*Registered Non Profit with the Government of Nunavut

867 Strength

We just want more fitness options in the north. That’s our bottom line.

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Meet the Team

  • Natalie Maerzluft

    President

    Natalie is deeply passionate about community initiatives, fostering togetherness, and promoting strength training for people of all ages. She has a particular dedication to empowering youth and young girls to take on challenging pursuits. Natalie strongly believes in the benefits of movement for individuals from all backgrounds and abilities.

    With four years of experience in CrossFit-style training and a CrossFit Level 1 Coaching certification, Natalie combines her commitment to community development with a passion for helping others build strength and achieve their fitness goals. Her dedication makes her an invaluable member of the 867 Strength team.

  • Sim Knicklebein

    Vice President

  • Melissa Bascunan

    Secretary

  • Brandon Villeneuve

    Treasurer

  • Jose Atienza

    Member at Large

    Jose Atienza grew up in Cambridge Bay and Iqaluit and is currently completing an MSc in Physical Geography and Climate Change. A passionate foodie, Jose has competed in powerlifting since 2018, competing in the Open 74 kg category.

  • Malaya Knicklebein

    Member at Large

    Malaya Kisa-Knickelbein is a young Inuk artist born in Iqaluit and raised through the three regions of Nunavut. They showcase their culture through art, an important aspect in all her work. Malaya is both self-taught and community-taught; with expertise in digital art, traditional tattooing, beadwork, printmaking, and painting. Malaya is dedicated to developing a unique artistic voice that is contemporary yet incorporates traditional elements and imagery. They aspire to use their artistic production to help fundraise for various community programs.

    Malaya has experience working in various non-profit organizations focused on community wellbeing and cultural revitalization with skills focused in coordinating events and projects, social media management, bookkeeping, facilitating workshops as well as proposal writing. Malaya is passionate about supporting 867 Strength and is excited to see how this can contribute to the betterment of Nunavummiut.

our needs

  • Half the space will feature racks, rigs, and open areas for strength and conditioning, while the other half will accommodate group classes, workshops, and specialized programs like Judo, Boxing, or youth fitness.

    By offering flexible hours and an environment that embraces loud music, heavy lifting, and community spirit, we’ll ensure that people of all ages and skill levels feel welcome and safe.

    We’re looking for a centrally located, warehouse-style space in Iqaluit that’s open 24 hours a day to meet the needs of everyone—parents, shift workers, and athletes prepping for competitions.

    Our plan is to divide the facility into two main areas:

    • Open Gym (approximately half the space): This area will feature squat racks, rigs, bumper plates, dumbells and machines, and open areas for strength and conditioning

    • Group Classes and Specialized Programs (remaining half): while the other half will accommodate group classes, workshops, and specialized programs like youth and women’s fitness classes, competitions, workshops, and community events.

    We aim to keep the gym open 24 hours a day to accommodate shift workers, parents, and athletes juggling busy schedules. Essential amenities will include washrooms, changing areas, robust heating.

    Our projected monthly rent is at least $10,000, with total running costs. While these costs are significant, we’re committed to investing in a safe, inclusive facility that aligns with our vision: a place where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels can come together to get stronger, healthier, and more connected.

  • Coaching & Personal Training
    At 867 Strength, our coaches are the heartbeat of our community. We’re seeking individuals who are not only qualified (holding recognized coaching and personal training certificates) but also passionate about building relationships and guiding members’ personal growth. These coaches will serve as both group instructors and personal trainers, creating tailored workout plans for individuals who want a more customized approach to achieve their fitness goals.

    Coaches will lead group classes—from youth strength sessions to women’s-only and masters’ programs—and provide specialized support for those training for competitions or performance sports, such as powerlifting and strongman. They’ll also extend our reach to outlying Nunavut communities through remote training, ensuring that quality coaching is available to everyone. Above all, our coaches bring positive energy, emphasize safety, and embody the inclusive values that define 867 Strength—empowering every individual to discover, train, and thrive.

