Ava Erasmus of Fort Simpson, Gloria Faye Johns of Hay River, Yellowknife’s Brian McShane and the Run for Our Lives Committee were recognized for their contributions in volunteerism on Thursday.
The NWT Outstanding Volunteer Awards, established in 1991, are held annually to celebrate “the vital role of volunteerism in fostering strong, resilient, and connected communities.”
There are four categories: youth, Elder, individual and group.
Erasmus, who has been involved with the Fort Simpson Fire Department, as well as the local speed skating and curling clubs, said she was “incredibly honoured” to receive the youth award.
“I think that strong communities are built by the strong people behind them, and I think that our communities are nothing about our volunteers,” she said.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
“It really is important to be there and show up to help make it a better place for all of us.”
Erasmus said she was inspired to receive the honour after seeing her role models, Roger Pilling and Val Gendron, recognized in previous years.
She reflected on how volunteers shaped her childhood, noting that many of the programs and activities in which she participated would not have existed without their dedication. Now, she values the opportunity to give back in the same way.
“Our communities are built off of a lot of people who care a lot. So I think if you can do anything today, it is be the person who cares,” she said. “Be the person who cares enough to step in and help out.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
McShane, winner of the individual award, said receiving the recognition was humbling considering the many dedicated volunteers across the Northwest Territories.
He said he is particularly passionate about his work with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and volunteering in marine search and rescue. Having spent 17 years with the organization – all of them in Yellowknife – he called it a meaningful commitment.
More than 100 volunteer members respond to emergencies affecting both local residents and ships transiting the Northwest Passage, including near Ulukhaktok, Tuktoyaktuk, Inuvik and Aklavik. With a new vessel launching in Aklavik this year, he said it’s exciting to see response capacity expanding across the North.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity, but it’s a team effort across the North,” he said.
“I’m really proud of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and all the different local units that are playing [a role] in that.”
Communities minister Vince McKay said he wanted to highlight Johns’ long record of service, stating she spent roughly 40 years working with the Government of the Northwest Territories.
McKay said he had supervised her for many of those years but added: “She was more like my supervisor.”
The GNWT said Johns was recognized for “her decades of leadership and volunteerism in the South Slave region at the K’amba Carnival, at funerals and in community service.”
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
McKay said her volunteer contributions extended far beyond that, with significant involvement across communities in the South Slave.
Patty Olexin-Lang of the Run for Our Lives Committee said she has been involved with the organization for more than 20 years, even before becoming executive director of the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation. The committee’s work helps the hospital.
“There’s about nine of us that year after year transform the Yellowknife Ski Club from a walking trail into a massive obstacle course with mud and obstacles from three to five kilometres,” she said, describing the annual mud run that the committee facilitates.
“Almost 400 people took part last year, and all for a great cause of raising money to support patient care and cancer-related equipment at Stanton Territorial that actually do make a difference.”
Tanya Kearney said most members have joined within the past three to four years, and the group has grown and improved each year.
She became involved with the group four years ago and said what keeps her motivated is setting new fundraising targets every few years.
“Every year, we kind-of keep expanding, getting a little bit better, and just find joy in working together as well,” she said.
“So it makes it a little bit easier to come together on weekends and give up your time when it’s actually for a good cause and you have a good group of people that you’re working with.”
