SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Arctic Winter Games

Honourable senators, from March 8 to 15, the circumpolar world turned its attention to Whitehorse. Over 2,000 young athletes, their supporters and cultural performers gathered in the Yukon’s capital to compete, play and share a unique northern cultural experience at the Arctic Winter Games.

Contingents from Alaska, northern Alberta, Greenland, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, for the first time, Labrador Inuit Nunatsiavut, and a contingent of Sami people from the Nordic countries, joined Yukoners competing in 20 sports and gala cultural performances. Special guests attending included the U.S. Ambassador to Canada with his wife, Diane; the U.S. Consul General based in Vancouver; the MPs from Yukon and Nunavut; Canadian ministers; the ambassadors from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden; and the Head of Greenland Representation to the United States and Canada.

The gathering of young people from throughout the circumpolar world is more than an athletic and cultural showcase. It was “reconcili-action,” symbolized by a lapel pin with the number “91.” The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 91 calls upon officials and countries hosting international sporting events to ensure “Indigenous Peoples’ territorial protocols are respected.”

The Arctic Winter Games, AWG, forges friendships between nations that last a lifetime and builds young leaders for the future. I mentioned that the Head of Greenland Representation, Jacob Isbosethsen, was present. Jacob competed in the Arctic Winter Games in 1998. One of the many highlights for me was exchanging a high-five at the fabulous opening ceremonies with the coach of the U18 Yukon boys hockey team. He competed with my son in the 2014 AWG in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Participation in these games builds leaders in the North who give back to the North. My favourite generational story of this year’s games is that of Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell’s family. The first year that Nunavut was part of the games as Canada’s third territory, Nancy’s sons were on the hockey team. This year, the daughters of those sons, three of Nancy’s four granddaughters, were playing on the girls hockey team. The boys were not medallists in Nunavut’s first appearance more than 25 years ago. This year, the girls won the bronze medal.

The games lay the foundation for friendships. Seeing Alaskan delegates laughing and exchanging pins with their Greenland counterparts fills one with hope for our shared circumpolar future. It was truly an honour to share with Senate colleagues — Senator Dawn Anderson, a champion of the Arctic Sports; Olympian Senator Marnie McBean; our active living champion, Senator Marty Deacon — and the three commissioners of the territories. Commissioner Eva Aariak from Nunavut competed in the Arctic Winter Games earlier. Her Excellency Mary Simon presented medals at the Arctic Sports, honouring the athletes in their own language, and closed the Arctic Winter Games in French, English and Inuktitut.

These games could not and would not occur without the commitment by governments and their support.

Seeing my time is short, on behalf of the Senate I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the community and to everyone involved in the 2026 Arctic Winter Games.

Thank you. Mahsi’cho.