Fund created in the name of NWT’s Lena Gosselin

A new memorial fund remembering the late Lena Gosselin will pay for office managers and administrators in the NWT to receive more training.

The Yellowknife Community Foundation announced the fund’s creation last week.

Applications for the opening round of scholarships will be accepted until the end of May 15, 2019.

Lena’s daughter, Tanya Miniely, said her mother had “spent many years in administration in the Northwest Territories as an executive assistant, a co‐worker, a mentor, a leader, and a willing colleague.”

Tanya said: “My mother was both a consummate professional and a warm, kind friend.

“This scholarship will support and empower individuals to maximize their potential through training.”

The fund is open to any NWT resident either working in an administrative role or enrolled in an office administration or executive assistant program.

Lena moved to Inuvik with her husband, Roland, in 1966, relocating to Yellowknife in 1974.

She worked for the Canadian Wildlife Service, Northwest Territories Power Commission, and the NWT government’s financial management board – while also owning the Just Between Friends novelty gift shop from 1987 to 1991.

She and Roland retired to Kamloops in 2006. Lena passed away in 2012.

“She took pride in supporting new administrators in their jobs and championing their career aspirations while focusing on building strong relationships,” said Tanya. “Our family is pleased to have the opportunity to remember her in this way.”

“Lena was not only respected, but also loved by her colleagues throughout government,” said Bronwyn Watters, president of the Yellowknife Community Foundation. “Her commitment to leadership development in the Northwest Territories will continue through this important new scholarship.”