Board of Directors
President
Akaitcho Director
Akaitcho Director
Erin Porter
Erin is the Community Wellness and Recreation Program Leader in Enterprise and is continuously improving her skills and knowledge. She is enrolled in both the Recreation North and MACA: School of Community Government training program working towards her occupational certification in recreation.
Erin was a hairstylist by trade
Erin Porter
Erin is the Community Wellness and Recreation Program Leader in Enterprise and is continuously improving her skills and knowledge. She is enrolled in both the Recreation North and MACA: School of Community Government training program working towards her occupational certification in recreation.
Erin was a hairstylist by trade and has grown to love the position and the joy of seeing others having fun, getting out, socializing, and living a good life. Erin is a proud momma of 4 beautiful and kind kids that she also home-schools! What free time she does have, she enjoys spending it with family camping, traveling, and having fun with friends.
Akaitcho Director
Akaitcho Director
Akaitcho Director
Janie Hobart
Janie was one of the founding members of the Mackenzie Recreation Association. She continues to be a part of the MRA and serves on the board because she feels it is important for all community members to have more opportunities to be healthy and active. Also, Janie believes in the benefits to meet and work together regionally
Janie Hobart
Janie was one of the founding members of the Mackenzie Recreation Association. She continues to be a part of the MRA and serves on the board because she feels it is important for all community members to have more opportunities to be healthy and active. Also, Janie believes in the benefits to meet and work together regionally and exchange ideas and provide regional sport and recreation opportunities.
While being on the executive board for MRA, Janie enjoys meeting new people, sharing ideas, providing opportunities for community members. As an avid volunteer, she also loves seeing all the happy and smiling faces.
Dehcho Director
Akaitcho Director
Dehcho Director
Ivan Landry
Ivan joined the MRA because he is interested in recreation and traditional activities and keen to help bring more opportunities to the Dehcho region. He brings to the board his past experiences of being on boards and being committee chair.
Ivan loves being active in all four seasons and is regularly involved in hockey, volleybal
Ivan Landry
Ivan joined the MRA because he is interested in recreation and traditional activities and keen to help bring more opportunities to the Dehcho region. He brings to the board his past experiences of being on boards and being committee chair.
Ivan loves being active in all four seasons and is regularly involved in hockey, volleyball, baseball. H'e's especially passionate about traditional activities for the community.
Nahendeh Director
Nahendeh Director
Nahendeh Director
Roslyn Firth
Roslyn first became aware of the MacKenzie Recreation Association in 2008 when she started as Recreation and Youth Programs Manager for the Hamlet of Fort Liard. The very first event she took a group of youth to was the MacKenzie Youth Games in Fort Smith and she still has the pictures!
Roslyn also served as MRA President
Roslyn Firth
Roslyn first became aware of the MacKenzie Recreation Association in 2008 when she started as Recreation and Youth Programs Manager for the Hamlet of Fort Liard. The very first event she took a group of youth to was the MacKenzie Youth Games in Fort Smith and she still has the pictures!
Roslyn also served as MRA President from 2014-2016 and wanted to return to the board to support the ED, maintain a strong connection with other communities in the MRA region, and to do what she can to ensure the excellent programming continues. As well as working in recreation in the Nahendeh region, Roslyn was also the Community Wellness Coordinator for LKFN from 2017 to 2021.
The experience and knowledge Roslyn has gained in her various roles throughout the NWT can help to guide the direction of the MRA.
Roslyn stays active by teaching fitness classes, walking and cross country skiing on our local trails (most often accompanied by her dogs!), and hiking in the Northern Rockies and in the American Southwest when the opportunities arise. She has been a fitness instructor for 30+ years and is passionate about the benefits of physical activity for all ages.
An interesting fact about Roslyn...
She has hiked and backpacked hundreds of kilometres in the Grand Canyon
Director at Large
Nahendeh Director
Nahendeh Director
Director at Large
Nahendeh Director
Director at Large
Kali Norn
Kali heard about MRA from participating in MRA signature events growing up! She joined the MRA to help provide input, effort, and collaboration with other communities and partners. Kali's energy, organizational skills and ability to quickly learn will help her thrive in the position.
Kali's very very passionate about offerin
Kali Norn
Kali heard about MRA from participating in MRA signature events growing up! She joined the MRA to help provide input, effort, and collaboration with other communities and partners. Kali's energy, organizational skills and ability to quickly learn will help her thrive in the position.
Kali's very very passionate about offering youth new experiences and opportunities to explore. When she's not helping youth get active, Kali stays active herself through workouts like yoga, high intensity interval training, cardio, and weightlifting.
