Walking Together for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 25, Naka Power Utilities (NWT) proudly led a Reflection Walk through downtown Yellowknife in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The walk began at Sambaa K’e Park and concluded at the Legislative Assembly Building, bringing together community members, Indigenous organizations and survivors to reflect, remember and stand in solidarity.
As an Indigenous-owned company with deep roots in the North, Naka Power Utilities (NWT) has served communities across the Northwest Territories for over 70 years. Many of our employees are residential school survivors or descendants of survivors, and this day holds profound meaning for our team.
“We’re a northern Indigenous company with northern Indigenous employees," said Darrell Beaulieu, CEO of Denendeh Investments and Chair of Naka Power Utilities Board of Directors. “We’ve had three generations of families work for Naka, and we service Indigenous communities. This walk was an opportunity for remembrance and healing.”
The event was emceed by William Greenland, a respected Elder and co-founder of the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Camp. “When we talk about reconciliation, I think it’s something that we should all be talking about all the time,” he shared during the walk.
We were honoured to partner with Dene Nation, Denendeh Investments, and other Indigenous groups to bring this event to life. Vic Barr, Manager at Naka Power Utilities (NWT), expressed gratitude, “It’s so great to get everybody here… Dene Nation brought the flag to help represent and lead the walk. It’s just amazing.”
Cecilie Beaulieu, Councillor for the Community of N’dilo, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, offered heartfelt thanks, “A huge thank you to Naka Power Utilities who organized this walk today in recognition of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The walk is to honour the residential school survivors and the students who never returned home.”
Darrell Beaulieu reminded attendees of the deeper purpose: “Today we have to remember the past, the injustices endured by our people… Each of us here is part of a journey towards healing, a journey that involves not just looking back but forging a brighter path forward.”
We thank everyone who joined us in this powerful moment of reflection and unity. Naka Power Utilities (NWT) stands committed to truth, reconciliation and the healing journey of our communities.