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NWT Tourism is delighted to announce the recipients of the NWT Tourism 2022 Scholarship and the Rio Tinto Indigenous Student Tourism Scholarship.

Ms. Naokah Bailes winner of the NWT Tourism scholarship, has begun her second year at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George and is the recipient of the NWT Tourism Scholarship. With her studies in the Nature Based Tourism Management program, she plans to open her own tourism business in the NWT and lead initiatives that would encourage NWT youth to get involved in outdoor educational programs and training camps. Naokah’s summer work experience includes guiding at Gana River Outfitters and Canol Outfitters, both members of NWT Tourism, and working for Black Spruce Education in their delivery of the Sahtu Youth Canoe Program this past summer. This program introduced high school students in the Sahtu to the adventure tourism industry.

Mr. Brent Villeneuve winner of the Rio Tinto Indigenous Student Tourism Scholarship, is completing a Bachelor of Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and is entering his fifth year this fall. Combining his passion for environmental issues and his interest in working in the tourism industry, Mr. Villeneuve intends to return to the community of Fort Simpson and pursue a career in eco-tourism and becoming an event festival coordinator or manager. He sees himself as being part of the growing tourism industry in Fort Simpson and looks forward to contributing by providing authentic and sustainable experiences to visitors.

Background

Northwest Territories Tourism is pleased to encourage the pursuit of excellence in the Tourism Industry in the Northwest Territories by offering annual NWT Tourism Scholarship awards.

Since 2014 NWT Tourism has been offering annual scholarships of $1,500 to NWT students pursuing post-secondary studies in hospitality and tourism. This is the eighth year that NWT Tourism has offered scholarships. Also, this the second year we have partnered with Rio Tinto in awarding the Rio Tinto Indigenous Student Tourism Scholarship.

Photos:

Naokah Bailes

Brent Villeneuve