2017 NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCE …In January 2016, the NWTRPA Board of Directors formed a...

The NWT’s biggest training gathering for recreation professionals, youth centre workers, health care workers, educators, elders, students, and volunteers.

2017 NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCEINUVIK, NT • SEPTEMBER 26 - 28, 2017

2 NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCE 2017

DEAR MEMBERS,The NWTRPA & Youth Centres Conference is an opportunity for recreation leaders from across the territory to explore trends and issues in recreation and receive training related to programming, leadership, and facility management. Our conference doesn’t usually have a theme, but recent conversations amongst the Board, staff, and members about the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) have prompted the Conference Committee to do things a little differently this year.

The TRC was convened in 2008 to “inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools.” Seven years later, after gathering testimony from more than 6,750 survivors and witnesses, the Commissioners released a comprehensive report detailing the policies, operations, and legacies of residential schools in Canada. The report was accompanied by 94 Calls to Action, addressing everything from child welfare, language and culture, justice, the media, business, and museums and archives.

While the term “recreation” does not appear in the Calls to Action, the six-volume final report reveals how recreation was one of a number of tools used by school administrators to “kill the Indian in the child.” At the same time, Indigenous children and youth turned to recreational activities to survive the many difficulties, and in some cases horrors, of residential school life.

In January 2016, the NWTRPA Board of Directors formed a working group to explore how the organization might best engage the TRC’s findings and Calls to Action. Based on the committee’s recommendations, the membership voted at the 2016 AGM to endorse the TRC Calls to Action and adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for future activities. UNDRIP is a document which affirms the right of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, self-government, equality, language, and land.

The committee also recommended that the Board and staff participate in decolonization training with the intention of exploring how the NWTRPA can actively work for reconciliation. During the training, which was facilitated by Dene Nahjo, a NWT-based Indigenous leadership organization, we arrived at the following definition of decolonization: “Decolonization is about transformation and the dismantling of an unjust system. It is about revealing and owning the harms of the past, raising awareness about inequities of the present, but most importantly, about remaking social and political systems in order to truly respect the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples.” In particular, the NWTRPA is interested in understanding how recreation and colonialism are intertwined, but also how recreation might contribute to unlearning colonialism and nurturing vibrant Indigenous communities.

The Board and staff of the NWTRPA have identified the Annual Conference as an opportunity to put some of our learning and reflection into action. With this in mind, we have invited speakers and presenters who can help us on this decolonization journey. For example, acknowledging the importance of truth before reconciliation, one of our keynote speakers is Crystal Fraser (Gwich’in), who will speak about recreation, sport, and health at residential schools in the North. We have asked all of our presenters to think about how colonialism and decolonization might relate to the topic of their session and to actively incorporate the principles of decolonization into their presentations.

We hope that the conference is a space of learning, growth, and connection for you. Thank you for joining us this year.

Sincerely,

The Conference Committee

NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCE 2017 3

1:00PM-2:15PM – SESSION #1:ELDERS IN MOTION: Traditional Games for Any AgeDESCRIPTION: Learn activities that help promote cultural pride and understanding, while also having physical benefits. In this hands-on session, Shawna McLeod, the Traditional Games Manager for the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT, will lead delegates through a series of traditional games suitable for older adults.

PRESENTER: Shawna McLeod, Traditional Games Manager, Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT

YOUTH: Money Matters 2 YOUthDESCRIPTION: Do you work with youth who have limited knowledge of financial literacy? Perhaps you work with youth who are employed, but have poor money management skills.

Join us to discuss the basics of money management, including: setting financial goals, wants versus needs, banking and savings, credit and debt, grocery shopping and budgeting, and financial planning and considerations at income tax time.

PRESENTER: Iris Hamlyn, Executive Director, SideDoor

LEADERSHIP: Introduction to Proposal Writing, Part 1DESCRIPTION: In this session, participants will review the steps to writing a proposal including: developing the project goal and objectives and identifying activities and outcomes. Participants will review the steps for developing a budget for their proposal and how to create a workplan. Participants will receive a proposal writing guide as well as sample proposals.

PRESENTER: Emily Smith, Family Literacy Coordinator, NWT Literacy Council

* There are two parts to this session. Delegates who wish to attend should register for both Part 1 and Part 2.

