After 240 kilometres of paddling through one of Canada’s most iconic wilderness rivers, Warrant Officer Katherine Vick has returned from the Nahanni River with more than just memories — she came home with renewed purpose, deepened friendships and a strengthened commitment to the power of shared healing.
Vick, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and Stonewall resident, was selected to join the 2025 True Patriot Love (TPL) Nahanni River All Women’s Expedition — a unique opportunity that brought together military veterans, active members and civilians for two weeks of self-discovery and connection in the Northwest Territories.
“Only 300 to 900 people paddle the Nahanni each year, and we were lucky to be the last group on the river for the season,” Vick said. “But what made it unforgettable was the people — a team of incredible women who supported one another every step of the way.”
The expedition was led by five female guides from Canoe North Adventures and included both retired and currently serving military personnel alongside civilian participants. Over two weeks, the women faced down rapids, unpredictable weather and the physical challenges of wilderness living — all while building bonds that Vick says will last a lifetime.
“Alongside the challenges came laughter, joy and the strength we found in one another,” she said. “We weren’t just surviving. We were thriving.”
Vick, who lives with operational stress injury, initially saw the expedition as an opportunity to reset and reflect. But what she gained, she said, was far beyond what she expected.
For Vick, one of the most meaningful aspects of the journey was the openness among team members in sharing their mental health experiences. She said listening to fellow veterans’ stories and witnessing their recovery journeys reinforced the resilience of their community.
“What surprised me most was realizing how many of the civilian women shared the same struggles,” she said. “It reminded me that we don’t compare our traumas. Every experience is valid, and healing looks different for everyone.”
True Patriot Love covered all costs for the expedition, and participants were surprised with thoughtful handmade gifts and donations from sponsors — gestures that reminded them they were seen and appreciated.
“The greatest gift was two weeks away from daily stress, where we were given time, space and understanding,” said Vick. “On the river, we could share openly, without judgment. We learned that tears are not weakness; they are strength.”
Only one canoe tipped during the trip (not Vick’s), and she said the response from the team showcased the unity that defined their journey.
Another highlight of the trip was a visit to Nahanni Butte, where the team was warmly welcomed by local residents and received hand-crafted Indigenous beadwork. Moved by the community’s generosity, the group committed to sponsoring school supplies for the local school this year.
“We were reminded how powerful human connection is — and how much it means to be welcomed with open arms by those who call the North home,” Vick said.
Back home, Vick has already surpassed her personal fundraising goal, raising $2,700 for TPL. The all-women’s expedition team has collectively raised more than $813,000 toward their $1-million target, with fundraising still ongoing.
“The Nahanni showed me that when women come together with courage, compassion and openness, there is no limit to what we can carry or how far we can go.”
Vick will share more about the expedition during a virtual Fireside Chat with civilian member Jacqui Szeto from Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. on Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. Central, and she will attend the True Patriot Love Gala on Nov. 6, where the team’s journey and achievements will be celebrated.
For anyone wanting to watch the virtual fireside chat, the link https://truepatriotlove.akaraisin.com/ui/nahanniriver25
To support the expedition’s fundraising efforts, visit
