Celebrating Recreation Leaders: Colinda Blondin

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 introducing our first recreation leader and sharing their story.

Colinda Blondin is a passionate advocate for northern communities, blending leadership with cultural pride to create meaningful change. As Regional Recreation Coordinator and former Assistant Superintendent, she has championed programs that nurture wellness, resilience, and youth empowerment across the Northwest Territories. Colinda’s journey is rooted in her commitment to preserving Indigenous traditions while embracing innovation—whether through her work as a Dene Games Facilitator, her role in emergency management, or her dedication to building strong partnerships with local and national organizations. Known for her ability to bring people together, she leads with heart, guiding workshops that inspire confidence and collaboration.

Her vision is simple yet powerful: vibrant, connected communities where culture and recreation thrive hand in hand. For Colinda, every initiative is more than a program—it’s a step toward a stronger, safer, and more inclusive North for generations to come.

Britney Nadli is Deh Gah Got'įę Kue First Nation Dene from Fort Providence, Northwest Territories. Britney Nadli is the Four Pillars Manager/Coordinator for Deh Gah Got'įę First Nation, where she leads initiatives centred on culture and language revitalization and protection, Dene heritage and protection, and wellness through Dene holistic practices. Her work supports meaningful, culturally grounded programming that strengthens identity and connection.

Britney also serves as the Dehcho Director for the NWT Recreation & Parks Association, and as the Dehcho Community Advisor for the NWT On The Land Collaborative. She is passionate about fitness, Dene culture, and is dedicated to advocating for accessible recreation, cultural revitalization, and opportunities that empower youth, families, and communities across the Dehcho region.

Angela Ruben is a Recreation Coordinator for her home Community of Paulatuuq / Paulatuk, where they run special events such as King & Queens day and a New Year's celebration in January. Other events are Easter events, the annual softball tourney, where they get two Communities or more to join in, and right after is their annual Iqalukpik Jamboree with a weekend full of events. 

In the fall is Halloween, and they do all kinds of Christmas events. July 26th was Angela’s 7th year as the Recreation Coordinator of Paulatuk where they have an arena, Youth Centre & School that is open in evenings for children, youth and those who are youth at heart.  :)