HAICO 2025 SCHOLARSHIP AWARD | Meet the RECIPIENTS
NAA NANG GIDGA
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Naa Nang Gidga Shyanna Sawyer is from the Naa ‘Yuuwans Xaaydaga Clan from HlGaagilda Skidegate.'
“My hope going forward is to provide the people and communities of Haida Gwaii with another health care practitioner they know, trust, and can relate to on a personal level… I am deeply committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals from our community. I plan to encourage and uplift young Haida students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare.”
yaahl swaanson
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Yaahl Swaanson Isabel Bellis is from the Yahgulaanas Clan from Gaw Tlagée Old Massett.
“My learning journey with nursing came from a deep love for my home of Haida Gwaii and the desire to better my community by giving back with my expertise once I am done. My education is preparing me with the skills that I will need to be able to come home and support our healthcare facilities. I want to make a difference for the betterment of my home’s communities.”
Xangii Haana
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Xangii Haana Teemo Laughlin is from the Skedans Clan from HlGaagilda Skidegate.
“My learning journey is guiding me toward a future where I can inspire and empower others. Every step I take builds the skills, knowledge, and confidence I need to create positive change. When I graduate, I hope to use what I’ve learned to support my community, uplift young people, and help shape a more inclusive and compassionate world”
FRANCINE HANS
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Francine Hans is from the Ts'aahl Laanas Clan from Gaw Tlagée Old Massett.
“After graduation, I remain fully committed to returning home to Haida Gwaii to serve my community as an educator, where I hope to give back to the land, language, and people who have always grounded me.”
Kil U'uwans
2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Kil U'uwans Kianna Richardson is from the Naa S'dagaas XaaydaGaay Clan from HlGaagilda Skidegate.
“True justice, for Indigenous peoples, is not about inclusion within a colonial system - it’s about the resurgence and revitalization of our own laws, our own power, and our own ways of being.”