Board of Directors
President
VP of North Slave
VP of Dehcho
Erin Porter 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 h
Erin Porter 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.
VP of North Slave
VP of North Slave
VP of North Slave
Theresa Lynn is the recreation coordinator for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation for the communities of Dettah and Ndilo. She is a Yellowknives Dene member and grew up in Dettah her whole life. The previous recreation coordinator introduced Theresa to MRA and she is excited to be a part of the board to make new connections with the other
Theresa Lynn is the recreation coordinator for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation for the communities of Dettah and Ndilo. She is a Yellowknives Dene member and grew up in Dettah her whole life. The previous recreation coordinator introduced Theresa to MRA and she is excited to be a part of the board to make new connections with the other surrounding communities. Theresa loves the support and opportunities that MRA provides for small communities to be able to travel for sports events; it really makes a difference for the youth and it keeps them active.
VP of South Slave
VP of South Slave
VP of North Slave
Janie Hobart 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 e
Janie Hobart 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.
Director at Large
VP of South Slave
Director at Large
Alana Lamalice is of Dene Zhatıé, Gwich’in, Nēhiyawēwin, Dëne Sųłıné Yatıé descent from K’atl’odeeche First Nation, NT. She is a Bachelor of Social Work graduate who has worked in the Addictions & Mental Health Field for 4+ years. Alana is currently working for AHS-Health Link in Calgary as a Mental Health Therapist/ Indigenous Listener
Alana Lamalice is of Dene Zhatıé, Gwich’in, Nēhiyawēwin, Dëne Sųłıné Yatıé descent from K’atl’odeeche First Nation, NT. She is a Bachelor of Social Work graduate who has worked in the Addictions & Mental Health Field for 4+ years. Alana is currently working for AHS-Health Link in Calgary as a Mental Health Therapist/ Indigenous Listener for the Indigenous Support Line. She plans on completing her MSW in the near future.
Alana is a mom of 1 daughter 💖 who is working towards completing her Undergraduate Degree at the U of C towards entering the Indigenous Law Program.
Alana has a passion for recreation as it has played an integral role in her personal life. Her commitment to recreation is interconnected to cardiovascular and weight training, with ceremonies to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Director at Large
Director at Large
Director at Large
Beth Hudson
Beth Hudson is of Cree descent from Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. Born and raised in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta), Beth was adopted out of her community as an infant and spent much of her life seeking reconnection and belonging. Through her journey with sport, recreation, university studies, and
Beth Hudson
Beth Hudson is of Cree descent from Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory. Born and raised in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta), Beth was adopted out of her community as an infant and spent much of her life seeking reconnection and belonging. Through her journey with sport, recreation, university studies, and the opportunity to collaborate with Northern communities, Beth found her first “home” in Fort Providence in 2013. Since then, she has spent time working as a Physical Literacy Coordinator, Leadership Development Coordinator with the Aboriginal Sports Circle of the NWT, and is currently working as the Regional On the Land Coordinator for Dehcho First Nations.
Beth loves building relationships with community members, thinking outside of the box, and finding innovative ways to have FUN while also building confidence and competence in all areas of life;
Staff
Executive Director
Program Director- Summer
Program Director- Summer
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 learning more about financial management and bookkeeping.
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- Summer
Program Director- Summer
Program Director- Summer
Abby Webster is from Hay River in the South Slave region but is currently residing in Yellowknife. Abby attends Olds College where she is working towards her Bachelor of Applied Science. She is currently doing her school practicum with the MRA and has also spent time working with the NWTRPA as their professional development coordinator i
Abby Webster is from Hay River in the South Slave region but is currently residing in Yellowknife. Abby attends Olds College where she is working towards her Bachelor of Applied Science. She is currently doing her school practicum with the MRA and has also spent time working with the NWTRPA as their professional development coordinator in 2021.
Abby plays hockey for the Olds College Broncos and also enjoys being active in the summers, playing softball and soccer. She is very excited to be back at the MRA for another summer and connect with different communities.
Program Coordinator - Summer
Program Coordinator - Summer
Program Coordinator - Summer
Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian joined our team in May 2021 and has grown to love making new connections and rekindling old ones, travelling to communities in our region, and furthering her education in physical literacy and water safety. Akesha’s favourite part of her job is knowing that she is creating everlasting memories with youth in the r
Akesha Hardisty-Norwegian joined our team in May 2021 and has grown to love making new connections and rekindling old ones, travelling to communities in our region, and furthering her education in physical literacy and water safety. Akesha’s favourite part of her job is knowing that she is creating everlasting memories with youth in the region and promoting an active lifestyle.
Apart from working, you can find her playing soccer, softball, volleyball or lifeguarding at the local pool in Fort Simpson. Throughout the academic year, she works towards getting her Bachelor of Education. Upon graduation, she hopes to come back to start her teaching career and be an advocate for Indigenous youth
Program Coordinator - Summer
Program Coordinator - Summer
Program Coordinator - Summer
Stephanie Elanik is an Inuvialuk and Dutch woman, raised in Yellowknife, NWT. She completed her Bachelor of Health and Physical Education in Physical Literacy at Mount Royal University, where she has grown passionate about Indigenization and promoting healthy lifestyles in the North.
Stephanie enjoys exploring trails in the Yellowknife
Stephanie Elanik is an Inuvialuk and Dutch woman, raised in Yellowknife, NWT. She completed her Bachelor of Health and Physical Education in Physical Literacy at Mount Royal University, where she has grown passionate about Indigenization and promoting healthy lifestyles in the North.
Stephanie enjoys exploring trails in the Yellowknife area, and trying out new art mediums in her spare time. She loves to incorporate physical activity in her day-to-day life through running, weightlifting, and yoga."