Det'on Cho 2025/2026 Scholarship Awards
Cayley Godard
Cayley Godard is a member of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation from Ndilǫ, NT. She is currently in her first year of the two-year Social Service Worker Program at Centennial College. Cayley has a passion to work in Community Wellness.
“The experience of supporting people and promoting community wellness inspired me to pursue social services and solidified my long-term goal of earning my diploma in Social work. After completing my second year, I plan to upgrade and continue my studies a the University of Toronto. My dream is to become a medical social worker, and eventually return home to provide care, advocacy, and support the the people in the community.”
Hannah Lafferty
Hannah Lafferty is a Yellowknives Dene member from Dettah, NT. She is enrolled in an Esthetician Program.
“Upon completion of this Esthetician program with MC College, I plan to pursue a medical estheticians program, business, and an art program. I have a lot of plans for my future, I have many goals I want to achieve.”
Donovan Evans is a member of the Yellowknives Dene first Nation, from Ndilǫ, NT. Donovan is pursuing Information Technology studies at Grant MacEwan University and plans to further specialize in this field through advanced coursework at the U of A.
“By becoming a proficient information technology expert, I hope to combine the best aspects of both worlds and close the gap between our little town and the more extensive technological developments found in cities.”
Donovan Evans
Kelly Tsetta
Kelly Tsetta is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member, born and raised in Ndilǫ, NT. She is currently enrolled in a two year Indigenous Human Services Program at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. N
“I am motivated to continue to help inspire others, and build strong communities. I want to pursue a career with the goal of working directly with indigenous populations to advocate for change, increase access to support services and help create safe spaces for vulnerable Indigenous populations”
Patricia Black
Patricia Black is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member from Yellowknife, NT. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education at the University of British Columbia. Patricia is in her first year of NITEP (Indigenous Teacher's Education Program), where she is learning education from a viewpoint centered around an Indigenous focus and perspective.
“As I complete my degree, my goal is to be someone my students can turn to, whether they are facing academic struggles or personal challenges. In my return to the North, my teaching philosophy is grounded in the understanding that education is more than a place for learning; it's a place for connection and safety, which is precisely what I hope to foster in my classrooms.”
Quintin Mackenzie
Quintin Mackenzie is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member from Chief Drygeese Territory with family roots in Dettah and Ndilǫ. He is currently in his second year of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences Diploma Program with Dechı̨ta Nàowo/Trent University.
“I am in my second year of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences Diploma Program, and I am working toward a career in environmental protection to support my First Nation through practical, land-based work. This scholarship will enable me to focus on my studies, alleviate financial pressure, and help me stay on track as I build a stronger future for myself, my family, and my community.” Decht
Rayleen McKay
Rayleen McKay is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member who resides in Fort Resolution, NT. She is currently enrolled at Amore International for the Gel Nail Technician Program.
“My goal when I have completed this program is to open up a nail salon in my home community, Fort Resolution, NT.”
Shalbe Betsina
Shalbe Betsina is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member born and raised in the community of Ndilǫ, NT. She is currently enrolled in her second year of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences Diploma Program with Dechı̨ta Nàowo/Trent University.
“My goal is to work in the Environmental Field, monitoring the land, taking Samples, consulting with the government, and educating our younger generation in the Environmental Field.”
Sikiya Mandeville
Sikiya Mandeville is Yellowknives Dene First Nation member from Yellowknife, NT. She is currently in her third year at MacEwan University, studying Bachelor of Design in Graphics and Interfaces.
“My goal is to find a career in a collective-based environment that allows me to share my creative abilities and networking skills. I would also enjoy teaching and holding art workshops in the future when my schooling is complete. The possibilities are endless, and I’m pretty excited about it!”
Zhanayii Drygeese
Zhanayii Drygeese is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member from Dettah, NT. She is in her final year of the Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program at Aurora College's Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith, NT.
“Growing up in the North has given me a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of responsibility to help protect it. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in environmental work, and my goal is to return to Yellowknife as an Environmental Technician. I look forward to contributing to the health of our environment and supporting the well-being of northern communities through my work.”
Stephanie Mercredi
Stephanie Mercredi is a Yellowknives Dene First Nation member. She is currently a full-time student at Aurora College, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in social work. As a single parent of four, I’m committed to creating a strong and stable future for my family while showing my children the importance of education, resilience, and making positive change.
“My goal is to work in the field of social work here in the North, supporting families and communities. This scholarship brings me one step closer to that path, and I’m grateful for the support.
Sara-Beth Lemouel
Sara-Beth Lemouel (Drygeese) is a member of Yellowknives Dene First Nation. She is currently enrolled in the Personal Legal Assistant Diploma Program.
“I have a strong passion for law and enforcement, as they shape society and protect people's rights. My ultimate goal is to succeed in a legal career that will help others, solve disputes fairly and contribute to our community .”