Recreation leaders from across the Yukon gathered in Whitehorse from September 24 to 25 for the 24th annual Recreation Gathering, themed Reimagining Outdoor Active Recreation.
The Recreation Gathering is hosted by the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon (RPAY) and supported by the Government of Yukon Sport and Recreation Branch. The event provided an opportunity for recreation leaders and volunteers to network and attend professional-development workshops and presentations. At the Gathering, the Government of Yukon presented its annual community recreation leadership award to Janice Cliff, Verna Nukon and Courtney Terriah. This award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to community recreation in the Yukon.
Award recipients
- Janice Cliff has over 10 years contributing to the Klondike Ice Queens Women’s Hockey in Dawson. She was instrumental in building a thriving and growing women’s hockey community and continues to volunteer hundreds of hours each year organizing, coaching, officiating, fundraising, recruiting and supporting new players. Women’s hockey is a vital component of mental and physical health for many in Dawson and it would not exist if not for Janice.
- Verna Nukon has been an integral part of Ross River’s Recreation Society for over 15 years. She is committed to Ross River youth and has organized many community-driven events, such as ball tournaments and health fairs, and has advocated for infrastructure needs and improvements for many years. Verna’s voice has been a large part of guiding recreation opportunities for the community and she remains a strong point of contact for all those looking to coordinate opportunities for Ross River.
- Courtney Terriah has spent five years with the Kwanlin Dün First Nation recreation team. She plays a huge role in program development, facilitation and evaluation and ensures programming is rooted in the voices of children and youth in the community. This has led to many great programming accomplishments, such as ice climbing adventures, regular teen nights, paddle training programs and comprehensive on-the-land camps.
The Government of Yukon provided $23,800 in support of the event, including accommodation, catering and facility rental. This event is one of many initiatives through which the Government of Yukon promotes recreation across the territory, fostering healthy and vibrant communities
Thank you, Janice, Verna and Courtney, for your outstanding contributions to our Yukon communities. Your dedication and commitment are inspiring, as you uplift those around you and strengthen recreation in our communities. Thank you to the Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon and everyone involved in making this event possible. Our government is committed to supporting recreation to help Yukoners stay healthy and active, fostering vibrant communities across the territory.
RPAY’s annual gathering is a reminder of the vital impact of recreation in our Yukon communities. By coming together to share ideas and experiences, we celebrate our collective achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering active, healthy lifestyles. This year’s diverse workshops and networking opportunities emphasized the importance of encouraging outdoor active recreation and its role in enhancing the well-being of every Yukoner.
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Since 2000, the Government of Yukon community recreation award has been presented annually to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Yukon community recreation.
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Attendees saw presentations from the 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, Yukon University, Yukon First Nation Education Directorate and the Health Promotion Unit who presented on the Planet Youth Project and the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, amongst many other workshops and activities.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca
John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
john.tonin@yukon.ca