Trigger Warning: This statement contains details about colonialism and residential schools which could be triggering to some. If you are a residential school survivor or intergenerational survivor, support is available by calling the National Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. NWT residents can also speak with a trained responder for free by calling the NWT Help Line at 1-800-661-0844.
Take part in the 2023 Walking Challenge Virtual Public Session! This will be a space for the Walking Challenge review and name change.
In 2021, the NWTRPA Board of Directors decided to temporarily change the name of the popular Walk to Tuk to the NWTRPA Walking Challenge as the organization was informed that the original name was offensive to residential school survivors, particularly because two of three children died walking to Tuktoyaktuk trying to escape a residential school in 1972.
In 2022, the NWTRPA formed a Walking Challenge Advisory Committee (WCAC) to review the program and the name, ensuring that it aligns with the organization’s commitment to decolonization and reconciliation as stated in the 2018-2021 strategic plan: “The NWTRPA is working with intention to advance decolonization and reconciliation through its work, workplaces, and relationships.” The WCAC plans to carefully consider all options regarding the Walking Challenge’s new name by spring 2023.
With that goal in mind, the WCAC hosted their first in-person meeting in Tuktuuyaqtuuq/Tuktoyaktuk in the fall of 2022, and it is currently putting out a call to all NWT residents to join the 2023 Walking Challenge Virtual Public Session to hear NWT residents’ thoughts on the Walking Challenge review and name change.
The virtual meeting will be held on February 23, 2023, via Zoom, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM MST. A link to the meeting will be provided after registration, close to the date of the event. Feel free to add questions, suggestions, or things you are hoping to learn or find out about, in the event registration. Please note that this public session does not concern website application issues.
What to expect:
• Walking Challenge Program Review
• Door prizes
For any additional information, please contact Nuka de Jocas, Director Active Communities by email at ndejocas@nwtrpa.org or call the NWTRPA at (867) 669-8381.