  • At 867 Strength, we believe in building a healthier community through collaboration. We’re seeking sponsors, partners, and volunteers who share our commitment to making strength training and wellness accessible to all. Whether you can provide financial backing, equipment donations, or volunteer your skills, your contribution directly helps us:

    • Maintain affordable memberships

    • Keep our equipment up to date and well-maintained

    • Expand programs for youth, women, and master athletes

    • Support local competitors preparing for events like the Arctic Winter Games and the North American Indigenous Games

    Volunteers play an equally vital role by assisting with grant applications, proposal writing, and special events, helping us secure even more resources for the community. By sponsoring or partnering with 867 Strength, you’re investing in the physical and mental well-being of Iqaluit residents—and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.

  • Our Timeline

    • Now – Mid 2025: Finalize funding, secure a suitable warehouse, and begin hiring coaching staff. We’ll focus on acquiring essential equipment, building our community partnerships, and laying the groundwork for 24-hour operations.

    • Late Fall 2025: Open our doors! We’ll launch with open gym sessions, foundational classes (like Intro to CrossFit or Beginner Strength), and early partnerships with local sports teams.

    • Early 2026: Expand class offerings to include specialized training (e.g., powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, youth athletics) and introduce remote coaching for Nunavut communities. We’ll also continue building partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, and organizations, striving to fulfill our vision of a true community hub.

    • Long-Term: Develop advanced workshops, clinics, and competition opportunities. Our dream is to see 867 Strength members across the territory—whether training in-person in Iqaluit or online from remote communities—achieving their fitness goals in a supportive, motivating environment.

our dreams

  • Improving fitness and wellbeing through accessibility to resources like additional facilities, training equipment, and community initiatives that instill inclusive community support and guidance in the world of health and wellness across Nunavut

  • We understand the health and mental benefits of strength training and believe that IT IS for EVERYONE. We want our space to be lift heavy positive and encourage the culture that tends to surround that. Our gym will be alive with energy—loud music, chalk for heavy lifts, and a space where dropping weights in celebration is not just allowed but encouraged.

  • At 867 Strength, our mission is to create an inclusive, safe, and empowering space where everyone—kids, teens, adults, and elders—can experience the physical and mental benefits of strength training. We believe strength is for everyone, and our gym will reflect that by being accessible to all ages and fitness levels. We aim to build a strong, supportive community where people can train together, lift heavy, celebrate their progress, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with a shared commitment to health.

  • 867 Strength aims to offer remote programming and coaching for athletes in Nunavut’s communities, bringing fitness resources and virtual training opportunities to those beyond the capital.

    We are committed to training up our community members and allowing them to coach and teach other in their communities. Partnering with local clubs and Territorial sports teams, providing training, programming, and resources for athletes during key seasons like the Arctic Winter Games (AWG), North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), and the Summer Games, 867 Strength desires to be the central space for providing coaching and training opportunities for athletes and coaches alike. We desire to have individuals from all over Nunavut, train and learn in our facility in order to give back to themselves and their communities. 

  • We also believe in community healing and aim to partner with those battling addictions. With initiatives like Reps for Recovery we would offer gym access to those overcoming substance abuse, creating a judgment-free space where everyone can work towards their health and recovery. Through this, we aim to provide a sanctuary for personal growth, strength, and movement for the entire community. A judgement free place to improve themselves. 

Key Values and Goals

  • Provide a safe, inclusive space where people of all fitness levels can train and grow. We desire a safe space over all. We have a dream that ALL ages will be in our gym. We think all kids, teens, adults and elders should be training and ensuring their foundational health is invested in. Strength training IS for everyone and we want to showcase that in our space always. 

    • Offer diverse fitness programs, including generic strength training, CrossFit, powerlifting, weightlifting, martial arts, and specialty workshops to meet the varied needs of the Iqaluit community.

    • Foster community engagement through group fitness challenges, corporate memberships, and collaborations with local schools and organizations.

    • Ensuring we offer and run programming according to the persons in our space and accomidating accessibilty when needed. 

    • Improve mental health and overall well-being through physical fitness, reducing barriers to access, and offering flexible membership options.

    • Our long-term vision is for 867 Gym to become a community hub for health and wellness in Iqaluit, driving social impact through improved fitness, stronger mental health outcomes, and deeper community connections.