HAICO 2022 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
GAAWÉE JAAD
2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Gaawée Jaad Serena Smith is from the Ts'aahl Jaanas Clan from Gaw Tlagée Old Massett and raised in HlGaagilda Skidegate.
“I’m pursuing an undergrad at Simon Fraser University studying international relations and sociology. After I graduate in 2024, I hope to continue my career as a public servant for the Government of Canada. Currently, I'm a student policy officer for Public Services Canada with a focus on Reconciliation. As an Indigenous woman, I want to empower Indigenous people to use their voices and to go after a university education. My time at university has pushed me farther in life, opened up new opportunities, and has helped me grow. Haaw'a to HaiCo for their generosity in awarding me this scholarship, which I will use to support myself while gaining important knowledge of governance, inherent rights, and institutional processes.”
KUUYA JIIHLII
2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Kuuya Jiihlii Avery Robson is from K’ils XaaydaGaay Raven from K’uuna Llnagaay. Kuuya Jiihlii’s parents are Della Robson and Ken Brillon and her grandparents were Helen and Lorne Robson.
“Kuuya Jiihlii han.nuu dii kiiGa ga. My learning journey throughout university has been phenomenal in preparing me to work with culturally sensitive material in anthropology and furthering my learning in Indigenous politics and law. I hope this journey will allow these tools I am learning to be applicable to our communities on Haida Gwaii. After I graduate, I aim to work in sectors of cultural resource management, land management, or economic developments such as ecotourism on Haida Gwaii. With the support of the HaiCo Scholarship, I can continue to achieve these educational goals, and in the future hope to support our local communities. Haawa.“
XANGII GAN HAANA
2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Xangii Gan Haana (beautiful to the eyes or beautiful to look at) Dawson Sterrit is from the Naa Saagaas XaaydaGaay Clan of HlGaagilda Skidegate.
“I hope that by studying business administration, I am exposed to many management opportunities in my future as it is my goal to be a leader in business. This scholarship helps me cover expenses in my academic journey and gives me a better shot at success. Thank you to everyone involved in this award!”
K’AAW HAANAS
2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
K’aaw Haanas (sitting pretty) Marissa Abrahams, is from the Tsiit’s Gitanee Eagle Clan of Gaw Tlagée Old Massett. K’aaw Haanas's parents are Josephine and Richard Abrahams and her grandparents are Brenda Mason and Patrick Widen.
“I have lived the majority of my life on Haida Gwaii surrounded by the ocean which is why I have chosen to pursue a career as a marine biologist in hopes of being able to help with the detrimental effects of pollution on our waters. After I complete my four years of study at Simon Fraser University, I plan to begin two years of travelling around the world to experience new places and other cultures. The HaiCo scholarship that I have been granted is greatly appreciated and will help support me in all of the financial burdens that I have back in Vancouver.”
TS’AHL JAAD
2022 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Ts’ahl Jaad Audrey Parnell is from Yahgu Laanas Raven Clan from Daadens. Ts’ahl Jaad’s parents are Maureen Samuels and Wilfred Parnell, and her naanii's are Audrey Samuels and Edith Parnell.
“You are exactly where you're supposed to be at this moment in time.
For my educational journey, I'm hoping it leads me to a fulfilling job that allows me to leave a positive impact on whatever community I am in at the time.
HaiCo's support during this time is very much appreciated, háw’aa!”