT)

Third year – Mechanical Engineering

McGill University

“Through this work experience – along with my education – I am lucky to have gained an informed understanding of what a career in the field of engineering entails, and have seen what the Yukon has to offer in terms of careers. This has inspired me to return to the north upon completion of my undergraduate degree – whether it be to work in infrastructure, industry, or energy. I am particularly interested in the energy sector, specifically energy

efficiency/conservation procedures and alternative energy. I have no doubt that a mechanical engineering degree will prepare me for such a career.”

Devan Cli (Fort Simpson, NT)

First year – Business Management

Grant McEwan University

“I have chosen to pursue an education in and career in business management and later accounting because I have always had an interest in numbers and running a business. My dream is to have a career working in the North, preferably in my community, and furthering my business experience in the workplace. I am passionate about my field of study because I enjoy being around people and working with numbers. Whenever I think of my future I have always envisioned myself working in the management and accounting fields.”

Brian Prenoslo (Whitehorse, YT)

Third year – Commerce/Business

Red Deer College

“My passion for this career stems from the opportunities it presents. Various types of businesses all over the world need accountants, so pursuing this degree affords me extensive and diverse options. My career expectations are to first become an accountant, then work towards a Chartered Accountant designation.  Working the past two summers at Northwestel has been very encouraging. There are few companies that give such great opportunities to young people. The business is exciting and challenging, and the supportive and energetic working environment makes me excited to come back each summer.”

Erik Mayes (Dawson City, YT)

Second year – Engineering

Saskatchewan Institute of Technology.

“My experience in my current work term has already convinced me to pursue further education once I am finished my current program and add a focus on computer servers and networks.  After working at Northwestel in the data centre it has further confirmed for me that this is the field that I want to work in. After living in Moose Jaw for a winter is has also reinforced that I love the north and wish to continue living here.

In addition to the cash award, each winner will be presented with an opportunity to work at Northwestel for the upcoming summer. Several past winners have found permanent employment with Northwestel after completing their academic program.

About Northwestel:

In 2013, Northwestel contributed more than $558,000 in cash and in-kind donations to a variety of northern community groups. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognized as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees.

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