Activate NT, Participant Spotlight

Across the Northwest Territories, young people are bringing their recreation project ideas to life with Activate NT. These youth-led projects range from On the Land programming to after-school clubs, sports camps, skills workshops, and so much more. These programs bring people together, whether to celebrate and share traditional knowledge or experience something new; they strengthen community ties and support community well-being.

With their creativity, commitment and the support of their mentors and, in some cases, Elders, Activate NT recipients create new opportunities for people of all ages to connect and belong.

Through this participant spotlight series, we are proud to celebrate the young people behind these projects and the difference they're making in their communities.

Diana Rockwell from Sǫ̀mba K’è/Yellowknife organized an all-ages Christmas concert in Yellowknife, which welcomed the Yellowknife Youth Choir, and where she brought together over 25 musical performers who specialized in a variety of genres from classical to jazz to folk and held performances in 3 different languages. Her event was supported by over 70 attendees! 

Cris Raely delos Santos-Puspos from Sǫ̀mba K’è/Yellowknife held the "Spring Kick-Off Volleyball Tournament" which gained a lot of interest from a large and diverse group of over 100 athletes from across the North, including both the NWT and Nunavut. The event went very well and ended with many requests for the tournament to return in the future!

Arianna Morais from Hay River led a multi-day and overnight camp called "Northern Youth on the Land", where participants from Hay River learned to safely operate snowmobiles, had experience with dog-sledding, and gained a wide range of wilderness & survival skills. She brought in local and regional instructors for her event and was met with great feedback from her community!

Abby Webster from Sǫ̀mba K’è/Yellowknife took part in hosting the "Sweethearts on Ice Female Camp" which offered a safe and inclusive event where U15 and U18 female hockey players could develop their skills on and off the ice while creating lasting memories together. In collaboration with four others, Abby helped bring more than 120 players together for this all-female camp!