AWG 2026 Host Society Announces Major Funders at 1 Year To Go Event
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society celebrated the upcoming Games at a 1 Year to Go event held on Thursday, March 6th at the Canada Games Centre.
Representatives from the 2026 Host Society were joined by City of Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron, Minister Richard Mostyn, Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, and Chair of the Yukon Lottery Commission Sara Skelton to formally announce the support of local, territorial, and federal funding partners in hosting the Games.
The announced funding includes:
- $750,000 of in-kind and financial contribution from the City of Whitehorse, as host jurisdiction
- $4.4 million of in-kind and financial support from the Government of Yukon
- $2.6 million from the Government of Canada through Sport Canada’s Hosting Program.
- Funding towards sports equipment from the Yukon Lottery Commission.
“The Arctic Winter Games are an incredible opportunity for making a lasting impact on our community,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the 2026 Host Society. “The support of our major funders means that these Games can leave a legacy on sport, culture, and our community that extends beyond the field of competition.”
“We are thrilled to have the Arctic Winter Games take place in Whitehorse in 2026. This will be the seventh time we’ve hosted these international games, and we look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, supporters, performers and volunteers from across the circumpolar world to our community. Over the next 12 months the City of Whitehorse will be working closely with the Arctic Winter Games Host Society and other partners to get venues and facilities ready for the games. We encourage residents to get involved and volunteer in the coming months as we prepare to showcase our city.” Mayor Kirk Cameron - City of Whitehorse, Host City
“The Arctic Winter Games leave a lasting impact on host communities by driving tourism, boosting local businesses, and providing athletes with a unique platform to showcase their skills, engage in cultural exchange, and compete at a high level. The Government of Yukon recognizes that investing in sport and recreation enhances the lives of Yukoners. Our $4 million contribution, along with in-kind support, is more than just funding for the Games—it is an investment in developing future community leaders”. Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn – Government of Yukon
“The Arctic Winter Games showcase the best of the North: resilience, determination and a deep sense of community. As Whitehorse gets ready to welcome athletes and artists from across Northern Canada and beyond, I want to recognize the hard work and dedication that make these Games possible. From the competitors giving it their all to the volunteers and organizers behind the scenes, your efforts unite people and keep this incredible tradition alive. Our government is proud to support an event that celebrates the strength, culture and connections that define life in the North.” The Honourable Terry Duguid, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"In just over a year, Whitehorse will host the transformative power of sport in action. More than 2,000 participants from across the Arctic will be competing in the 21 sports featured. Thank you to every single person who made this possible. The Arctic Winter Games celebrate Arctic sport, culture, talent, and I can't wait for the excitement to begin!” MP Brendan Hanley, Yukon
"The Yukon Lottery Commission is proud to support arts, sport, and recreation across the territory, and we are thrilled to contribute to the success of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games. Our support, including the contribution of sports equipment, will ensure that athletes have the resources they need to grow, develop, and showcase their talents on this incredible international stage. We look forward to seeing Yukon athletes compete, connect, and celebrate their achievements at the Games.” Yukon Lottery Commission - Chair, Sara Skelton
The Host Society is holding a number of events over the next week engaging the local community in the excitement of the Games, including a public 1 Year To Go event on Saturday, March 8th at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse, featuring family-friendly activities, a free sponsored public swim and the opportunity to sign up as a volunteer.
The 2026 Games will take place in Whitehorse from March 8-15, 2026, and will welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, mission staff, cultural performers, and spectators to Whitehorse from across Northern Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia.
Whitehorse was previously selected to host the 2020 Games, which were cancelled due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
For more information, please contact:
Larissa Winslade
Coordinator - Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-2535 | E: larissa.winslade@awg2026.org AWG2026.org
other Recent updates
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games and Northwestel Unveil Official Mascot: Michael Jay
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2025
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games and Northwestel Unveil Official Mascot: Michael Jay
WHITEHORSE, YT — The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society, in partnership with Northwestel, proudly unveiled Michael Jay as the official mascot of the 2026 Games during a celebration at Northwestel’s new retail store at Chu Níikwän Place.
