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In a crowded gymnasium, spectators clapped in rhythm, cheering athletes on as they stepped forward for their final attempt in the Arctic sports triple jump category. Athletes launched forward, pushing their bodies to the limit in a sport that demands explosive strength, balance and precision. While one competitor landed successfully and moved into medal contention, another’s feet slipped out from under them, sending them sprawling backward onto the mat and abruptly ending their chances for victory. Officials carefully measured each jump while competitors embraced teammates nearby, sharing hugs and high-fives regardless of the result. Scenes like this unfolded throughout venues across Whitehorse during the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) 2026, where athletes from across the circumpolar North gathered not only to compete, but to celebrate culture, community and dedication to their craft. Nunatsiavut Delegation Observes the Games Since the inception of the games in 1970, its impact has reached far beyond the athletes themselves. Johannes Lampe travelled from Nain in the Inuit region of Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador to attend the games as part of a special delegation observing the events and meeting with leaders to discuss the possibility of future participation. He said the firsthand experience gave him a new appreciation for the scale and significance of the gathering. “We’re special guests at the Arctic Winter Games and had the chance to sit in on the International Committee meetings,” Lampe said. The games had already left a deep impression on him. What stood out most was not only the athleticism, but what the event represented for northern youth. “Young people need to be involved in games like this to rise above what can be very hard for them personally,” Lampe said. Lampe explained that similar traditional games exist in Nunatsiavut, though not at the same competitive level. Young people in the region participate in activities resembling events like the high kick, knuckle hop and airplane. Many also play hockey, badminton and volleyball. But bringing athletes to the Arctic Winter Games would require significant preparation. Travel is a major factor, the journey from Labrador to Whitehorse is roughly 4,800 to 5,600 kilometres. Population is another challenge. Nunatsiavut serves about 6,500 beneficiaries, making it more difficult to assemble large teams compared with regions like Alaska, Yukon, Greenland and Nunavut. Watching athletes compete reinforced Lampe’s belief that events like the AWG can give youth purpose, connection and opportunities that extend beyond sport. “These games are very special, not just for the young people, but for the parents, grandparents and families who see them as role models,” he said. Nunavik Athletes Compete Across Multiple Events Crowds cheering on athletes at the AWG in Whitehorse. Photo: APTN On the snowshoe racing course, the sound was unmistakable. The rhythmic crunch of snowshoes packing down the trail as racers pushed toward the finish line, their breath visible in the cold air. Hannah-Mae Annanack from George River in Nunavik was among them. For her, snowshoe racing was less about podium finishes and more about the experience. “I just picked it because it looks fun and it’s fun,” she said with a shrug and a smile, her cheeks flushed from the cold. “Just finish. Finish it well. Because last time I didn’t finish it. Just finish the line and have fun.” Her preparation for the Games had been simple: learning how to tie her snowshoes properly. Annanack has competed before, including at games in Alaska and she was already thinking about what might come next. With Team Nunavik now officially a permanent member of the AWG, she hopes more young athletes from her region will get the chance to try different sports. She already has her eye on hockey for the future. A Major Milestone for Team Nunavik This year’s AWG also marked a significant moment off the field for Team Nunavik. After years of participation, the team officially became a permanent member of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. Philippe Chiasson, the team’s chef de mission, said the milestone represented decades of work. “This is our 17th Games since the start, so it’s been a lot of work toward this goal,” Chiasson said. “It’s a big result from a lot of work for many, many years, and it opens the door to our region and to the athletes who have worked really hard to be in the Games.” Permanent membership also means Nunavik now has a formal voice in shaping future games. “Now we have a seat at the table at the international committee and can have a say in the future games,” he said. Beyond medals and rankings, Chiasson said the games offer young athletes something even more valuable, exposure to the wider world. “For many of the athletes, it opens their horizons,” he said. “They have the opportunity to travel outside Nunavik and outside their communities.” Traditional games staple of AWG Knuckle hopping, anyone? While modern competitions filled arenas across Whitehorse, traditional Indigenous games remained a central part of the Arctic Winter Games. In one venue, the steady beat of drums signalled the start of a Dene Hand Games match. Players faced each other across the mat while drummers pounded out rhythms behind them. Hands moved quickly as competitors tried to conceal tokens and deceive their opponents. Each region brought its own subtle variations in gestures and strategy. Sometimes even officials debated a call. But the rhythm of the drums never stopped, and neither did the energy. For Ariella Derrickson, participating in the games meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. The athlete from Tanana, Alaska returned to the AWG environment more than two decades after her last major competition appearance. Derrickson, who is Koyukon (Denaakk’e) Athabascan and a member of the caribou clan, has spent much of her life