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 the Fox
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
other Recent updates
Winner Announced for the Arctic Winter Games 50/50 Raffle Draw!
The Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is excited to announce the winner of our second 50/50 raffle draw — Melanie Bougen, with ticket number 10742 E!
With 10,000 tickets sold, this raffle raised an incredible $11,545, meaning Melanie takes home $5,772.50 and the remaining proceeds will go directly toward supporting the upcoming Games.
Funds raised help support key areas of Games operations, including signage, cultural programming, participant transportation, and security — all essential to creating an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, and volunteers in 2026.
“On behalf of the 2026 Host Society, I want to thank everyone who purchased tickets,” said Megan Cromarty, General Manager of the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games. “Your support helps us bring the Games to life.”
Congratulations once again to Melanie, and thank you to everyone who participated!
🔹 Event Dates: March 8–15, 2026
🔹 Learn more: awg2026.org
🔹 Follow along: @Whitehorse2026
Yukon Your Way Discount Platform is Live!
Maximize Your Stay with Yukon Your Way 2026
Make the most of your Arctic Winter Games experience with Yukon Your Way, an exclusive discount program designed just for visitors. Enjoy special rates on hotels, dining, tours, and attractions that showcase the best of the Yukon’s wilderness, culture, and community. Whether you’re booking a cozy stay, sampling local flavours, or heading out on an unforgettable adventure, these offers make your trip easier and more affordable. Browse the deals, grab your discount codes, and start planning your journey—your adventure, your Yukon.
Explore Yukon Your Way and book now: https://www.sportyukon.com/yukon-your-way-2026arctics
Whitehorse 2026 AWG Business Mixer Marks Six Months to Go
Whitehorse 2026 AWG Business Mixer Marks Six Months to Go with Strong Community Support
With just six months to go until the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games, the Host Society brought together Yukon’s business community for the 6 Months Out Business Mixer, held Thursday evening at Coast Mountain Sports. The event showcased the growing excitement for the Games and highlighted how local businesses are stepping up to support this international celebration of sport and culture.
The evening offered a mix of networking, volunteer information, and opportunities for businesses to learn more about how their involvement directly contributes to the success of the Games. Attendees heard firsthand from partners who are already making an impact by “activating” their sponsorships—finding creative ways to connect their brand and staff with the Games.
The mixer underlined the unique role Yukon’s business community plays in creating an unforgettable Games experience. By supporting volunteers, encouraging team spirit, and engaging their networks, businesses are helping to set the stage for Whitehorse to welcome thousands of athletes, cultural participants, and visitors from across the circumpolar North in March 2026.
