Yukon University students awarded two national bursaries

WHITEHORSE, YT — Two Yukon University students have received prestigious, national bursaries administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan).

Bill Hare, a Bachelor of Social Work student, was awarded one of four $2,500 Bird Construction/Paul and Gerri Charette Bursaries available across Canada. This bursary provides support to Indigenous students who face challenges or barriers to participating in and completing post-secondary education.

Emmanuel Yatta, a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance student, was awarded one of twenty $5,000 CICan Paul & Gerri Charette Bursaries available across Canada. This bursary is also focused on providing support to students who face challenges or barriers to participating in and completing post-secondary education.

Each bursary has complex and rigorous application requirements that demand a great deal of time and effort to complete. The applications, received from colleges, institutes and universities across the country, are reviewed by a national selection committee. The remarkable depth of Bill’s and Emmanuel’s stories, and the strength of their communication skills, brought their applications to the fore.

“The resilience, drive and commitment that Bill and Emmanuel display in completing their post-secondary education is inspiring. They are ambassadors of the quality of student that Yukon University attracts, and their presence enriches our student body. I am thankful for Colleges and Institutes Canada, Paul and Gerri Charette and Bird Construction who make these awards available to help students achieve their goals,” said Dr. Lesley Brown, president and vice-chancellor, Yukon University.

“I am filled with immense appreciation and delight for being recognized in such a prestigious way. This award has boosted my confidence and inspired me to work even harder and achieve more significant goals in my academic journey. It is also a testament to the support and guidance I have received from every member of Yukon University since the first day I stepped into this great institution,” said Yatta.

“I would like to thank the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation for the amazing support they have provided throughout this new experience for me. Their encouragement has enabled me to achieve things I could only envision and also provided me with the opportunity to open new doors as an elder and educator to others. My journey with Yukon university has been an inspiring and uplifting experience from the beginning. I am constantly amazed by the quality and kindness displayed by every instructor, student, and administrator at YukonU. It is difficult to find the words to fully express the depth of my thankfulness and appreciation to everyone I have been blessed to meet and work with. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, the sun rises anew each day of my journey. May the Creator bless you all,” said Hare.

Yukon University students have access to over $53,000 in financial support annually, thanks to the generosity of donors across the Yukon and Canada. Application deadlines are October 3 and January 31. More information and student award application forms can be found at yukonu.ca/awards.