ANNOUNCEMENT: Organizations that participated in the 2025 Resilient Together: Strengthening NWT Communities Gathering can now apply for funding to develop Service Continuity Plans, which will help maintain essential services during future emergencies and disasters. (Learn more & apply)
Program Overview
On December 11, 2024, United Way NWT was pleased to announce the launch of a new wildfire recovery and emergency preparedness program, with funding support from the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. This 30-month program will help Northern communities continue to recover from the impacts of recent wildfires while building capacity to address future challenges, focusing on three key areas of recovery, resilience, and preparedness.
Resilient Together Gathering: Strengthening NWT Communities
April 24-27, 2025 | United Way NWT invited representatives from NGOs, Communities and Indigenous Organizations to a four-day gathering focused on service continuity, wellness, and recovery in times of crisis. Through expert-led workshops and hands-on training, participants developed strategies to maintain critical services, support community well-being, and strengthen emergency preparedness in the North. Learn more about the Resilient Together conference here.
Read the Resilient Together ReportPost-Conference Supports
United Way NWT is offering the following post-conference supports:
- Funding is now available – Apply now for funding to create a service continuity plan that can be utilized in response to future disasters and emergencies. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000.
- Consultations with facilitator Andrea D’Addario to help empower groups to create plans addressing psycho-social challenges faced by individuals post-wildfires.
- Stay tuned for future events!
Hay River Agriculture Investment
As part of our new wildfire recovery and emergency preparedness program, United Way NWT will be investing $850,000 to support the restoration and redevelopment of agricultural lands in Hay River. This funding will help revitalize Hay River’s economy and strengthen community resilience in the aftermath of recent natural disasters.
The project, Hay River Agricultural Restoration: A Path to Renewal, will focus on rebuilding vital farming infrastructure that was devastated by the 2022 floods and 2023 wildfires. The goal is to reestablish Hay River as the Agriculture Hub of the North, ensuring that local farmers and the broader community can thrive long into the future.
“Agriculture has always been central to Hay River’s economy and identity. After years of challenges, this funding will help the community recover and rebuild. We believe that restoring the critical farmland will lay the groundwork for future growth and create benefits that extend across the North.” – Paul Gillard, Chair of United Way NWT’s Board of Directors.
“The Town of Hay River is thankful for the support shown by United Way NWT to help rebuild after the flood and fire events of the last few years. The grant to support renewing the agriculture sector will have a lasting positive impact on farmers and the region, helping to launch Hay River as the Agriculture Hub of the North.” – Kandis Jameson, Mayor of Hay River.
In the News
Recent articles about United Way NWT’s new Wildfire Recovery and Emergency Preparedness Program
- United Way NWT launches $1.5M wildfire preparedness program – Cabin Radio, December 13, 2024
- United Way Donates $850k to Hay River Agriculture – My True North Now, January 9, 2025
- How Hay River is using some of its $850K United Way funding – Cabin Radio, May 27, 2025
