Vuntut Gwitchin student wins scholarship to join Arctic expedition this summer

Fourteen-year-old Myles Rumley-Nukon will join this summer’s 2013 Students on Ice Arctic expedition thanks to a scholarship funded by the Government of Yukon and Yukon College. Rumley-Nukon is a Vuntut Gwitchin student currently in Grade 8 at Porter Creek Secondary School in Whitehorse.

The $10,000 scholarship is provided by the Northern Climate ExChange at Yukon College, the Government of Yukon’s Climate Change Secretariat, Yukon Education and Environment Yukon. Students aged 14-18 were invited to apply earlier this year through their schools.

Myles Rumley-Nukon is a Vuntut Gwitchin student who is interested in helping his community fight to protect the Porcupine caribou herd. References accompanying his scholarship application speak highly of him being "a role model for all young First Nation males."

“I am really grateful to Students on Ice for this opportunity. I am excited to travel with students from around the world and learn more about other regions in the Arctic,” said Rumley-Nukon.

The July 14-28 Students on Ice expedition will include 70 international high school students and a team of 35 world-renowned scientists, educators, Aboriginal Elders, historians, artists, writers, innovators, leaders and polar experts, as well as 30 public and private sector leaders.

Students on this summer's educational adventure will develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices that will help them to be Arctic ambassadors and environmentally responsible citizens. The team will depart on July 14 from Ottawa and return on July 28 after exploring Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and, in Nunavut, Iqaluit and Resolute Bay.

Funding support for the scholarship from the Department of Education is through its First Nations Programs and Partnerships initiative.

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Contact:

Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
867.668.8786
867.332.4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca