Participants at the Climate Resilience Gathering in Inuvik at the Ingamo Friendship Center, January 2026.
YELLOWKNIFE, February 2nd, 2026—United Way NWT recently completed hosting two Climate Resilience Gatherings, in Hay River (January 13–15) and Inuvik (January 19–21), bringing together nearly 30 representatives from Northern NGOs, Indigenous governments, community organizations, and health and wellness workers for psychological first aid training and community-led planning focused on climate resilience.
The gatherings are part of United Way NWT’s 30-month Supporting Northern Communities in Recovery and Resilience program, with funding support from the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and build on the success of last April’s Resilient Together gathering held in Yellowknife, where over 45 participants convened to identify community-led emergency planning, stronger coordination between service providers, and expanded mental health support as key priorities for Northern communities.
During the most recent gatherings in Hay River and Inuvik this January, participants first completed a two-day Psychological First Aid (PFA) certification with the Canadian Red Cross—a practical, skills-based training that equips participants to recognize and respond to mental health distress in their communities, whether related to climate events or other crises. On the final day, workshops led by facilitators Andrea D’Addario and Laurie Sarkadi focused on climate resilience and adaptability, providing space for reflection and looking ahead together.
Representatives from local NGOs, Indigenous governments, Elders, and community members were equipped with a tangible toolbox of skills and techniques to bring back to their organizations and communities, ready to support individuals, families, and colleagues navigating mental health challenges—especially during future climate emergencies.
Across both gatherings, participants voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to come together in their own communities, build new skills, and share their experiences. For many—particularly in Hay River and surrounding communities where the impacts of recent floods and wildfire evacuations continue to weigh heavily—the gathering offered an important opportunity to share experiences and discuss what comes next.
“After we hosted the initial gathering in Yellowknife last April, we were deeply inspired to bring these kinds of workshops and training sessions to other Northern communities,” said Ben Linaker, Chair of United Way NWT. “We extend our sincere thanks to the communities of Hay River and Inuvik for welcoming us, and to all who participated. These participants now carry practical skills back to their organizations and neighbours, building lasting local capacity to support each other, especially in times of climate emergency.”
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About the Program
The Climate Resilience Gatherings are part of United Way NWT’s Supporting Northern Communities in Recovery and Resilience program, a 30-month, $1.472-million initiative funded by the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Launched in December 2024, the program helps Northern communities continue to recover from the impacts of recent wildfires and floods while building capacity to address future challenges, focusing on three key areas: recovery, resilience, and preparedness.
About United Way NWT
United Way NWT exists to promote the capacity of people across the North to care for one another. As a registered charity, we raise and redistribute funds to support local non-profits and charities in addressing social challenges, building stronger communities, and responding to emergencies. To learn more, visit nwt.unitedway.ca.
Media Contact:
Mandi Parkes – Program Coordinator, United Way NWT
coordinator@nwt.unitedway.ca | 604-499-9399
