The Lilly Borges Oldham Language Scholarship was established in 2002 in memory of Lilly Borges Oldham, who passed away in August 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born to German immigrant parents, Lilly knew first hand the importance of a second, and third, language. Her passion for life, languages and learning were clearly evident in her world travels with her husband, Stuart, and in her exceptional contributions to education in the Northwest Territories. Lilly inspired a generation of young people in Yellowknife over twenty years, infusing them with her thirst for lifelong learning and her passion for languages and cultures. A long-term employee of Yellowknife Education District No. 1, Lilly was dedicated to her students, colleagues and profession in both administrative and teaching posts. She was instrumental in the development of French immersion programs in Yellowknife and served as the territorial representative of the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers for five years. She is remembered for the enthusiasm and energy she brought to her work, the courage and strength she showed in difficult times, and her straightforward “no nonsense” approach to life.