MEDIA RELEASE June 17, 2026

For immediate release

Alberta Blue Cross is pleased to announce the 12 exceptional recipients of the 2026 Indigenous scholarship program.

“This year we received nearly 240 applications for our Indigenous scholarship program from across the province, which is double the number of applications from last year,” says Brian Geislinger, senior vice-president of Corporate Relations and Community Engagement with Alberta Blue Cross. “This was also the first year we’ve increased the number of awards from 9 to 12—which is a timely change in consideration of the high demand

we’re seeing.”

For more than 25 years, Indigenous students across Alberta have been able to reach their goals with the help of the Alberta Blue Cross scholarship program. These 12 scholarships of $1,500 are awarded based on personal goals, financial need and community involvement.

The award has an all-Indigenous adjudication committee made up of previous adjudicators, including 1 from the University of Alberta and another from MacEwan University.

This year’s recipients include the following:

Carmen Poitras, who plans to use her distance education doctorate to teach at a university level at an Indigenous institution or through distance programs.
Glennda McGee, who relocated from Inuvik to Calgary in pursuit of her social work diploma. Glennda plans to continue her education in a bachelor of social work program.
Hailey Blood, who is studying native studies at the University of Alberta and plans to go to law school to work in Indigenous law.
Harmony McDonald, who is pursuing a bachelors in nursing and is dedicated to helping people with addictions by opening a detox and treatment centre in her home reserve.
Keenan Wells, who is a native studies and bachelor of education student at the University of Alberta aspiring to become a social studies teacher to continue learning about his Indigenous culture.
Mikyla May Tuohy, who is a gender and sexuality student at the University of Calgary, aspiring to continue her education with a master’s in social work.
Nina Brzezicki, who is a mother and university studies student at Northern Lakes College from a remote Indigenous community in Northern Alberta.
Raquel Healy, who is a bachelor of social work student pursuing a career that breaks cycles and empowers young girls to reclaim their voices.
Tennile Ermineskin, who relocated from Ponoka to Edmonton in pursuit of her juris doctor faculty of law degree with the goal of advocating for Indigenous rights while working closely with Aboriginal Law.

Teyah Braithwaite, who is a kinesiology student at the University of Calgary working toward medical school and becoming a doctor to help eliminate barriers Indigenous peoples face in accessing health care.
Zaira Courson, who is a massage therapy student at Mount Royal University.

The twelfth recipient wished to remain anonymous.

Alberta Blue Cross will begin accepting applications for the 2027 program in October.

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About Alberta Blue Cross

Alberta Blue Cross is a lifelong partner in health and wellbeing, helping people and organizations navigate life’s meaningful moments with clarity, care and confidence. For more than 75 years, we’ve supported individuals, employers, communities and governments through coverage and guidance to help people live well. Rooted in Alberta, we invest locally in initiatives that strengthen the communities we serve.

For more information, please contact Angela Giacobbo, communications officer, Alberta Blue Cross at agiacobb@ab.bluecross.ca.