2025 Nominees
Gombee Jose
Ava Erasmus
Gombee Jose
Gombee Jose is proud to be born and raised in Fort Simpson. She began her soccer coaching journey in September 2024 with a passion for the sport and a commitment to supporting youth in my community.
Since then, she worked hard to create a positive and inclusive environment for local kids to develop their love for the game. She secured new soccer gear and equipment for every child who attends practice, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. Their team has taken part in four tournaments so far—two hosted here in Fort Simpson and two out of town—giving the kids valuable experience and unforgettable memories.
Q: What is the best thing about volunteering?
A: "The most rewarding part of volunteering has been building meaningful connections with the youth and watching their passion for soccer grow each day. Soccer has opened many doors for me in life, and I believe the kids in my community deserve those same opportunities.”
| FORT SIMPSON|
Sydney Sapp
Ava Erasmus
Gombee Jose
Sydney Sapp was born and raised in Fort Simpson, and now resides in Fort Providence with her husband and three boys. She worked as an office manager for a mobile mechanic company, and is currently the volunteer hockey coach for the Fort Providence Young Bulls. Recreation has always been a part of her life from baseball trips with her parents, to weekends at the arena watching or playing hockey.
Q: What is the best thing about volunteering?
A: "The best thing about volunteering is the impact it has on the community, benefiting participants, organizations, and most importantly, personal growth.”
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
A: "I would say go for it! It only takes one person to make a difference, volunteering is very rewarding.”
| FORT PROVIDENCE|
Ava Erasmus
Ava Erasmus
Ava Erasmus
Ava is a dedicated and passionate volunteer in the Fort Simpson community, playing a vital role with the Fort Simpson Speed Skating Club. She consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership by encouraging youth participants to strive for their best while advocating for the sport. Ava's commitment to creating opportunities for young athletes to compete and practice makes her a standout volunteer and an exemplary figure in recreation. Her efforts positively impact the community and help foster a supportive and engaging environment for all youth involved in speed skating.
Q: What is your favorite thing about the recreation community?
A: “I volunteer because I know firsthand how transformative sport can be - for physical health, confidence, resilience, and community-building. Sport has had such a positive impact on my life, and I love being a part of a community that encourages others to experience that as well. I’m passionate about making recreation accessible, inclusive, and fun. I want to continue creating opportunities for people to get involved, feel welcome, and find joy in movement.”
| FORT SIMPSON|
2024 Nominees
Kali Norn
Allie McDonald
Allie McDonald
She is dedicated and shows up for the community! Kali is such a hardworking young person who sets an example for the youth and children in Fort Simpson. She is recreation for our community. Without her dedication, many programs would not take place.
Kali is from Fort Liard and has lived in Fort Simpson for nearly two years. She works for the Village of Fort Simpson as their Recreation Programs Coordinator and is the Nahendeh
Regional board member for the Mackenzie Recreation Association. She truly loves her job, which encourages physical health and provides opportunities.
Q: Why do you think volunteering is important?
A: “ Encouraging people to volunteer is a key part of communities' efforts to come together to give back and provide experiences and assistance. Seeing everybody volunteer means others express gratitude in one way or another.”
| FORT SIMPSON|
Allie McDonald
Allie McDonald
Allie McDonald
Allie is in her 12th year of teaching at PWK High School in Fort Smith. She loves being active in the community and participating in various physical activities. She takes pride in coaching basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Additionally, she enjoys organizing on-the-land experiences for her students in partnership with multiple community organizations.
Q: What is the best thing about volunteering?
A: “ The best thing about volunteering for me would be connecting with new people and getting to experience new opportunities.
I would say that even though volunteering sometimes feels like a lot, it is a rewarding experience.”
| FORT SMITH|
Jodie Thompson
Allie McDonald
Heather Atkins-Desjarlais
Jodie was nominated for her outstanding work in creating a community for women of all ages
during the golf season in Fort Simpson. She hosted weekly women’s night to encourage
women to come out and play.
Jodie is originally from Inuvik, NT but resides in Fort Simpson. She has been an athlete her
whole life playing sports such as soccer, baseball, volleyball, hockey, and speed skating. Due to injuries, she could no longer participate in contact sports. Jodie was interested in golf when the game showed her the strength, precision, and accessibility it took to play. Golf then became her main source of sports activity.
