The Yellowknife Small Grants Program offers micro-grants of up to $1,000 for individual residents of Yellowknife, Ndilǫ, and Dettah to build community, and help improve it. The first ever batch of grants was awarded in Fall 2025 to eight community members, including Lani Cooke for her project, Yeah for Yoga.
Since June 2025, Lani has been teaching a one hour yoga class twice a week in the brand new Avens Pavilion studio. She used the grant to enhance the Avens yoga experience with upgraded exercise chairs, blocks, mats, blankets, and a storage cabinet.
A number of happy outcomes followed from Lani’s investment:
- More elders were able to attend, including 4-6 in Chair Yoga and another 4-6 in Mat Yoga.
- Classes expanded to four a week.
- Students experienced improved strength and balance.
- Lani developed new skills as an instructor.
- Seniors across multiple Avens residences were brought closer together.
“I have fun teaching my students and they have fun with the various postures, mudras, and chants.” – Lani Cooke
Yellowknife Small Grants are based on the simple but powerful idea that everyone has something to contribute.
Your support helps community members like Lani can bring their ideas to life.