ON THE LAND: Staying Safe in a Changing LandscapeDESCRIPTION: Across the North, the changing climate is affecting weather, the land, and livelihoods. An increase in extreme events, such as droughts and forest fires; changing ice conditions as a result of shorter and warmer winters; and shifting animal ranges and populations are just some of the more visible impacts of climate change in the North. This session explores a variety of strategies from traditional knowledge to science and technology to risk management for staying safe while travelling on the land.

PRESENTERS: Angus Alunik, John Hicks, Inuvik Ground Search and Rescue, and Andrew Arreak, SmartICE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

9:00PM-10:30PM – PLENARYKEYNOTE: Recreation and Sport in NWT Residential Schools

• SPEAKER: Crystal Fraser, PhD Candidate, University of Alberta (See page 10 for speaker bio)

10:45PM-12:00PM – PLENARYKEYNOTE: Facilitated Discussion

• FACILITATOR: Crystal Fraser, PhD Candidate, University of Alberta (See page 10 for speaker bio)


LEADERSHIP: Proposal Writing, Part 2DESCRIPTION: In this session, participants will review the steps to writing a proposal including: developing the project goal and objectives and identifying activities and outcomes. Participants will review the steps for developing a budget for their proposal and how to create a workplan. Participants will receive a proposal writing guide as well as sample proposals.

PRESENTER: Emily Smith, Family Literacy Coordinator, NWT Literacy Council

* There are two parts to this session. Delegates who wish to attend should register for both Part 1 and Part 2.

ON THE LAND: Keeping the Experience AliveDESCRIPTION: There is little doubt that land-based programs are powerful tools for education and healing, amongst other things. Done well, they can positively impact lives. Experience tells us that programs are more effective when they incorporate follow-up. In this session, we will explore the value and “how to” of after-care for land-based programs whether they are focused on hard skills, like hunting and trapping, on interpersonal skills, such as communication and leadership, or on individual healing.

PRESENTERS: Meghan Etter, Jimmy Ruttan, and Peggy Day, Project Jewel

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

2:30PM-3:45PM – SESSION #2:ELDERS IN MOTION: Aging with a Healthy MindDESCRIPTION: A healthy mind is as important to aging well as a healthy body. In this session, participants will learn practical and simple ways to keep the brain functioning at its best as we age. Remember: It is never too late to take care of your brain!

PRESENTERS: Carol Norwegian, Volunteer and Recreation Supervisor, AVENS, and Romy Quackenbush, Social Worker, AVENS

YOUTH: Pre-Employment Essentials 4 YOUthDESCRIPTION: Are you considering offering a pre-employment program for youth? Do you need direction in setting up a program? Join us to discuss the basics of employment readiness/pre-employment training, including: resume and cover letter writing, interviewing skills and techniques, job search skills (including applications and online tools), personal and time management skills, communication skills and networking, workplace etiquette, conflict negotiation skills, managing stress, and making healthy choices.

PRESENTER: Amanda Price, Navigator, SideDoor


WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

9:00PM-10:30PM – PLENARYKEYNOTE: Achieving a Recreation Destination: A Case Study

• SPEAKER: Justin Ferbey, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Yukon Government (See page 10 for speaker bio)

10:45AM-12:00PM – SESSION #3:ELDERS IN MOTION: A Healthy Body Through Traditional DanceDESCRIPTION: Many cultural activities support a healthy and active lifestyle, including dancing! This fun-filled session will showcase Gwich’in and Inuvialuit dances, highlight the many benefits of dance, and provide participants with opportunities to join in the dancing fun.

PRESENTERS: Debbie Gordon-Ruben, Resolution Health Support Program Manager, IRC, and Jane Charlie

YOUTH: YOUth Programming: Trauma-Informed and Harm Reduction Approaches

DESCRIPTION: Whenever you work with vulnerable populations, knowledge of trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices are essential for the success of your programs. When a person feels safe, they are better able to move toward recovery. Trauma-informed care includes understanding trauma and its effects, creating safe physical and emotional spaces, supporting choice and control, and integrating trauma-informed care across service systems. Harm reduction means meeting a youth where they are in life and letting them make decisions about the program they are in and their own futures. A harm reduction program empowers youth by offering a support system that allows youth to make their own decisions and then space to safely see the outcomes of these decisions. Join us as we seek to implement five ways to build a harm reduction program for youth and discuss the essentials of trauma-informed programming for youth.

