Young people are turning their ideas into action through recreation projects

Supporting Active Aging: Elders in Motion Gathering Brings Communities Together On October 6 & 7, 48 participants from more than nine communities came together in N’Dılǫ for the NWTRPA’s Elders in Motion Training Gathering. Over two days, the gathering focused on practical ways to help Elders and older adults stay active, connect with others, and participate in recreation in their communities. The event also marked the first in a series of regional training gatherings under o

323 kilometres, 18 people, 18 days, and an unforgettable trip. As the engines of the Twin Otter float plane spooled up, all I could think about was how unprepared for this trip I felt. I had been prepping right up until the last hour before departure, but still felt anxious about being away from my everyday life for so long. This 18-day canoe trip would be the longest and most difficult trip I have supported to date. I arrived at Air Tindi’s float base feeling stressed and ov

Our members approved changes to our Constitution and Bylaws at the Annual General Meeting last month on October 7, 2026, in N’Dılǫ. The amendments bring our foundational governance documents into closer alignment with our work, the communities we serve, and our commitments to reconciliation, decolonization, equity, and accountable governance. The updated Constitution more clearly recognizes culturally grounded, community-led recreation and on the land opportunities. Its objec

From September 25–27, a remarkable group of young people gathered in Yellowknife for the latest Activate NT training workshop. Over three busy days, participants demonstrated the creativity, enthusiasm, leadership potential, and commitment to their communities that make this program so exciting. Delivered by the Northwest Territories Recreation and Parks Association (NWTRPA), Activate NT provides young people aged 15–30 with $5,000 grants, training, and ongoing support to dev

How I Survived: The Exhibit is officially open at the Yellowknife Visitor Centre! We celebrated this milestone on Thursday, September 10, with a reception at the gallery.

The NWTRPA is excited to introduce our Board of Directors for 2026/2027!

At the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), NWTRPA members will be asked to consider proposed changes to the Association’s Constitution and Bylaws. These foundational documents describe our purpose and set many of the rules for how the NWTRPA is governed. The proposed changes are intended to better reflect who we are today, how we seek to work with members and communities, and our commitments to decolonization, reconciliation, racial equity, inclusion, and accountable governa

Across the Northwest Territories, recreation leaders are building connections, supporting well-being, and strengthening communities in ways both big and small. From organizing local programs to creating welcoming spaces for all ages, their work plays a vital role in daily life across the North. Through this new profile series, NWTRPA is proud to spotlight the people behind the programs - celebrating their dedication, creativity, and impact. We’re excited to begin by introduc

Are you passionate about healthy families, strong cultures, and vibrant communities? Do you want to be involved in shaping the recreation and on-the-land sectors in the NWT? Join the NWTRPA Board of Directors and contribute your experience, perspective, and leadership to support communities across the NWT. Submit an online nomination The NWT Recreation and Parks Association works with communities across the NWT to promote quality, accessible recreation by supporting leaders,

Last month, the NWTRPA volunteer Board of Directors gathered for a weekend focused on strengthening the organization, supporting members, and continuing to advance recreation across the NWT. The weekend included conversations on a wide range of topics, including finance, ongoing bylaws and constitution review work, board and staff updates, regional trends, and future planning for the NWTPRA. One of the highlights of the weekend was participating in string games together. Mahs

From May 22–24, the NWTRA welcomed approximately 40 Activate NT participants, mentors, and chaperones to Sǫ̀mba K’è / Yellowknife for a three-day leadership and project planning workshop. Participants travelled from communities across the territory, including Tthebacha / Fort Smith, Denı́nu Kų́ę́ / Fort Resolution, Xátł'odehchee / Hay River, Whatì, Tłegǫ́hłı̨ / Norman Wells, Paulatuuq / Paulatuk, and many others, to begin preparing their community recreation projects. The

We recently travelled to Winnipeg, Manitoba, to participate in the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) Board Meetings and Annual General Meeting. One of the highlights of the week was the opportunity to connect with recreation and parks leaders from every region of Canada and learn about the exciting work taking place in communities across the country. The meetings included presentations and discussions on a variety of national initiatives and priorities. Some mo

We are excited to announce that we are taking a new approach for how we bring recreation leaders, communities, and partners together across the territory. Beginning in 2026, we will move away from hosting a traditional annual territory-wide conference each year. Instead, we will plan a series of smaller, regional gatherings designed to better reflect the needs, realities, and opportunities within communities across the North. This shift recognizes that the recreation landscap

The Land Remembers Us Wins AIP

Participants recently had the opportunity to learn and practice kayaking skills during a session delivered by the Northwest Territories Recreation and Parks Association (NWTRPA) at the new Yellowknife Aquatic Centre. The session focused on introducing fundamental kayaking techniques in a welcoming and supportive environment for participants of all experience levels. During the session, participants practiced core paddling strokes used to move, steer, and control their kayaks.

⁣⁣ Curious about Tai Chi? We’d love to hear from you!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ We’re exploring interest in Tai Chi across communities in the NWT and want to learn more about the experience, interest, and capacity that already exists.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Let us know if you:⁣⁣ ⁣ • Practice Tai Chi or have practiced in the past⁣⁣ • Are interested in Tai Chi as a gentle movement or wellness practice⁣⁣ • Would like to host Tai Chi classes, training, or a workshop in your community⁣⁣ • Are a certified instructor or

Please join us in warmly welcoming Diane to the team! 💛 Diane (any pronouns) is a Vietnamese Chinese settler born and raised in Sǫ̀mba K’è. They spent their late teens and early adulthood in Saskatoon, recently moving back to their hometown, where they are eager to contribute and give back to the community that helped shape them. Through her work supporting marginalized communities, she continues her commitment to decolonization and anti-oppression through mutual aid, volun

As many of us know, living in the North, we face unique challenges that can impact our mental health. The long winters, limited access to services, and the pressures of daily life can contribute to feelings of stress and isolation. However, recreation is a powerful and accessible tool that can help ease these feelings. Regular physical activity is more than just a way to stay in shape—it's a natural and effective way to manage stress and support mental wellness . Whether it's

Last week, two representatives from the NWTRPA were in Ottawa for the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA)’s Forward Together: A Summit for Collective Impact, a national gathering that brought together recreation and parks leaders from across the country to advance shared federal priorities that support strong, healthy, and connected communities. Over three days, we explored national trends affecting the sector, contributed to the renewal of the Framework for Recr