YELLOWKNIFE—United Way NWT is proud to release the official report from Resilient Together: Strengthening NWT Communities, a four-day gathering held this past April.
Held in Yellowknife from April 24–27, 2025, Resilient Together convened more than 45 representatives from Northern NGOs, Indigenous governments, and community organizations. Together, they discussed past experiences and participated in expert-led workshops and hands-on training around maintaining critical services continuity and supporting community well-being in times of crisis, toward strengthening emergency preparedness in the North.
The gathering was part of United Way NWT’s Supporting Northern Communities in Recovery and Resilience program, funded by the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. It was co-hosted with the Canadian Red Cross and facilitated by Andrea D’Addario and Dr. Laurie Pearce.
“Resilient Together was an important opportunity for us all to gather in shared space, pause, reflect, and share what they’ve learned through incredibly difficult times,” said Ben Linaker, Chair of United Way NWT.
“What this report makes clear is that communities—and the organizations that support them—want to do everything possible to be prepared for future crises, so they can continue caring for one another when it matters most.”
Report Key Findings: What We Heard
For many participants, this was a rare opportunity to come together in a shared space focused on healing, preparedness, and long-term resilience since the 2023 wildfire evacuations. Through expert-led workshops, storytelling sessions, paired interviews, and the Canadian Red Cross’s Psychological First Aid course, participants reflected on the challenges they’ve faced and the knowledge they carry forward.
The gathering surfaced several key themes, including:
- The need for community-led emergency planning grounded in local realities
- Stronger coordination and communication between service providers
- Support for youth, Elders, and frontline staff navigating repeated crises
- A deepened focus on mental health and culturally grounded psychosocial support
The full report captures what was shared, learned, and envisioned, offering a resource for communities, partners, and policymakers working to strengthen emergency response and long-term resilience across the North. (Link to access the full Resilient Together Report)
What’s Next: Funding and Support Now Available
Building on the momentum of the Resilient Together gathering, United Way NWT is pleased to announce that interested organizations can now apply for funding of up to $25,000 to develop Service Continuity Plans to help maintain critical services during future emergencies.
Participants can also access free consultation support from Andrea D’Addario, the gathering facilitator, to support planning related to psychosocial wellness and community resilience.
Learn more about service continuity plan funding here and apply by August 15, 2025. If you have questions, please contact Mandi Parkes at coordinator@nwt.unitedway.ca.
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About United Way NWT
United Way Northwest Territories exists to promote the capacity of people across the North to care for one another. Through grants, capacity-building efforts, and emergency response programs, United Way NWT supports local non-profits and charities in addressing social challenges and building stronger communities. To learn more, visit https://nwt.unitedway.ca/.
Media Contact:
Linda Bussey – Executive Director, United Way NWT
ED@nwt.unitedway.ca | 1 (867) 669-7986