An interesting fact about Kali...
She served two years on the Fort Liard Volunteer Fire Department!
Find out More
Nahendeh Director
Director at Large
Check out our Governance Policies to find out more about being on the MRA board.
Staff
Executive Director
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Director - ED Intern
Jessica VanOverbeek started with the MRA in September of 2015 after spending five years working as the recreation and program coordinator in Kugluktuk, NU. Jessica has a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism from Lakehead University but strongly believes in lifelong learning. In 2019, she completed the Non-Profit M
Jessica VanOverbeek started with the MRA in September of 2015 after spending five years working as the recreation and program coordinator in Kugluktuk, NU. Jessica has a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism from Lakehead University but strongly believes in lifelong learning. In 2019, she completed the Non-Profit Management Certificate program at Simon Fraser University and is currently actively learning more about leadership and financial management.
Jessica loves to travel and experience new things. When she is not working, Jessica likes to be active and go on adventures (both big and small) with her daughter.
Program Director - ED Intern
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Director - ED Intern
Delanie Vail was born in the North and raised in Tthebacha /Fort Smith, and now resides in Somba K’e/Yellowknife. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Alberta. Delanie has had the pleasure of working for NWTRPA and helping to provide recreational funding to the NWT communities and look
Delanie Vail was born in the North and raised in Tthebacha /Fort Smith, and now resides in Somba K’e/Yellowknife. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Alberta. Delanie has had the pleasure of working for NWTRPA and helping to provide recreational funding to the NWT communities and looks forward to continuing to help support our communities to stay healthy and active through sport, physical activity, and recreation with the MRA.
When she's not working you can find Delanie playing hockey, soccer, softball, or finding other ways to be active. Delanie grew up in an active home with parents who were leaders and volunteered as coaches, to help run events, chaperone athletes on sports trips, and supported youth to achieve their sports and recreation goals. With her upbringing, Delanie became passionate about the sport and recreation sector and committed to continuously learning and growing as a recreation professional and a well-rounded individual.
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Abby Shears has lived in Yellowknife for 7 years and is originally from Nova Scotia. She is currently attending the Memorial University of Newfoundland completing a Bachelor of Physical Education minoring in History and Indigenous Studies. With an extensive background and passion for aquatics, she hopes to continue promoting and providin
Abby Shears has lived in Yellowknife for 7 years and is originally from Nova Scotia. She is currently attending the Memorial University of Newfoundland completing a Bachelor of Physical Education minoring in History and Indigenous Studies. With an extensive background and passion for aquatics, she hopes to continue promoting and providing accessible opportunities for aquatic literacy within communities in the Northwest Territories. When not at work Abby enjoys being active in and around the water: paddle boarding, swimming, and fishing. Outside of the water she enjoys beading and spending time with her friends and family.
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian is from Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ (Jean Marie River) and resides in Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson). Akesha attends the University of Alberta and is working towards getting her Bachelor of Education. Upon graduation, Akesha plans to return to the Dehcho and give back to her community. This is Akesha’s third summer worki
Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian is from Tthets’éhk’édélı̨ (Jean Marie River) and resides in Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson). Akesha attends the University of Alberta and is working towards getting her Bachelor of Education. Upon graduation, Akesha plans to return to the Dehcho and give back to her community. This is Akesha’s third summer working for MRA. She enjoys being able to connect with new people and assist in building capacity in sport and recreation. Akesha participates in sport and recreation year-round and recognizes the positive impacts that being active brings, she hopes to expand her positive mindset to others in the MRA region.
"Sport and recreation had such a positive impact on me throughout the years, and is a hobby I actively participate in year-round. I have had the pleasure of having multiple role models in the recreation community and I hope with this position I can continue being a role model for youth in my community and others."
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Program Coordinator Summer Staff
Zoey Walsh was born in the North and raised in Kátło'dehé (Hay River), where she still calls home today. She studies at the University of Alberta, where she is currently in her 3rd year of completing a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education degree. This is Zoey’s first year as a Summer Program Coordinator with MRA, but she has a lo
Zoey Walsh was born in the North and raised in Kátło'dehé (Hay River), where she still calls home today. She studies at the University of Alberta, where she is currently in her 3rd year of completing a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education degree. This is Zoey’s first year as a Summer Program Coordinator with MRA, but she has a long history with sports and recreation. Growing up, Zoey immersed herself in multiple sports within her community, and to this day utilizes the benefits that recreation has to offer. She is excited to work with youth across the MRA region this summer, learn valuable skills, and experience new opportunities with MRA.
