Michael Jay Joins the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games as Official Ambassador
After much anticipation and a series of mysterious sightings across town, the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is excited to officially introduce Michael Jay – the Roving Reporter – as the ambassador for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games!
Michael Jay’s arrival was highly anticipated, with social media buzzing over blurry photos and hints of a special visitor leading up to his official debut. On March 8th, exactly one year from the start of the Games, Michael Jay was formally introduced through a fun video where he hung out at a local outdoor ice rink with sports reporter George Maratos, eager to learn all about the Games and the excitement building in the community.
What’s Next for Michael Jay?
As the Roving Reporter of the Arctic Winter Games, Michael Jay will be on assignment—meeting athletes, volunteers, and community members, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, and helping to bring the spirit of the Games to life. He will interview key figures, and provide an engaging way for fans of all ages to learn about AWG 2026.
Michael Jay is a character from Northern Tails TV, an innovative Yukon-based children’s television series that fosters curiosity and learning through traditional storytelling and puppetry. The show, developed by Shot in the Dark Productions and creator Kelly Milner, uses hand-crafted puppetry and real-world exploration to introduce children to northern stories, cultures, and ways of life. The partnership with Whitehorse 2026 AWG provides a unique opportunity to merge education, entertainment, and sport, all while staying true to the spirit of the Games.
“We are elated to have Michael Jay as the official ambassador for the Arctic Winter Games,” said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 AWG Host Society. “Michael Jay brings a sense of fun and adventure that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Games. A huge thank you to Kelly Milner and the talented team at Shot in the Dark Productions for bringing this to life—we can’t wait to see all the places Michael Jay will go!”
For Kelly Milner, this partnership is about more than just promoting the Games—it’s about creating a meaningful learning experience through storytelling.
“Michael Jay and Northern Tails TV provide a way for children and families to explore the North in a fun, creative way,” said Milner. “In a world where artificial intelligence is becoming more common in entertainment, this project reminds us of the magic of traditional storytelling, hands-on puppetry, and character-driven learning. It’s about celebrating real stories, real places, and real experiences—something that makes this collaboration with AWG so exciting.”
Meet Michael Jay!
"Hello friends! I’m Michael Jay, your ambassador for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. While my natural home is the northern woods, I like to drop in on the hustle and bustle of urban life to learn what people do for fun during our long, beautiful winters. And the Games are a great place to see it all in action! I’ll be on location to bring you the scoop from athletes, spectators, and all the welcoming folks in Whitehorse, the host city of the 2026 Games.
Don’t worry! I won’t pinch your pins. I’m more of a boots and gloves (and probably skates) kind of character. Let’s hang out and learn about the Games and what makes the North a special place together!”
Stay tuned for more updates from Michael Jay as he explores the road to AWG 2026!
About the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) will take place from March 8-15, 2026, in Whitehorse, Yukon, on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. The Games will bring together over 2,000 athletes, coaches, and cultural performers from across the circumpolar North, celebrating both sporting excellence and northern cultural traditions.
Founded in 1969, the Arctic Winter Games provide young northern athletes with a high-level competition platform, while also showcasing Arctic culture, heritage, and community spirit. Participating regions include Yukon, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, Nunavik, Northwest Territories, Alaska, Greenland, and Sápmi (Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway). In addition to competitive sports, the Games feature traditional Arctic events, such as the One-Foot High Kick and Knuckle Hop, alongside a vibrant cultural program highlighting artists and performers from across the North.
This will mark the seventh time Whitehorse has hosted the Arctic Winter Games, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in northern sport and cultural celebration.
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games are made possible through the generous support of our funding partners: the Government of Canada, the Government of Yukon, the City of Whitehorse, and Lotteries Yukon.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Paolo Gallina
Manager – Marketing & Sponsorship
Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society
P: (867) 332-1463
E: paolo.gallina@awg2026.org
AWG2026.org
other Recent updates
AWG 2026 50/50 Raffle is BACK!!
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.
Close Date: Sept 29, 2025
Draw Date: Oct 22, 2025
Location: AWG 2026 Host Society Office
Time: 1:00pm
Funds raised will go towards creating op for Northern athletes and communities. Don't miss out - grab your tickets TODAY! #whatwearemadeof
Yukon Gaming License #: 2025-068
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
CHECK OUT NORTHWESTEL'S BLOG: https://www.nwtel.ca/community/building-excitement-arctic-winter-games-partnership-pride-and-road-2026-games
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