Nordic Ambassadors Visit Whitehorse During Arctic Winter Games

Five Nordic country ambassadors are visiting Whitehorse this week to soak up the vibrant circumpolar spirit on display at the Arctic Winter Games.

Hanne Ulrichsen (Norway), Nicolaj Harris (Denmark), Signe Burgstaller (Sweden), Hanna-Leena Korteniemi (Finland), and Auðbjörg Halldórsdóttir (Iceland) and in city for meetings and to take in Games events.

Per Unheim, Head of Public Affairs & Trade at Iceland’s embassy in Ottawa, noted the purpose of the Nordic Council, which includes the five Nordic nations—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden plus the Faroe Islands and Åland—is to explore new opportunities for cultural, economic, educational, social and community collaboration among Arctic peoples. The Nordic Council has a stated goal to develop policies and programs to build their Arctic lands into the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. The ambassadors will visit Yellowknife, Newfoundland and Manitoba later this year to build more “people to people” and “government to government” relationships with Canadians. 

Here in Whitehorse the ambassadors have had unparalleled opportunities to see Arctic collaboration in real time with thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, culture bearers, Elders, parents, volunteers and organizers all coming together to celebrate and represent their North. They were impressed by the camaraderie, fair play, and skills demonstrated by the fantastic efforts of the athletes, including some record breaking feats in Arctic and Dene sports.  Greenland’s ambassador had the special honour of presenting medals to Greenlandic athletes who had excelled in their sports. The many AWG cultural events provided additional insights into the talents of northern youth carrying forward their heritage alongside contemporary arts.

The visitors also had a busy schedule meeting with the Yukon Premier and Cabinet, representatives of Yukon Energy, Yukon University and sports organizations. They travelled to Haines Junction to experience the glorious Kluane mountains, spectacular Dá Kų Cultural Centre and other community facilities. Altogether their time here has been filled with valuable conversations about the many challenges and opportunities for Arctic development, sharing diverse approaches to solving community needs and building connections for more collaboration in the future—all in the spirit of the time honoured AWG respect for northern traditions, values and goals. 

By Linda Johnson