Treaty Ten News - March 17, 2023 - Arctic Winter Games Make Their Return

Arctic Winter Games Returns in 2023

The Arctic Winter Games took place in Wood Buffalo, Alberta from January 29th to February 4th 2023. The games were postponed in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The games are the largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth who live in the circumpolar region.

Treaty Ten News was on location to capture the arrival of the athletes and some of the opening ceremonies. The following regions were represented: Alaska, Greenland, Northern Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Nunavut, Sami and Yukon. 

The Arctic Winter Games had not taken place since 2018, marking it a five year wait to host the games; making this year's events extra special. Approximately 1800 participants took part, along with a number of volunteers and staff. 

The first Arctic Winter Games were held in 1970 in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; created so the circumpolar northern youth could compete on their own land. The games are a safe place were participants could proudly display their culture and skills. 

Treaty Ten News hopes to capture this excitement and uniqueness that these games present. Looking forward to the 2024 Arctic Winter Games, we could now open the discussion to expanding the participating regions. Northern Saskatchewan in particular falls in the Circumpolar region, so in giving attention to this years games, we would now like to begin this discussion. Northern Saskatchewan should be part of these games and it would be quite the honour to send our youth to participate in upcoming years. These games carry a deep history with thousands of past participants. Treaty Ten New believes that is now time for Northern Saskatchewan to write themselves in the history books.