competing in traditional strength-based competitions at events such as the World Eskimo Indian Olympics and the Nuchalawoya Celebration in Tanana. Read More: Finding the Focus: Young archers and a Dawson official bring heart to the Arctic Winter Games Speed and sport are interwoven at the Arctic Winter Games But joining Team Dene to play hand games was something entirely new. “Hand Games is new for me, and I love it, the idea of trying to deceive and kind of mastermind something,” she said. Despite decades of experience in traditional competitions, joining the team initially made her nervous. “I felt a little hesitant because I’m 42,” she admitted. “But I guess it’s never too late to try something new.” The experience quickly became one of the highlights of her recent years. “I really wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and see if I could join a team like Team Dene,” she said. “They chose me, which I’m so thankful for. This has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.” Beyond the competition, Derrickson said the cultural exchange was one of the most meaningful aspects of the games. “I’ve met wonderful ladies from Greenland and Nunavut,” she said. “We just talk about our lives and what we share, it’s been really great.” Koo.eex’ and the gathering of the community Evening competitions paused on March 9 for a traditional feast. Emcee Gary Sidney Johnson welcomed guests using the Tlingit word koo.eex’, a term referring to a gathering or communal feast. The event has become a cornerstone of the cultural experience of the AWG. Celebrations continued as the Kaska Drummers performed, filling the room with rhythmic drumming. More than 300 Dene Games and Arctic sports athletes formed a drum dance, hands outstretched as they invited others to join the circle. After their final song, the drummers received an encore and played another. While athletes strive for Ulus, the medals awarded at the Arctic Winter Games, the deeper meaning of the event lies in the connections built between communities, cultures and generations across the North. Report an Error Tell us your Story Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Your Name *Your Email Address *Details *WebsiteSubmit Report Tags: Arctic Winter Games, AWG, National, Whitehorse, Yukon Author(s) Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs [email protected] More Stories Nation to Nation Nunavut MP hopes to have more influence on government side 24 hours ago By Fraser Needham Indigenous services ‘deeply concerned’ about Pimicikam... 1 day ago By APTN National News Métis National Council signs agreement with Northwest Ter... 1 day ago By The Canadian Press King Charles ‘expressed his concern’ over Albe... 1 day ago By The Canadian Press Idlout says she still supports ending the second-generatio... 1 day ago By Karyn Pugliese Finding the Focus: Young archers and a Dawson official bri... 1 day ago By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs
AWG showcases culture, sport and connection across North
March 13, 2026 1 views
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In a crowded gymnasium, spectators clapped in rhythm, cheering athletes on as they stepped forward for their final attempt in the Arctic sports triple jump category. Athletes launched forward, pushing their bodies to the limit in a sport that demands explosive strength, balance and precision. While one competitor landed successfully and moved into medal contention, another’s feet slipped out from under them, sending them sprawling backward onto the mat and abruptly ending their chances for victory. Officials carefully measured each jump while competitors embraced teammates nearby, sharing hugs and high-fives regardless of the result. Scenes like this unfolded throughout venues across Whitehorse during the Arctic Winter Games (AWG) 2026, where athletes from across the circumpolar North gathered not only to compete, but to celebrate culture, community and dedication to their craft. Nunatsiavut Delegation Observes the Games Since the inception of the games in 1970, its impact has reached far beyond the athletes themselves. Johannes Lampe travelled from Nain in the Inuit region of Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador to attend the games as part of a special delegation observing the events and meeting with leaders to discuss the possibility of future participation. He said the firsthand experience gave him a new appreciation for the scale and significance of the gathering. “We’re special guests at the Arctic Winter Games and had the chance to sit in on the International Committee meetings,” Lampe said. The games had already left a deep impression on him. What stood out most was not only the athleticism, but what the event represented for northern youth. “Young people need to be involved in games like this to rise above what can be very hard for them personally,” Lampe said. Lampe explained that similar traditional games exist in Nunatsiavut, though not at the same competitive level. Young people in the region participate in activities resembling events like the high kick, knuckle hop and airplane. Many also play hockey, badminton and volleyball. But bringing athletes to the Arctic Winter Games would require significant preparation. Travel is a major factor, the journey from Labrador to Whitehorse is roughly 4,800 to 5,600 kilometres. Population is another challenge. Nunatsiavut serves about 6,500 beneficiaries, making it more difficult to assemble large teams compared with regions like Alaska, Yukon, Greenland and Nunavut. Watching athletes compete reinforced Lampe’s belief that events like the AWG can give youth purpose, connection and opportunities that extend beyond sport. “These games are very special, not just for the young people, but for the parents, grandparents and families who see them as role models,” he said. Nunavik Athletes Compete Across Multiple Events Crowds cheering on athletes at the AWG in Whitehorse. Photo: APTN On the snowshoe racing course, the