Michael Jay, a spirited character from the popular northern TV series Northern Tails—which follows life in the boreal forest—has officially been named Games Ambassador. After completing a rigorous “Mascot Bootcamp,” captured in a fun and fast-paced video produced by Shot in the Dark Productions, Michael Jay is now ready to bring the energy and enthusiasm of the Arctic Winter Games to communities across the North.
As the presenting sponsor of the AWG mascot program, Northwestel hosted today’s launch event, which included opening remarks, Michael Jay look-a-like cupcakes by Baked Cafe, digital activations, and a live reveal of Michael Jay. The celebration also marked the grand opening of Northwestel’s modern new retail space, designed with community, accessibility, and sustainability at its core. Visitors can enjoy an open concept layout with private consultation tables, interactive demo areas, and on-site parking.
“Michael Jay represents the playfulness, courage, and heart of the Arctic Winter Games,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 Host Society. “Thanks to Northwestel’s generous support, we’re able to bring this character to life and share the Games’ spirit with families, participants, and fans throughout the region.”
As a Legacy Sponsor of the Games, Northwestel has deep ties to the AWG movement. In addition to sponsoring the mascot program, they are also the presenting sponsor of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, underscoring their long-standing commitment to youth, culture, and community connection across the North.
“We’re really excited to partner with the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games as a Legacy Sponsor and Arctic Champion of the Games,” said Curtis Shaw, President of Northwestel. “Michael Jay is more than a mascot—he’s a symbol of northern creativity and community. As we celebrate this exciting milestone at our new retail space, we’re also celebrating the spirit of the Games and the deep connections that bring us together across the North.”
Want to meet Michael Jay in person?
The mascot will be touring Yukon and the surrounding regions leading up to the Games. Community groups, events, and schools can book an appearance by visiting www.AWG2026.org/culture.
Enter for a chance to win a 65” TV!
Catch Michael Jay in action? Don’t miss your chance to win a 65” LG Nano 75 TV—generously donated by Northwestel! Just snap a photo with Michael Jay and post it to Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #MeetMichaelJay
About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
The Arctic Winter Games are the world’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth from the circumpolar North. Taking place in Whitehorse from March 8–15, 2026, the Games will welcome more than 2,000 participants from across Northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Sápmi, and other circumpolar regions to compete in 20 sports and showcase their cultures and traditions.
About Northwestel
Northwestel is the largest telecommunications provider in Canada’s North, serving 97 communities across the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, and Alberta. Beginning in 2020, Northwestel’s Every Community Project significantly improved broadband services for northern residents, governments, and businesses using the latest fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technologies. Now, over 95% of homes in Yukon and NWT have access to high-speed, unlimited fibre-powered internet, either fibre to the home or fibre to the neighbourhood. Northwestel is proud to provide service on the traditional territories of Indigenous peoples across Canada’s North. In 2024, Sixty North Unity, a consortium of Indigenous organizations, announced its plans to purchase Northwestel and make it a wholly Indigenous-owned company, which will make it the largest Indigenous-owned telecommunications company in the world.
Media Contacts:
Paolo Gallina
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
867-332-1463
paolo.gallina@AWG2026.org
Northwestel Media Relations
867-455-4209
media@nwtel.ca
Megan Cromarty on the CBC Yukon Morning show
Our General Manager sat down with CBC on June 5, 2025 to chat all things AWG2026 — from volunteers and planning milestones to what’s coming next! Listen to the full interview on CBC On Demand:
#whatwearemadeof #AWG2026
VIDEO: 2026 Arctic Winter Games host society gets new home in downtown Whitehorse. Watch the news coverage highlighting our new office space!
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6787556
Announcing the AWG 2026 50/50 Raffle!
Get ready to win big while supporting the Arctic Winter Games Whitehorse 2026! Our online 50/50 raffle gives you the chance to take home cash while helping us deliver an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture.
🎟 Tickets are only available online at Rafflebox. You must be 19+ and a Yukon resident (your credit card must match a Yukon postal code). Per our license, printed tickets will be mailed out after the raffle closes. You will receive an email ticket as proof of purchase immediately after your purchase.
Draw Date: May 25, 2025
Location: AWG 2026 Host Society Office
Time: Join us online for a live draw at 12:00pm
Funds raised will go towards creating op for Northern athletes and communities. Don't miss out - grab your tickets TODAY! #whatwearemadeof
Yukon Gaming License #2025-038