Yukon University Student Financial Awards

Gary Fulcher moved with his family to the Yukon when he was a teenager and completed most of his secondary education at Whitehorse High School. Even after his family moved “back east” to Ottawa, Gary returned to the North to work at the Stewart Cassiar Asbestos Mine for three summers.

Gary’s fondness of the Yukon and the North shines through every time he speaks of the territory, the people he knew there and the adventures he shared with them. He highlights that a notable portion of his Yukon memories came from the respect, care and humour that he enjoyed from his Indigenous classmates and friends even though residential schools were in full operation at that time.

Gary understands first-hand the challenges that Indigenous youth face as they must leave their families, communities and way of life to pursue post-secondary education. He hopes that his award will assist a young Indigenous learner to embark of a journey of higher learning, skill development and commitment to the future.

Native Northwest is committed to building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures through authentic art. The company’s lifelong relationship with each artist is built on a foundation of respect and authenticity, ensuring that each artist is honoured and able to tell the stories of their communities and cultures through their distinct designs.

These awards were made possible by the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. Everyone at the company hopes that this award, and the conversations it initiates, will foster reflection, inspiration and ultimately, action.

Steven Thornitt of TD Wealth Private Investment Counsel would like to make a $1,000 award available to a Selkirk First Nation student. The purpose of this award is to assist this student with expenses over the course of his/her studies at Yukon University to a maximum of three years.

At Stantec, we believe that what we do has an impact on the world in which we live. That's an important responsibility and a great opportunity.

Stantec prioritizes support for higher education. We aim to make a difference in the places where we live and where we work. Through donations, sponsorships and volunteering, Stantec employees connect with communities and help strengthen them in meaningful ways.

Stantec's business objective is to be a top 10 global design firm. We do this by focusing on what we do best - providing architectural, engineering and environmental services that solve tough challenges and make communities stronger.

Founded in 2012, George & Bell Consulting is a firm of pension, benefits and investment consulting professionals. They work with various pension and benefit plans, Indigenous trusts, endowments, foundations and other investment entities, and provide advice to Indigenous Trustees, boards, committees, unions and other stakeholders. They feel fortunate to have relationships with a number of Yukon-based organizations.

Founded in 2012, George & Bell Consulting is a firm of pension, benefits and investment consulting professionals. They work with various pension and benefit plans, Indigenous trusts, endowments, foundations and other investment entities, and provide advice to Indigenous Trustees, boards, committees, unions and other stakeholders. They feel fortunate to have relationships with a number of Yukon-based organizations.

Dylan Alexis was a twenty-four year old carpentry student, from Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Crow Clan. He was also father to a three and a half month old son when he suddenly passed away. He was determined to work as a carpenter and learn as much as he could about the trade. He was incredibly excited about starting his new career and he was a meticulous craftsperson. This bursary was established in his memory.

Native Northwest is committed to building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures through authentic art. The company's lifelong relationship with each artist (whose art is featured on Native Northwest's products) is built on a foundation of respect and authenticity, ensuring that each artist is honoured and able to tell the stories of their communities and cultures through their distinct designs.

These awards were made possible by the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. Everyone at the company hopes that this award, and the conversations it initiates, will foster reflection, inspiration and ultimately, action.

 As a business operating across Canada and in the Yukon, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. recognizes that a qualified, educated workforce is integral to Canada's and the Yukon’s future. As an environmental consultancy, a bursary that aims to assist students in the Earth Sciences, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, and Renewable Resources Management programs fits with our business focus and areas of interest. The SLR bursary will help attract and retain students in the Yukon and support the integration of Indigenous persons into the local workforce.

The Yukon Chamber of Mines represents a dynamic membership numbering over 400. Since its creation, the Yukon Chamber of Mines has worked to protect and promote the interests of Yukon’s mineral exploration, development and mining industry through clear initiatives and policies which encourage a safe, economically viable, socially and environmentally responsible industry.

Members of the Yukon Party Executive came together to offer $2,000 annually to Yukon University students enrolled in the Environmental Monitoring program, especially those who reside in communities outside Whitehorse, to attain a meaningful, skilled education in the territory’s mineral exploration and development industry.

Michele Genest is a writer and cookbook author who moved to Whitehorse from Toronto in the mid-1990s. She came to visit her sister, fell in love with the North and just never left. The wilderness was intimidating at first, but gradually she came to know and love the bush by going on berry picking expeditions with friends.

As she learned about the wild foods of the boreal forest, she also learned about the close connection between Yukon Indigenous people and the land. Michele honours and thanks Yukon’s Indigenous people for their ways of knowing and being on the land, and for sharing their knowledge so generously.

Across Canada, Indigenous chefs are writing books, opening restaurants and starting businesses; they are collaborating, learning, and supporting each other on this inspiring journey.

Michele is excited about Indigenous students in the Culinary Arts program at YukonU adding their voices to the Indigenous food stories being told across the country, in professional kitchens, at community gatherings, and at feasts and celebrations.

She hopes that the Naganainlyaa K’itanahee - Follow Your Dream Award will help Indigenous students pursue their culinary passion in the way that most inspires them, whether it be:

• pursuing their Red Seal Certification
• exploration of a specific skill (eg., baking, gala events, French cuisine)
• developing a business plan for a culinary/catering business
• developing and marketing a food product, or
• acquiring the supplies or equipment related to the Culinary field to cook for their community.

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food and non-food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers around the world.