Business student from Rankin Inlet wins $4,000 scholarship

Lori Tagoona of Rankin Inlet, a business and commerce student at the University of Winnipeg, has won a $4,000 scholarship from Northwestel. (PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHWESTEL)

A young woman from Rankin Inlet with big plans for her future just got some help fulfilling her dreams.

Lori Tagoona has won a $4,000 scholarship from Northwestel, a news release from the telecommunications company said Sept. 29.

Tagoona, who studies business and commerce at the University of Winnipeg, is in her second year of studies, the release said.

Tagoona, now in Winnipeg, could not be reached for immediate comment.

“Using my knowledge of business, I hope to contribute to local and sustainable economic development,” Tagoona said in the release. “I believe that if it’s done properly, it will contribute to self-reliance and improved social conditions for my people.”

Northwestel announced Sept. 29 that Tagoona and five other post-secondary students from Yukon and Northwest Territories are the 2014-15 recipients of the company’s Northern Futures Scholarship.

The annual scholarship program, started in 2002, awards northern post-secondary students studying commerce, business, engineering, telecommunications or computer sciences, the press release said.

Since 2002, more than 120 scholarships have been awarded. There were more than 80 applicants for the award this year, the release said.

“I chose a specialization in accounting because I want to be involved in financial and strategic planning for Aboriginal people,” Tagoona said in the release.

“Often times, it is outsiders who make important decisions. Unfortunately they lack the commitment or local knowledge to create sustainable action.”