ENTERPRISE
Mindi Burrell is working to create a more unified and happier Enterprise.

Mindi Burrell – recreation co-ordinator working for a healthier and happier Enterprise, especially by offering activities and events at the Enterprise Community Centre. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

That's because, since June of 2012, she has been a recreation co-ordinator for the Hamlet of Enterprise.

"If you have an event that makes everybody happy and people can come together at that event, it would make them more susceptible to wanting to be together outside of the event," she said. "The more you get to talk to somebody, the more you can become friends with them."

Her efforts are all the more needed because of a well-known contentious trait among some residents in Enterprise, especially when it comes to local politics and debating community issues.

Burrell avoided talking about anything political, but said her goal is to create community unity. "It's just to bring the community back together, and to get the community out and active."

She said bringing people closer together is good for community health and wellness.

As recreation co-ordinator, Burrell organizes many events at the Enterprise Community Centre – an impressive three-year-old building that offers many activities for residents, including toys, games, an air hockey table, a pool table, a foosball table, computers, a library, a gym, a kitchen and more.

She also tries to prepare a community dinner at least once a month.

"I try to put on one big event each month for the community, and normally I try to have it as a supper," she said.

Burrell said she likes to cook for other people. "I don't like much food, so I'd rather cook for other people than for myself"

The purpose of the community meals is to try to mend any rifts between people.

"I want it to go back to everybody liking each other and getting along," Burrell explained.

She also organizes other activities, often for young people, such as skating, and swimming and bowling in Hay River, along with events for everyone, like outdoor games in the winter.

"There is an after-school program that we've been doing where the kids come in and we do crafts or something active," she added.

Burrell said she enjoys the work.

"I enjoy hanging out with the kids, the teenagers," she said. "I enjoy planning meals and stuff like that."

In fact, she noted she has made good friendships with the young people, explaining she is not a serious type of person all of the time.

"I kind of enjoy just being able to act like a kid still," she said, adding that is combined with being a responsible person.

Burrell works from 1-6 p.m. each weekday. During the weekend, the Enterprise Community Centre is accessible to hamlet residents with keys to the facility.

The 27-year-old Burrell has lived in Enterprise since July of 2008, when she and her parents moved from Ontario.

"They decided they wanted a change in life, and I decided that was my chance for my change in life to follow them," she said.

Burrell said getting involved in the community helped her feel at home in Enterprise.

"When I first moved here, I really didn't talk to anybody," she said. "I was the blonde ditzy girl, but I never talked to anybody. And now I've gone out, and the more people you talk to the more respect and friends you gain. It brings on a more happy atmosphere for the whole community."

Burrell promotes a happy community in another personal way – often dressing in what she describes as "funky" clothes.

"I enjoy dressing like that," she said. "If I could wear a Halloween costume every day of the week, I would."

Wearing unique clothes puts people at ease and is often a starting point for a conversation, she noted. "When I dress, I try to be as funky as possible."

Despite that, Burrell describes herself as a very shy person, although she noted being recreation co-ordinator has made her less shy.