2026 Arctic Winter Games Opening Ceremony, a Celebration to Remember

Sunday night the 2026 Arctic Winter Games launched on a beautiful evening in Shipyards Park by the banks of the Yukon River in downtown Whitehorse. Kids celebrated winter on huge snow piles surrounding the site—laughing and tumbling in the lingering sunlight. Luckily temperatures were warmer than the minus 30s of just a week ago but it was truly authentic weather for the ceremonies amidst thousands of colourful lights.

“Lighting up the Games” was a recurring theme as people called out greetings in traditional languages from across the Circumpolar North. Everyone praised the Yukon hosts for their massive efforts to stage the coming week of sports and cultural events. Many were long time AWG participants, as athletes themselves in past years, now the parents, grandparents and supporters of today’s athletes and culture bearers.

Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell, Anaanatchiaq (Grandmother) from Nunavut was excited to greet her hockey-playing grandkids: “Tunngahukpunga tamaane!” (I am feeling very welcome here!), Ambassador Jacob Isbothsethsen of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) said: “Thank you for all the support and love from Canada!” Kristy Hnydyk, an organizer for the 2024 Grand Prairie Alberta Games loves the Yukon landscape, friendly people and Air North’s chocolate chips cookies—all experiences that will bring her back again. Sylvie Binette of Whitehorse sent her greetings: “Bienvenue aux athletes du nord à Whitehorse! On est bien heureux de vous avoir avec nous. Bonne chance!” AWG Volunteers were everywhere in their turquoise and blue jackets. And Nunavut’s Youth Ambassador Abraham circulated amongst the crowds handing out Nunavut flags with big smiles.

Then the stars came out with each team proudly wearing the colours of their northern homelands–Sapmi in beautiful Samí traditional clothing; Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) in the deep red and pure white of their flag; Nunavik (Québec) with gorgeous black Arctic fox trim on their moss green jackets; Nunavut in the bright yellow and red of their flag; Northwest Territory in sky blue; Alberta North in blue and white; Yukon in distinctive fireweed; Alaska with their midnight blue and gold colours.

As the skies darkened the stage lit up with greetings from the Yukon First Nations Grand Chief, Canada’s Prime Minister, Yukon Premier, Mayor of Whitehorse and AWG President. Drummers, dancers and musicians galvanized the crowd with Arctic beats and melodies. Athletes and officials gave their pledges before Yukon Commissioner Khayàdê Adeline Webber and the AWG flame was carried to light the gorgeous copper cauldron. The celebrations culminated in bursts of shimmering fireworks and cheers from the crowd as everyone flicked on their Northwestel light bracelets. It was a night of light for all the ages to remember!

Written by Linda Johnson

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