Meet Kadie Nykvist: 2018 Scholarship Recipient

Kadie Nykvist has always been fueled by learning and paying it forward; whether she was studying different countries in school, taking language and dance classes at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre, volunteering with newcomers, tutoring students in after school programs, or experiencing the role of Youth Ambassador for the Scandinavian Pavilion during Folklorama 2017. It was important for Folklorama to help her continue her lifelong enthusiasm for knowledge.

“Being a youth ambassador was an incredibly influential point in my life,” states Nykvist. “I felt so honoured to meet so many people from whom I could learn so much. It also felt extraordinary to be able to celebrate my own culture and teach those who came to visit our Pavilion about it. A lot of the people I met on my ambassador journey are still in my life today.”

Since 2002, together with the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, Folklorama has offered the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship For Excellence, an annual award of excellence for ethno-cultural heritage preservation.

“What I love about this scholarship is how inclusive it is,” states Nykvist. “It is open to a wide range of people with a variety of experiences and different backgrounds.”

With the help of the Mark & Dorothy Danzker Scholarship For Excellence, Nykvist was able to pursue her passions through her studies. After winning the scholarship in 2018, Nykvist went on to obtain a degree in Geography and is currently working towards completing her Bachelor of Education.

“Receiving this scholarship provided me with the necessary motivation and encouragement to continue working hard in school as well as to continue connecting with my culture on a deeper level. I truly appreciate being acknowledged for the interest I take in my own and other cultures, as well as how encouraging it was to feel the support of the Folklorama community behind my academic endeavours.”

Nykvist wholeheartedly encourages others who are thinking about applying for this year’s scholarship to take the leap.

“If you’re thinking about applying – just apply! I applied twice before I received this scholarship,” states Nykvist. “Don’t give up if you don’t get it the first, second, or even third time! If you are actively involved in preserving and celebrating culture, they want to recognize you for it!”