Q: What is the best thing about volunteering?
A: “The best thing about volunteering for the Ladies Night Golf was creating an environment for women of all ages to build interest in golfing, learn how fun the sport is, and have the goal of having fun. I believe after 3-4 years of ladies night, it is gaining more participants and success. I plan to keep volunteering for this program and next year involving high school girls to partner with a mentor to teach them about golf”
| FORT SIMPSON|
Heather Atkins-Desjarlais
Heather Atkins-Desjarlais
Heather Atkins-Desjarlais
Heather is an invaluable member of the Fort Simpson community, whose passion for sports and recreation shines through in everything she does. From her tireless efforts to promote various sports, including hockey, baseball, and soccer, to her dedicated volunteering and organizational skills.
Heather's impact is felt far and wide. Her commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate in events and activities speaks volumes about her character and dedication. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her willingness to mentor, volunteer, and spread the word about the importance of sports and recreation from childhood to adulthood is truly inspiring.
Q: What is your favourite thing about the recreation community in your community?
A: The friendships that come from recreation teams and events. Especially when at the venues (rink, gym, field), you get to chat with people you might not otherwise get a chance to connect with.
| FORT SIMPSON|
Armella (Amy) Mercredi
Heather Atkins-Desjarlais
Armella (Amy) Mercredi
Amy embarked on her recreation journey in Enterprise upon moving there, assuming the role of recreation coordinator or parks programmer. Over 15 years ago, she helped initiate the Seniors Society, recognizing the need for senior community engagement.
One standout memory for Amy is the 2022 bunnock tournament she hosted, which evolved into a major event with 12 participating teams from across the NWT. The legacy boards at the community center, featuring seniors' activities and photos, stand as a testament to the success and impact of her initiatives.
Q: Fun Fact about you?
A: "I just enjoy life and try to keep as active as I can." After over 40 years of teaching, Amy enjoys a wide range of activities to keep her busy: volunteering, quilting, gardening, photography, writing, and of course spending time with family."
| ENTERPRISE|
Jessica Cox
Heather Atkins-Desjarlais
Armella (Amy) Mercredi
Jessica grew up in a family of volunteers, including her father who always coached the sports that Jessica took part in. With strong examples and support from the adults around her, Jessica began volunteer coaching at age 16 for the local 6 & and under ringette team.
She found coaching very rewarding and fun and continues primarily because she loves the sport (ringette and hockey) but also because it is a great way to get involved and learn more about the community she lives in.
Q: What's the best part about volunteering?
A: "Over the years, I've enjoyed and been privileged to participate in multi-sport games like NAHC, AWG, CWG as a coach. Maybe one of the most rewarding things so far has been seeing the kids I coached, get involved in volunteering and who are now coaching at AWG and CWG.”
| FORT SMITH|
Doreen Nitsiza
Erin MacDonald
Erin MacDonald
Meet Doreen – a tireless recreation volunteer in Whati! Since she was 15, she embraced the world of volleyball, all thanks to her brother Lawrence and the local sports committee. Fast forward to 2010, when Doreen got her dream job as the Community Recreation Coordinator - the go-to person for all things recreation!
Beyond her professional achievements, Doreen's commitment to the community extends far and wide. She not only volunteers for volleyball but a variety of other events and programs in Whati and throughout NWT.
Q: What's the best part about volunteering?
A: "My favourite part of volunteering is seeing all the smiling faces, especially the youth and elders. I love being around people and spending time with the community, especially the elders."
| WHATI |
Erin MacDonald
Erin MacDonald
Erin MacDonald
Growing up, Erin was surrounded by adults who constantly supported her decision to become a coach. Janie Hobart, for example, urged Erin to coach skating in the winter and learn how to teach swimming in the summer. She became the person she is now and swiftly built her resume thanks to these experiences.
Erin is an unwavering promoter of recreation in Fort Smith whose constant recognition of her mentors and genuine care and recognition for volunteers inspires other volunteers to keep volunteering!
Q: What's the best part about volunteering?
A: " Snowboarding is the hardest sport I ever tried and couldn't learn, but I love volunteering with our snowboarding club! There’s something special about being outside at 30 below when the sun is shining and surrounded by people of all ages having fun.”
| FORT SMITH|