The NWTRPA Conference is an opportunity for Recreation leaders, On the Land leaders, health care staff, students, youth, Elders, youth centre staff, and volunteers from across the NWT to discuss trends and issues in recreation and on the land programs, and receive training related to programming and leadership.

This year our annual conference will focus on Recreation and Recovery. We are excited to share that the 2022 conference will be hosted in beautiful Fort Smith, NT.
This year, our conference will host 3 unique learning streams: Elders in Motion, On the Land, and Recreation Leadership. These streams will all offer key training and educational opportunities for all who attend the conference.
Elders in Motion
Looking to offer options for Elders and encourage healthy ways of living? This year there are four unique sessions to choose from:
Session 1
Session one is about the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer through traditional art practices. This session will focus on the many benefits of beading for Elders.
Session 2
Session two is all about the many benefits of healthy living to keep a healthy mind. Come learn about dementia and how moving your body regularly can improve your brain muscle.
Session 3
Session three is all about post-pandemic networking. Do you have a success story from working within the public health guidelines? This session will allow you to share and hear about what others came up with during the pandemic.
Session 4
Session four is about using Facebook live to share traditional practices among many people. This session highlights how different generations came together, allowing people to connect, learn new skills, and get the most out of technology.
On the Land
Do you enjoy hands-on learning? On the Land will delivers unique learning opportunities to connect participants to the land by strengthen healthy minds, bodies, families, and communities. The focus is on the importance of culture and traditions.
Session 1
Session one is about reclaiming what’s important to you and your family. This session is a workshop style that supports Culture, Community, and Connections, all in a welcoming and funny environment.
Session 2
Session two is about the Canol Trail Youth Leadership Hike developed by Norma Yaleleya, Joe Handley, Garth Wallbridge, and Myles Erb. Norman is leading this session and will talk about the program and how it enriched the lives of the Sahtú Youth and prepared them to be future leaders.
Session 3
Session three is an exciting hands-on experience where participants will learn about Chloe Dragon Smith and Rober Grandjambe life values of living on the land in Wood Buffalo National Pak. Each participant will have a wild grouse to clean, cook, and eat together.
Session 4
Session four is focused on sharing experiences and critical points required to improve On the Land support when leading trips.
Recreation Leadership
One of the pivotal functions of the NWTRPA is to support Recreation Leadership by supporting all leaders through all stages of their careers in recreation and on the land programming.
Session 1
Session one is a hands-on session goes through the steps and actions of creating community garden boxes from planning to planting. Take part in this interactive and fun session so you can take the idea back to your home community!
Session 2
Session two is all about Volunteers. Volunteers are crucial in hosting events, yet finding and retaining volunteers can be tricky. This session will focus on strategies for finding those volunteers happy and coming back for more.
Session 3
Session three is NWTRPA 101. You can learn about the various programs and events NWT Recreation, and Parks Association offers. After you have learned about us, we want your help creating a northern and NWT-focused definition of recreation.
Session 4
Session four is a presentation on the process of co-developing a Transport Canada-funded cold water survival course. Participants will learn about cold water survival, and they will have an understanding of community-based program development.
We hope that the 2022 conference is a space of learning, growth, and personal connection for you. We look forward to announcing more updates on our website and social media pages in the coming months!