The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2025 Accessibility Impact Awards. This event is an opportunity for the Government of the Northwest Territories, the NWT Disabilities Council, and the NWT Human Rights Commission to recognize and celebrate the outstanding people and businesses advancing accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the territory. By promoting community accessibility and social inclusion, the winners of these awards enable persons with disabilities to engage with their neighbors and community to achieve more fulfilling lives.

This year’s recipients are:

GNWT Accessibility and Inclusion Award:

Ms. Katie Johnson: A Yellowknife-based mother of two, Katie is a dedicated advocate for children with Autism and their families and caregivers. She has helped build a strong sense of community among families by helping to build peer support networks, and by securing funding through Field Law’s Community Fund to organize inclusive events like a Halloween party, a Snow Castle outing, and an ice-fishing day. These gatherings brought Autistic children and their families together in meaningful ways. Katie has also met with Members of the Legislative Assembly to advocate for better access to after-school care and summer camps for Autistic children. Her efforts have had a lasting impact, and families across the NWT feel more seen, supported, and connected because of her work. We thank Katie Johnson for her leadership, her advocacy, and the community she has helped to build, showing us what is possible when we focus on inclusion and support.

The NWT Disabilities Council Judith A. Sharp Memorial Community Champion Award:

Kelly Slack: Kelly has been nominated for her long-term commitment to supporting youth inclusion in sport and recreation. Over 15 tireless years of volunteer work with Special Olympics NWT, she has coached young Northerners for that event and for youth programs that teach the fundamental movements of physical literacy. For many children with intellectual disabilities there are very few supportive opportunities to participate in sport and recreation. Thanks to Kelly, Special Olympics is not only an opportunity, it is a fun and encouraging space for them to challenge and develop their physical literacy skills. An enthusiastic champion for teaching social skills in Special Olympics and generic sport, Kelly embodies the spirit of inclusion and accessibility celebrated by the Judy Sharp Community Champion Award.

The Human Rights Commission Accessibility Award:

The Yellowknife Aquatic Centre: The NWT Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce the City of Yellowknife’s new Aquatic Centre as the winner of the 2025 Accessibility Award. The Aquatic Centre is a wonderful example of a barrier-free facility, one that all members of our community can enjoy. Automatic doors, accessible change spaces, and sloped access into the pool are features that benefit people with disabilities, but also parents, seniors, and young people. Barrier-free access promotes inclusiveness so that everyone can participate in our communities in a manner that respects their dignity. We offer our sincere congratulations to the Yellowknife Aquatic Centre and urge other construction projects across the Territory to follow the City’s lead.

This year’s awards ceremony was held on May 29, 2025, as a part of National AccessAbility Week in Canada. The ceremony provided an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding persons and businesses committed to advancing accessibility and inclusion in the territory.

For media requests, please contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSMedia@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9052 ext. 49036