In the Northwest Territories, we know that community is everything. It’s how we share knowledge, lift each other up, and create spaces where everyone can thrive. That’s why we’re excited to launch something new and meaningful: A Physical Literacy NWT Community of Practice starting May 20.

At its heart, this initiative is about connection. It’s about bringing together passionate individuals from across education, sport and recreation, health, and justice — and beyond — to build stronger, more active, and more confident communities. Whether you're part of one of these sectors or simply care about movement and well-being in the North, there’s a place for you here.

Our goal is simple: to get more people, of all ages and backgrounds, physically literate. To show how physical literacy can be seen across sectors, and how we can learn from each other because physical literacy isn’t just about running faster or jumping higher. It’s about confidence, it’s about motivation, it’s about developing the skills, and the spirit to move, to belong, and to keep moving for life. We’re already doing so many amazing projects in the territory, so let’s share them in this community, learn from each other and, in the future, work even more closely together.

What will our Community of Practice look like?

Each month, we’ll gather virtually for an hour of shared learning and conversation. Sessions are simple, welcoming, and interactive:

• Check-in: Where is everyone at today? (Traffic light check-in)

• Round table: Sharing updates, challenges, successes.

• Guest speaker: Learning together from a topic expert.

• Discussion: Diving deeper into real issues.

• Closing reflection: Leaving with ideas, inspiration, and connection.

No long lectures. No heavy expectations. Just a chance to come together, learn from one another, and make real change, one conversation at a time.

Why it matters

In a territory as vast and vibrant as ours, connection across sectors is powerful. It builds resilience, strengthens programs, and ultimately creates more opportunities for ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøers to move, play, and thrive. By sharing ideas between health professionals, teachers, coaches, recreation leaders, and justice workers, we build a foundation where physical literacy isn't something extra, it becomes part of everyday life.

Our Community of Practice will every third Tuesday of the month at 12 p.m. MDT with a different topic for each session:

• May 20 – Community of Practice (Education focus)

• June 17 – Physical Literacy (Sport & Recreation focus)

• July 15 – Community Policing (Justice focus)

• September 16 – Health (Health sector focus)

• October 21 – Playbuilder (Sport & Recreation focus)

• November 18 – Cross-Sector Connection & Collaboration

• December 16 – Practice & Program Design

Each session will have a slightly different lens, but the spirit stays the same: learning together and growing together. If you are working in any of the sectors we outlined, and passionate about movement, well-being, and making a difference in the North, we invite you to join this journey.

The beauty of a Community of Practice is simple:
 you can show up, you can participate, or you can just listen in. You can learn. You can share.
 You can do it alongside your daily work, without pressure or expectation. Simply the desire to connect and grow.

Find more information and sign up at this website:

Because when we bring our sectors together, when we share our stories, our questions, and our hopes,
 we don’t just build programs.
 We build community.


And that’s where real movement begins.

Thorsten Gohl is the co-ordinator of Physical Literacy NWT.