PRESENTERS: Iris Hamlyn, Executive Director, SideDoor, and Amanda Price, Navigator, SideDoor

LEADERSHIP: Creating Spaces to Engage and Empower Young Leaders!DESCRIPTION: BYTE was born out of the need for Yukon youth to have a place for their ideas and passions, to share their stories, and to fulfill their massive potential! Join BYTE as we explore how we help youth develop confidence, skills, openness, and a sense of identity and belonging. We’ll discuss some of our successes and challenges in engaging youth. We’ll also look at some of the ways we’ve advocated for youth voices to be heard and how we empower young leaders to create change in their communities.

PRESENTER: Shelby Maunder, Executive Director, BYTE Empowering Youth Society

ON THE LAND: Indigenous TourismDESCRIPTION: Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the tourism industry in Canada. Done well, Indigenous tourism is a form of sustainable economic development that can empower communities, strengthen ties between Indigenous people and their land, and contribute to cross-cultural understanding. Beyond highlighting the value of Indigenous tourism, this session will explore opportunities and supports for Indigenous tourism in the NWT.

PRESENTERS: Eileen Jacobson, Arctic Ocean Tuk Tours, Kylik Kisoun Taylor, Tundra North Tours, and Brenda Dragon, Industry, Tourism, and Investment

NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCE 2017 76 NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCE 2017

Monday, Sept. 25 Tuesday, Sept. 268:30 – 9:00 Continental Breakfast

9:00 – 10:30 Plenary: Crystal Fraser, “Recreation and Sport in NWT Residential Schools”

10:30 – 10:45 Nutrition Break

10:45 – Noon Plenary: Crystal Fraser, Facilitated Discussion

Noon – 1:00 Lunch

1:00 – 2:15 Session 1:- Elders in Motion: Traditional Games for Any Age

- Youth: Money Matters 2 YOUth

- Leadership: Intro to Proposal Writing, Part 1

- On the Land: Staying Safe in a Changing Landscape

2:15 – 2:30 Nutrition Break

2:30 – 3:45 Session 2:- Elders in Motion: Aging with a Healthy Mind

- Youth: Pre-Employment Essentials 4 YOUth

- Leadership: Intro to Proposal Writing, Part 2

- On the Land: Keeping the Experience Alive

Evening Meet & Greet at the Legion (7:00 – 9:00)

Wednesday, Sept. 27 Thursday, Sept. 28 Friday, Sept. 298:30 – 9:00 Continental Breakfast Continental Breakfast

Post Conference Training (9:00 - Noon): Self-Defence Training 4 YOUth Worker (Self-Defence Certification)

9:00 – 10:30 Plenary: Justin Ferbey, “Achieving a Recreation Destination: A Case Study”

Plenary: Bright Spot Presentations

10:30 – 10:45 Nutrition Break Nutrition Break

10:45 – Noon Session 3:- Elders in Motion: A Healthy Body

Through Traditional Dance

- Youth: YOUth Programming: A Trauma- Informed and Harm-Reduction Approach

- Leadership: Creating Spaces to Engage and Empower Young Leaders

- On the Land: Indigenous Tourism

Session 4:- Elders in Motion: A Knowledge Exchange

with Wisdom Keepers

- Youth: Introduction to Self Defence and Safety

- Leadership: Women on Boards

- On the Land: Learning on the Land

Noon – 1:00 Lunch Lunch & NWTRPA AGM (Noon – 1:30)

1:00 – 4:00 Activities & Tours:• Walking Tour of Inuvik

• KAIROS Blanket Exercise

• Arctic Sports & Dene Games

NOTE: Attendees may choose an activity or tour when they pick up their delegate packages at the beginning of the conference.

