Who We Are
The Yellowknife Community Foundation was formed in 1993 to provide interested individuals and organizations with a means of supporting projects in our community for the enduring future. Our vision is to be a catalyst for sharing, supportive, and connected communities.
The Yellowknife Community Foundation is a charitable organization that inspires and enables impactful giving in Yellowknife and the NWT. We strive to align donor interests and community needs through evidence-based grant-making, fundraising, strategic investment, public education, and community relations.
In carrying out our mission to identify and address community needs, grants are made to organizations across the NWT in support of projects which: advance the welfare of the needy and alleviate human suffering and poverty: assist and promote arts and cultural activities, sport, recreation and community development; advance education; assist and advance the provision of medical services; and assist and advance other community activities or facilities of a charitable nature.
The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors of respected community leaders who are appointed by a committee of community representatives.
Patrick Wrigglesworth, Chair
Patrick Wrigglesworth is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in government administration and financial operations. Currently serving as a Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT), Patrick’s roles have included managing the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, providing expert energy analysis, and handling financial operations within various GNWT departments. His expertise spans policy development, financial management, and strategic coordination.
Patrick served honourably in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves for eight years, gaining valuable leadership experience. He is a lifelong Yellowknifer, actively involved in his community as a board member of the City of Yellowknife Heritage Committee and a dedicated referee for the NWT Soccer Association. His past roles include head coach and team captain for local soccer clubs.
Patrick is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce from Athabasca University, building on his Diploma of Business Administration from Aurora College. Passionate about organizational optimization, policy writing, and data and financial analysis, he enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and cooking curry in his spare time.
Patrick can be reached at chair@ykcf.ca
Megan Holsapple, Vice Chair
Megan is originally from the east coast and moved to the Northwest Territories to work as a CBC reporter in 2000. She has been living in Yellowknife since 2003, and has focused on gender equity: increasing diversity in public governance, researching programs that improve access to family justice services, and leading a trauma-informed information liaison unit for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Megan’s main claim to fame is that she was the first person to Nordic walk over the Deh Cho Bridge, a feat she accomplished by showing up on opening day with her walking sticks and staying at the front of the crowd in case someone else had the same idea. Her secondary claim to fame is that whenever she visits a new community, she takes a picture of herself in front of the local church. This started as an in-joke with her dad, but the “church selfies” confused so many people she decided to document all of her travels in this way.
In her spare time, Megan adds more layers so she doesn’t freeze during her long winter walks, practices her Aeropress coffee technique, and tries to get her son to call her back.
Roman Asmundson, Director of Finance
Roman Asmundson serves as the Secretary / Treasurer of the Yellowknife Community Foundation, bringing a deep understanding of finance and impact-driven initiatives to his role. He is an Impact Fund Analyst at EntrepreNorth, a project hosted by MakeWay’s shared platform, where he empowers Indigenous entrepreneurs across the North to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods.
Bernard Dube, Secretary
Photo and bio coming soon.
Meaghan Brackenbury, Director
Meaghan truly believes in the power of a vibrant, resilient community connected through generosity and kindness. Needless to say, she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this exact mission with the Yellowknife Community Foundation.
Originally from Perth, Ontario, Meaghan graduated from Carleton University in 2020 with a Combined Honours in Journalism and Human Rights. She was instantly drawn to the North after taking a 6-week internship with local newsroom, Cabin Radio. Four years later, she’s still here – and loving every minute.
Meaghan is now working as the community outreach coordinator for YWCA NWT, advocating on important issues in the territory such as gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and housing insecurity. It’s been an incredibly eye-opening experience, and she’s eager to continue learning and growing.
When she’s not working, Meaghan loves to spend time reading a good book, noodling around on her guitar, and exploring the outdoors with her beloved dog, Tseni.
Alison Erlwanger, Director
Garrett Hinchey, Director
Born and raised in Yellowknife, Garrett Hinchey is a trained journalist and communicator currently working as a senior advisor with Diavik Diamond Mine’s closure project. Garrett previously spent 10 years at CBC North in a variety of roles, including managing editor, where he worked to elevate and create opportunities for Northern journalists and storytellers.
A prolific volunteer and community organizer, Garrett played a lead role in the Tommy Forrest Ballpark revitalization project, a multi-year volunteer effort that saw the transformation of a community gathering space in downtown Yellowknife.
He co-founded 100 Knifers Who Give a Damn, which has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to local non-profits since inception, and was central in the founding of the non-profit Northern Journalism Training Initiative, most recently serving as its vice chair. Garrett currently sits as a director with the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.
A life-long athlete, Garrett coaches high-performance junior squash and still travels to compete in squash and fastball tournaments. He enjoys camping and spending time with his family.
Robert Charpentier, Director
Photo and bio coming soon.
Bryany Denning, Director
Photo and bio coming soon.
Laurie Gault, Agent
Laurie has a Bachelor of Commerce, Queen’s University, and a Masters Certification in Project Management. Laurie joined the Technology Service Centre (TSC) in January 2008 as Manager of Client Services and fulfilled the Director’s role from January 2009 until her retirement. Prior to joining the GNWT, Laurie had 20 years’ experience in Information Technology and Project Management at Bell Canada. She has significant experience in systems development, project management, and process development.
During her tenure at TSC, Laurie oversaw the ongoing expansion of the GNWT municipal, territorial, and internet networks across the NWT, as well as the evolution of desktop, telecom, and mobile technology to approximately 5000 Government, Agency and Board staff.
In addition to the Yellowknife Community Foundation, Laurie volunteers for many community events and enjoys exploring all that the north has to offer. She exited the board in April 2026 and will remain in a support role as an Agent.
Korry Garvey
Korry moved to Yellowknife from Ontario in 2019. She has a degree in Arts and Science from McMaster University, a Social Service Worker diploma from Northern College, and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Thompson Rivers University. Since moving to the Northwest Territories, Korry has worked and volunteered within the social services field supporting children in care and assisting youth and adults experiencing homelessness. In her previous role at a planning consulting firm, she worked closely with an Indigenous-led housing organization in Fort Good Hope, focusing on housing initiatives that took into account the broader social determinants of health. Korry’s approach to work is rooted in equity, with an emphasis on ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. In Yellowknife, Korry volunteers and participates in various arts and culture events, plays many sports, and loves to be outside with her dogs.
Alexander Weir
Alexander was born and raised in Yellowknife. He studied Linguistics at Concordia University, has a certification in web development, and is working to become a second-year apprentice electrician. He has released three hyperpop albums under the name lilamancy, available now on all major music platforms. Alexander loves the quiet nature of life in the North and the close friendships it fosters.
Check out Alexander’s 2022 performance at Folk on the Rocks!
