Connecting With Recreation Leaders from Across Canada

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 more highlights included a presentation from Noé Préfontaine from

the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, a National Urban Parks fireside chat,

and an update on the BC Recreation and Parks Association's Pathways to Belonging

initiative.

Beyond the individual presentations, it was encouraging to learn more about the

broader work CPRA is leading nationally. Current priorities include advancing a shared

vision for recreation and parks across Canada, strengthening data and research related

to participation and wellbeing, supporting advocacy efforts, creating opportunities for

sector-wide collaboration, and helping more Canadians connect with the outdoors.

While these initiatives are national in scope, many of the ideas, resources, and

partnerships being developed have direct relevance for communities here in the NWT.

The gathering also marked an important transition for the NWTRPAs representation on the

CPRA Board of Directors. These meetings were the final CPRA Board meetings

attended by Mike Scott from Xátł'odehchee / Hay River. Mahsi Cho, Mike, for the time, energy, and

leadership you have contributed to this role and for helping ensure Northern

perspectives were represented in important national conversations.

We are just as happy to welcome Derek Squirrel, from Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ /Fort Simpson as the

NWT representative on the CPRA Board. We look forward to the knowledge and

leadership Derek will bring to the role, and to the contributions he will make on behalf of

communities across the NWT.

While in Manitoba, we also had the opportunity to experience some of the local

attractions and recreation spaces that make the province unique. Visits included The

Forks, the Sport for Life Centre, Birds Hill Provincial Park, and an evening cheering on

the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team. These experiences served as a reminder of the

many ways recreation, parks, and public spaces contribute to healthy, vibrant, and

connected communities.

Thank you to the CPRA and Recreation Manitoba our hosts in Winnipeg for a great few

days. We look forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations in the

months and years ahead.