Plenary (1:45 – 3:00): Bridging the Gap: Connecting Youth and Elders on the Land

Nutrition Break (3:00 – 3:15)

Plenary (3:15 – 4:30): Wrap-up, Prizes, and Closing Prayer

Evening NWTRPA Awards Banquet (6:00 - 9:00)

Elders in Motion sessions will take place in the Community Lounge

Youth sessions will take place in the Youth Centre

Leadership sessions will take place in the Curling Club

On the Land sessions will take place in the Sundog Room

Plenary sessions will take place in the Community Hall

2017 NWTRPA CONFERENCE-AT-A-GLANCE INUVIK, SEPTEMBER 26 - 28


1:00PM-4:00PM ACTIVITIES & TOURS:

Walking Tour of InuvikDESCRIPTION: Inuvik has many attractions. During this walking tour of the community, we will have a chance to visit a number of them on foot, including Aurora College, the Inuvik Community Greenhouse, the Igloo Church, craft shops, River Park and Boat Launch, Boot Lake Park hiking trails, the Inuvialuit Cultural Centre, and the Western Arctic Visitor’s Centre. The tour will give participants a great overview of the community and life in Inuvik, as well as a chance to stretch their legs.

KAIROS Blanket Exercise DESCRIPTION: This is an interactive learning experience that teaches the Indigenous rights history we are rarely taught. Developed in response to the 1996 Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples—which recommended education on Canadian-Indigenous history as one of the key steps to reconciliation—the blanket exercise covers over 500 years of history in this participatory workshop.

Arctic Sports & Dene GamesDESCRIPTION: This session will demonstrate both Inuit and Dene games. We will explain the history of how each game was created and the proper techniques while playing. The demonstrations will be interactive and encourage all participants to try the games for themselves. A variety of games will be played, including those that test strength, endurance, agility, speed, & resistance to pain.

NOTE: Attendees may make their choice of activities and tours when they pick up their delegate packages at the beginning of the Conference

*If you are interested in certification in self-defence, join Ian on Friday morning for 3-hours of self-defence

training, including expanded theory and

practical demonstrations.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

9:00AM-10:30AM – PLENARY:

BRIGHT SPOT PRESENTATIONSDESCRIPTION: Organizations often focus on what isn’t working. Bright Spots turn our attention to what organizations and communities are doing well. They celebrate innovation and success. Participants will hear about three programs from across the NWT that are making a difference in their communities, from how they got their start to tips for success.

10:45AM-12:00PM – SESSION #4:

ELDERS IN MOTION: A Knowledge Exchange with Wisdom KeepersDESCRIPTION: Elders, as knowledge holders and community leaders, play an important role in keeping communities well. This facilitated session will give Elders and delegates a chance to discuss their tips and tricks for aging well.

FACILITATOR: Leela Gilday, Indigenous Health and Community Wellness, Health and Social Services

YOUTH: Introduction to Self Defence and SafetyDESCRIPTION: Do you work with vulnerable people and sometimes find yourself in dangerous or threatening situations? Do you work with populations who are potentially a safety risk to themselves or others? Join Ian Ellseworth as he equips you with Criminal Code

Responsibilities and Prevention and Mitigation Tactics. You will also participate in a practical

demonstration of stance and tactical positioning, escort positions, stuns, and escaping grabbing. Disclaimer: This training is physical and “hands-on” and a waiver will be provided to participate in the training.

PRESENTER: Ian Ellseworth, Trinity Tactical Consulting


1:45PM-3:00PM – PLENARY:

Bridging the Gap: Connecting Youth and Elders on the LandDESCRIPTION: Elders are important knowledge holders in our communities. They connect us to the old ways and provide insight for future generations. Youth are the future. They will lead our communities. Land-based programs provide an opportunity to bring youth and Elders together, to learn from one another. Sometimes, the gap between the young and the old seems too big. They have grown up in very different worlds and it is easy for them to misunderstand one another. This session explores how we might create spaces for the exchange of wisdom, experience, and skills that honour both Elders and youth.

FACILITATOR: Leela Gilday, Indigenous Health and Community Wellness, Health and Social Services

SPEAKERS: Alice Vittrewka, Robyn McLeod

3:15PM-4:30PM – PLENARY:

Wrap-up, Prizes, and Closing PrayerJoin us for this final session as we reflect on the Conference themes, talk about session highlights, and share our learnings. A variety of prizes will also be drawn!

