About the NWT Paddling Association
The Northwest Territories Paddling Association (NWTPA) is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to supporting paddling sports across the NWT. We serve as the official Territorial Sport Organization for canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and rowing.
We’re proud to collaborate with the Sport North Federation and MACA, and to support our two member clubs: the Fort Smith Paddling Club and the Somba K’e Paddling Club . Through partnerships with Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) and Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA), as well as the Alberta Rowing Association (ARA) and the Alberta Whitewater Association (AWA), we help deliver safe, fun, and competitive programs for paddlers of all ages across the territory.
Our Mission
The NWTPA is committed to making paddling accessible and welcoming for everyone. We believe that paddling should be a safe, fun, and inclusive experience for people of all backgrounds, genders, ages, races, religions, and abilities.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Promoting paddling sports across the NWT and supporting new paddling clubs;
Providing safe, inclusive, and engaging programs for all athletes;
Developing coaches as strong community leaders;
Building a paddling community that values fun, safety, and healthy competition;
Ensuring the well-being of everyone through Safe Sport policies.
OUR SHORT-TERM GOALS
Support the growth and development of paddling clubs;
Find funding for equipment, travel, and training;
Help prepare athletes and coaches to participate in Canada Summer Games; and
Help Indigenous athletes and coaches prepare for major events like the Indigenous Summer Games and the North American Indigenous Summer Games.
Member Clubs
Fort Smith Paddling Club
Based in Fort Smith, NT, the Fort Smith Paddling Club is one of the NWTPA’s key organizations. Located on the scenic Slave River, it offers paddling opportunities for all skill levels — from beginner flatwater routes to challenging whitewater rapids. With over 25 years of activity, the club provides pool sessions and river clinics for adults. It’s a valuable resource for paddlers planning to navigate the area. Contact the club for safety tips, route information, or to connect with local paddlers.
CONTACT: FORTSMITHPADDLINGCLUB@GMAIL.COM
Somba K’e Paddling Club
Founded in the late 1990s, the Somba K’e Paddling Club in Yellowknife is a non-profit organization dedicated to making paddling accessible, fun, and inclusive for everyone. The club develops paddling routes, offers skills instruction, and promotes water safety. It maintains a fleet of canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and rowing shells, providing opportunities for skill-building, recreation, and athletic growth. Whether new or experienced, members are encouraged to participate and enjoy the water.
CONTACT: SOMBAKEPADDLING@GMAIL.COM
Partners
We’re proud to work alongside many organizations across the NWT that help support our paddling clubs and programs. These partnerships are key to building a strong paddling community and making sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy being on the water. Here’s a look at some of our main partners.
SPORT NORTH FEDERATION
Since 1976, Sport North has been helping promote and grow amateur sport across the Northwest Territories. The NWTPA operates as a Territorial Sport Organization under Sport North, working together to build strong paddling communities.
MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS - GNWT
The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) supports capable, responsible community governments that help create safe, sustainable, and healthy places to live. They work closely with communities to promote sport and recreation, develop youth programs, ensure safety standards are met, coordinate emergency services, and protect consumer rights. They are a key funder for the NWTPA, helping us keep our clubs and programs running smoothly.
INDIGENOUS SPORTS CIRCLE NWT
Indigenous Sports Circle - NWT aims to build healthy, active, and culturally connected Indigenous communities throughout the territory. They focus on strengthening local capacity, creating culturally relevant programs, and developing athletes and coaches in ways that respect and celebrate community values.
Meet the Team
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Lauren Hogan - President
Lauren joined the NWTPA in 2022 as a result of her work on the Somba K’e Paddling Club Board. Lauren is an avid rower and aficionado for all water sports. She is also the SKPC’s rowing coach and abides by the belief that the single most important feature of a rower is their desire to row.
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Raphaël Jeansonne-Gélinas - Vice-President
Bio coming soon!
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Zack Coady - Treasurer
Bio coming soon!
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John Blyth - Secretary
Bio and picture coming soon!
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Nick Rivett - Director at Large
Bio coming soon!
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Shona Barbour - Director at Large
Bio coming soon!
We’re dedicated to supporting paddling communities across the Northwest Territories.
If you have questions or want to get involved, please reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!