Dear Members,
The NWTRPA Conference is an opportunity for recreation leaders, health care staff, students, Elders, volunteers and youth from across the territory to explore trends and issues in recreation and wellness, and receive training related to our conference program areas: Recreation Leadership, Elders In Motion, On the Land, and Youth.
In 2022, our community conference returned as a full in-person event at Tthebacha / Fort Smith, where we explored the theme of Recreation and Recovery. This year, from October 17-19, 2023, we will be hosting our annual conference at Sǫ̀mba K’è / Yellowknife at the Explorer Hotel.
This year’s NWTRPA conference theme is “Open Arms, Open Spaces.” We strive for an inclusive, welcoming community in the north, and particularly in Recreation. The NWTRPA supports this by opening our conference doors to people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate our diversity and individual and collective perspectives. This year we are happy to open our arms to a returning youth stream by partnering with the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the Northwest Territories, welcoming youth from across the NWT to our conference to be part of this truly inter-generational event! We will share ideas and learnings from across communities and disciplines in many ways at this year’s conference with Open Arms.
Celebrating “Open Spaces,” many of our conference sessions will explore the ways we can, and ought to use our natural spaces, as well as learning ways to enjoy recreation activities safely while honouring the land. We also look at ways to use our natural and built spaces for people at all stages of life. As always, there are afternoon events for you to spend time together taking part in some of your own recreation activities while in Sǫ̀mba K’è / Yellowknife.
We are planning a program that includes inspiring, educational, and fun keynotes, plenaries, and activities. Our session offerings are back to four streams, featuring useful information sessions focused on Youth, On-the-Land, Elders in Motion and Recreation Leadership. Expect active, engaging sessions that will allow you to bring home great ideas you can implement in your community and workplace! Of course, lots of fun as well—you don’t want to miss this!
We are sure the 2023 NWTRPA conference will be a space of learning, growth, and connection for you. Thank you for joining us this year.
Sincerely,
The Conference Committee