Nearly 20 years back, Nicole Spencer, a newcomer to Yellowknife seeking a community to engage with, attended the annual general meeting of the N.W.T. SPCA. This marked the beginning of her involvement with the organization. Fast forward to the present day, after 18 years, Spencer has made the decision to step down from her role as executive director.
Reflecting on her journey, Spencer remarked, “I was thinking about it — a third of my life has been with the N.W.T. SPCA, which is crazy. I’m very grateful for it, of course, but it was not planned, it just happened and it’s made me who I am today.”
Upon joining in 2008, the SPCA collaborated with the Great Slave Animal Hospital as it did not have its own shelter at the time. Shortly after Spencer came on board, the SPCA seized the opportunity to apply for grant funding from Aviva Canada and secured $300,000 to support the construction of a new shelter. This marked the pivotal moment that propelled the organization forward.
The new shelter, located in the Engle business district, officially opened its doors in 2012. Spencer recalled, “It kind of evolved into something huge but necessary,” highlighting the significant progress made from their initial operations out of the Great Slave Animal Hospital.
Randy Hillworth, who has been involved with the N.W.T. SPCA since the shelter’s inception, praised Spencer as the driving force behind the establishment of the shelter. He emphasized her dedication and passion, labeling her as the key figure in guiding the organization.
Spencer attributed her love for animals to her upbringing, mentioning that she had a penchant for caring for injured pets and wildlife from a young age. Despite her early affinity for animals, she never envisioned that animal welfare would become her primary focus.
Regarding her departure, Spencer deliberated before informing the board of her decision. The N.W.T. SPCA recently announced that Tirzah del Valle would succeed Spencer as the new executive director.