LEADERSHIP: Women on BoardsDESCRIPTION: It is important to motivate, educate, and build confidence in women to run for board positions. To do this we have to raise awareness of what is involved in being on a board and to look at creating a leadership development plan. It is also important for women already involved in board work to continue to aspire to higher levels and mentor and encourage more women to get involved. This session provides an overview of how to create an inclusive board culture, the value of women on boards, and strategies to assist in overcoming some of the challenges to recruiting more women for board positions.

PRESENTER: Bryna Kopelow, JW Sporta

ON THE LAND: Learning on the LandDESCRIPTION: Indigenous people have been learning on, from, and with the land since time immemorial. Today, most Inuvialuit, Dene, and Métis children in the NWT receive the majority of their education in formal classrooms. This session explores how schools can better incorporate on the land learning and land-based programs into their curriculums. It will also shed light on the relationships and partnerships between schools and communities that can further enhance land-based experiences for children and youth.

PRESENTERS: Velma Illasiak, Moose Kerr School, and John Stewart, Education, Culture, and Employment


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH (POST CONFERENCE)

9:00PM-12:00PM Self-Defence Training 4 YOUth Workers (Self-Defence Certification )DESCRIPTION: Do you work with vulnerable people and sometimes find yourself in dangerous or threatening situations? Do you work with people who are potentially a safety risk to themselves or others? Join us for a 3-hour workshop, which will cover Criminal Code Responsibilities, and Prevention and Mitigation Tactics. You will also participate in a practical exercises, including stance and tactical positioning, escort positions, stuns and escaping grabbing. This 3-hour self-defence training, including expanded theory and practical demonstrations, will result in Self-Defence Certification (mailed to you following successful completion of the training). Disclaimer: This training is physical and “hands-on” and a waiver is required to participate in the training.

PRESENTER: Ian Ellseworth, Trinity Tactical Consulting

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Justin FerbeyJustin Ferbey is Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Yukon Government and President of the Yukon Development Corporation. He is also former Chief Executive Officer of the Carcross Tagish Management Corporation, where his efforts resulted in the 2013 Innovator of the Year Award from the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon and Innovator of the Year finalist in the 2013 Canadian Tourism Awards. In 2017 he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada. Justin was born and raised in the Yukon, and is a citizen of the Carcross Tagish First Nation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and an MBA from the University of Liverpool.

Crystal FraserCrystal Fraser is Gwichya Gwich’in, originally from Inuvik. She is currently finishing a PhD in Canadian History at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on the history of residential and day schooling in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, from 1955 to 1996. Crystal has been honored with a number of awards, including a SSHRC doctoral fellowship and a visiting doctoral appointment at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Furthermore, Crystal has exchanged ideas and engaged with some of Canada’s top thinkers, including former Prime Minister Kim Campbell. Recently, Crystal co-authored a piece on reconciliation, entitled “150 Acts of Reconciliation for the Final 150 Days of Canada’s 150.” It has been viewed over 22,000 times and can be accessed on www.activehistory.ca.


CONFERENCE SPECIAL EVENTSConference Meet and GreetJoin us Monday evening at the Inuvik Legion. Check in, pick up your registration package, and enjoy finger food and a game of pool with your fellow Conference delegates from across the NWT.

Date: Monday, September 25, 2017

Time: 7 PM - 9 PM

Where: Inuvik Legion

NWTRPA Awards BanquetHelp us celebrate and recognize dedicated recreation professionals and volunteers in northern communities. A delicious full course meal and entertainment are included.

Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Time: 6 PM - 9 PM

Where: Community Hall, Midnight Sun Complex

NWTRPA AGMJoin us at the AGM to learn more about what the NWTRPA has achieved over the last year. The AGM is also an opportunity to elect new board members and vote on association business. Conference registration includes an NWTRPA membership, so all conference delegates are welcome!

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017

Time: 12 PM - 1:30 PM

Where: Community Hall, Midnight Sun Complex

3rd Floor, 4908-49th StreetBox 841, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2N6T: (867) 669-8375 E: [email protected] nwtrpa.org

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2017 NWTRPA & YOUTH CENTRES CONFERENCE …In January 2016, the NWTRPA Board of Directors formed a...

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