The NWTRPA acknowledges that our organization has a big role to play in decolonizing places, people, and practices in the NWT and in our sector. The Walk to Tuk, although a celebrated event that northerners love and look forward to, has been created in a world that reinforces and perpetuates the oppression and marginalization of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It is our responsibility to look for, and act on any actions, words, histories, or practices that may negatively impact people in any way. There is a lot of work to do.
The NWTRPA began work in 2019-2020 to review its programs and services. This strategic review process connects to the following NWTRPA strategic goal:
The NWTRPA is working with intention to advance decolonization and reconciliation through its work, workplaces, and relationships.
- Review and update programs to advance decolonization/reconciliation (offerings, content, delivery, protocols)
Typically, a program review evaluates the efficacy of a program. In our case, the program review is an element of our first strategic goal related to decolonization and reconciliation. The objective is to determine if the kinds of programs and services the NWTRPA is offering, the content of these programs and services, and the ways in which they are being delivered are in line with the commitment we have made to decolonization and reconciliation. Each program will be reviewed by a small committee of approximately 5-6 people. Our intention is that the Executive Director, two board members, the program lead, and one NWT resident who has engaged with the program in the past. To learn more about the NWTRPA’s program review process, click here.
On this page, you can find reports, news articles, and resources related to decolonization and reconciliation work both at the NWTRPA and elsewhere.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with mental health and/or would like support in healing from the direct and intergenerational traumas of Canadian residential schools and colonization practices, please ask for help- there are a list of resources on this page that can act as a starting place.