Bright Lights of the North

The 2023 Northern Futures Scholarship Winners

Meet the six bright students who won this year's Northern Futures Scholarship Program! Northwestel awarded $4000 in scholarships to each recipient.

Congratulations to all these ambitious students for their hard work, dedication, and future promise.

Get to know the Bright Lights of the North:

Simon Lauer

Whitehorse, Yukon
Program of study: Computer Science

I was born and raised in Whitehorse and growing up in such a connected and diverse community I’ve had the opportunity to learn from so many unique individuals. The North and the opportunities it holds are privileges I’ve never taken for granted.

I’ve always been passionate about technology; specifically, how I can use the skills I’ve learned and the resources available to me to help improve people’s lives.

"I want to pursue the field of cybersecurity, because it’s a branch of computer science that will be critical to ensuring that our world’s technology and networks are safe and protected for everyone."

Kelly Lemaire

Whitehorse, Yukon
Program of study: Computer Science

Computers and technology have fascinated me from a very young age. I was immediately intrigued with computer science and decided to go into the program because I genuinely believe that it is a field where I can excel. I've remained dedicated to this field because I find it incredibly interesting - there is a very unique sense of satisfaction when you write up code, then debug it and finally get the program to run as intended.

"I feel very fortunate to have worked at Northwestel as a Software & Data Analytic Development student and this experience has been invaluable in expanding my skills and knowledge in the field."

Langxin Li

Whitehorse, Yukon
Program of study: Computer Science

I immigrated from Guangzhou, China to Whitehorse four years ago and am now a proud resident of the North. Yukon has played a crucial role in nurturing my passion for technology, especially data analysis and programming. Right now, my goal is to be a data analyst. The prospect of data mining, extracting meaningful patterns, and contributing to strategic advancements excites me. I am genuinely grateful for this award, as it provides me with invaluable support in my education and in realizing my aspirations.

"As I progress in the field, my unwavering passion for computer science keeps me motivated to push boundaries."

Shania Noksana

Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories
Program of study: Business Administration

The more classes I took in the Business Administration program and the more people I met, I learned how important it is to be proud of your culture no matter where you’re from, and how being Inuvialuit is my superpower. I hope to bring what I’ve learned in school back to my community to inspire the youth to not only continue with their education but to also pursue their own dreams for the future.

"My time at Yukon U gave me a chance to not only teach people about my culture but to also encourage other Indigenous people to continue with their education and be the change that they want to see for our people.”  

Janelle Pierrot

Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories
Program of study: Business

I am from the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories. I come from two big families who are very traditional in our ways of life.

My focus on business studies is driven by my ambition to secure a leadership role within an Indigenous government in my home community or region. I am dedicated to making meaningful contributions towards the progression of self-government for my people.

"I aim to leverage my expertise and experiences to contribute to the betterment of Indigenous communities, promoting self-governance, and fostering cultural preservation."