(PRESS RELEASE) NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA — The Mine Training Society and Diamonds Do Good announce that five students from Canada’s Northwest Territories have been chosen to receive scholarships from Diamonds Do Good. The program is the result of a partnership that started in 2018 between the two organizations (see link here).
The scholarships were established by the international Diamonds Do Good organization to support youth living in the region of the NWT diamond mines, to pursue either trades training or post-secondary education in business, management, STEM, health care, or mental health fields. Nancy Orem Lyman, executive director of Diamonds Do Good, says, “We are supported by the natural diamond industry to give back to the very areas where natural diamonds are found. We are thrilled to have identified young scholarship recipients who exemplify our mission.”
The Mine Training Society led the selection of candidates. The following five youth were selected to be the 2021 recipients of the Diamonds Do Good Scholarships, each worth $5,000:
- Devin Catholique, Lutsel K’e NT
Devin Catholique is a 19-year-old Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation member who is proud to call Lutsel K’e his home. He is currently enrolled in a Heavy Equipment Operator training program with Aurora College and hopes to begin a meaningful career in the NWT diamond mine industry when he graduates. - Lindsey Mailloux, Yellowknife NT
Lindsey Mailloux is a 21-year-old nursing student in her third year at Aurora College. She looks forward to a bright future working as a nurse in northern communities, mine sites and correctional complexes. After working to gain experience as a Registered Nurse, Lindsey hopes someday to continue her education and become a Nurse Practitioner. - Trevor Marlowe, Lutsel K’e NT
Trevor Marlow is a 30-year-old Lutsel K’e resident who developed a passion for computers at a very young age and is currently enrolled at the University of Lethbridge in their Computer Science, Bachelor of Science program. His dream after graduation is to provide training and seminars to local community members in Lutsel K’e with the hope of sparking joy in others to learn more about problem solving and modern career options available to them. - Nancy Ngo, Yellowknife
Nancy Ngo is a 24-year-old who recently completed her Bachelor of Science Degree with a specialization in Earth Sciences and a minor in Canadian and Indigenous Studies at Carleton University. She is currently enrolled in Queen’s University’s Certificate in Mining Technologies Program, and has recently been approved as a member of NAPEG as a Geologist in Training. Her long-term goal is to achieve professional designation as a Professional Geoscientist and work for the betterment of the North and the northern economy. - Courtney Vital, Deline NT
Courtney Vital is a 28-year-old graduate of the Bachelor of Child Studies program with a major in Early Learning and Child Care from Mount Royal University. She has been accepted in to the Addictions Counselling program at the University of Lethbridge. Courtney plans to use her education and training to improve the health of her community by establishing a cultural healing camp in Deline.