Kenny Ruptash has spent much of his life building both his career and his family in the Northwest Territories. As President of Nahanni Construction Ltd. and through more than 20 years of experience in mining, construction, and project finance, Kenny has developed a deep understanding of the full project lifecycle—from feasibility and design to construction and closure. His leadership in the business sector has successfully delivered multi-million-dollar projects in remote northern locations, with an emphasis on cost control, risk management, and operational efficiency.
Through his work and life experience, Mr. Ruptash has built a strong professional network and established lasting relationships with Indigenous governments, local organizations, and industry partners across northern jurisdictions. He is passionate about ensuring that post-secondary education is practical, accessible, and directly aligned with regional employment opportunities.
As Chair of the Board of Governors, his vision for Aurora College includes integrating technical training, applied research, and Indigenous knowledge systems to meet the specific needs of the North. He envisions Aurora College’s transition to a polytechnic as preparing students to lead economic and socio-economic development across the region.
Mr. Ruptash believes that northern post-secondary education should set up students with practical skills and real-world experience to excel in industries such as construction, mining, health, and technology.
His leadership emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships between education, industry, and Indigenous organizations. He is committed to ensuring that Aurora College continues to collaborate with local businesses and industry leaders to design programs that respond directly to the region’s evolving needs. From student internships to community-driven research initiatives, these partnerships provide students with invaluable experience while contributing to the sustainable growth of the North.
Under Mr. Ruptash’s role as Chair, Aurora College aims to strengthen its role as a leading institution for northern education, research, and workforce development. The Board of Governors will remain focused on fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking approach to governance that ensures Aurora College remains responsive to the changing needs of the North.