Reflections from the 2025 School Sport Canada AGM in Whitehorse, Yukon

What happens when school sport leaders from across the country gather in the North? Connection. Reflection. And a whole lot of momentum.

Representing the Northwest Territories, we had the privilege of attending the 2025 School Sport Canada Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Whitehorse, Yukon. More than just an AGM, this was an opportunity to learn, align, and celebrate the role that school sport plays in shaping young lives from coast to coast to coast.

Hosted in a place that feels like home

Whitehorse welcomed us with open arms, northern kindness, and powerful reminders of why we do what we do. Huge thank you to Kristen for hosting with such care. From moose sightings at the Wildlife Preserve, to the rich stories at the MacBride Museum, to sharing a meal, this was more than a meeting, it was a reminder of belonging.

Collaboration rooted in shared values

Throughout the three days, we dove deep into everything from national policies to local realities:

• How do we build safer, more inclusive spaces in school sport?
• How can we reduce the burden on teachers, coaches, and community volunteers?
• How do we celebrate participation and performance across diverse regions and realities?
• And maybe most importantly: How do we keep youth at the center of every decision?

What we brought to the table (and what we’re bringing home)

In each session, we carried the voices of our Northern communities with us, the athletes from Fort Smith to Tuktoyaktuk, the teachers pulling double duty as coaches, the Elders cheering from the sidelines. And we left with new tools, strengthened partnerships, and a clear commitment to making school sport a space of growth, resilience, and joy.

We’re proud to be part of a national movement where sport is a vehicle for connection, character, and community. And we’re even prouder to bring that energy home to the NWT.

Let’s keep building something powerful, together.