sound was unmistakable. The rhythmic crunch of snowshoes packing down the trail as racers pushed toward the finish line, their breath visible in the cold air. Hannah-Mae Annanack from George River in Nunavik was among them. For her, snowshoe racing was less about podium finishes and more about the experience. “I just picked it because it looks fun and it’s fun,” she said with a shrug and a smile, her cheeks flushed from the cold. “Just finish. Finish it well. Because last time I didn’t finish it. Just finish the line and have fun.” Her preparation for the Games had been simple: learning how to tie her snowshoes properly. Annanack has competed before, including at games in Alaska and she was already thinking about what might come next. With Team Nunavik now officially a permanent member of the AWG, she hopes more young athletes from her region will get the chance to try different sports. She already has her eye on hockey for the future. A Major Milestone for Team Nunavik This year’s AWG also marked a significant moment off the field for Team Nunavik. After years of participation, the team officially became a permanent member of the Arctic Winter Games International Committee. Philippe Chiasson, the team’s chef de mission, said the milestone represented decades of work. “This is our 17th Games since the start, so it’s been a lot of work toward this goal,” Chiasson said. “It’s a big result from a lot of work for many, many years, and it opens the door to our region and to the athletes who have worked really hard to be in the Games.” Permanent membership also means Nunavik now has a formal voice in shaping future games. “Now we have a seat at the table at the international committee and can have a say in the future games,” he said. Beyond medals and rankings, Chiasson said the games offer young athletes something even more valuable, exposure to the wider world. “For many of the athletes, it opens their horizons,” he said. “They have the opportunity to travel outside Nunavik and outside their communities.” Traditional games staple of AWG Knuckle hopping, anyone? While modern competitions filled arenas across Whitehorse, traditional Indigenous games remained a central part of the Arctic Winter Games. In one venue, the steady beat of drums signalled the start of a Dene Hand Games match. Players faced each other across the mat while drummers pounded out rhythms behind them. Hands moved quickly as competitors tried to conceal tokens and deceive their opponents. Each region brought its own subtle variations in gestures and strategy. Sometimes even officials debated a call. But the rhythm of the drums never stopped, and neither did the energy. For Ariella Derrickson, participating in the games meant stepping far outside her comfort zone. The athlete from Tanana, Alaska returned to the AWG environment more than two decades after her last major competition appearance. Derrickson, who is Koyukon (Denaakk’e) Athabascan and a member of the caribou clan, has spent much of her life competing in traditional strength-based competitions at events such as the World Eskimo Indian Olympics and the Nuchalawoya Celebration in Tanana. Read More: Finding the Focus: Young archers and a Dawson official bring heart to the Arctic Winter Games Speed and sport are interwoven at the Arctic Winter Games But joining Team Dene to play hand games was something entirely new. “Hand Games is new for me, and I love it, the idea of trying to deceive and kind of mastermind something,” she said. Despite decades of experience in traditional competitions, joining the team initially made her nervous. “I felt a little hesitant because I’m 42,” she admitted. “But I guess it’s never too late to try something new.” The experience quickly became one of the highlights of her recent years. “I really wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and see if I could join a team like Team Dene,” she said. “They chose me, which I’m so thankful for. This has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.” Beyond the competition, Derrickson said the cultural exchange was one of the most meaningful aspects of the games. “I’ve met wonderful ladies from Greenland and Nunavut,” she said. “We just talk about our lives and what we share, it’s been really great.” Koo.eex’ and the gathering of the community Evening competitions paused on March 9 for a traditional feast. Emcee Gary Sidney Johnson welcomed guests using the Tlingit word koo.eex’, a term referring to a gathering or communal feast. The event has become a cornerstone of the cultural experience of the AWG. Celebrations continued as the Kaska Drummers performed, filling the room with rhythmic drumming. More than 300 Dene Games and Arctic sports athletes formed a drum dance, hands outstretched as they invited others to join the circle. After their final song, the drummers received an encore and played another. While athletes strive for Ulus, the medals awarded at the Arctic Winter Games, the deeper meaning of the event lies in the connections built between communities, cultures and generations across the North. Report an Error Tell us your Story Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Your Name *Your Email Address *Details *WebsiteSubmit Report Tags: Arctic Winter Games, AWG, National, Whitehorse, Yukon Author(s) Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs [email protected] More Stories Nation to Nation Nunavut MP hopes to have more influence on government side 24 hours ago By Fraser Needham Indigenous services ‘deeply concerned’ about Pimicikam... 1 day ago By APTN National News Métis National Council signs agreement with Northwest Ter... 1 day ago By The Canadian Press King Charles ‘expressed his concern’ over Albe... 1 day ago By The Canadian Press Idlout says she still supports ending the second-generatio... 1 day ago By Karyn Pugliese Finding the Focus: Young archers and a Dawson official bri... 1 day ago By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs
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