Athletes from across Canada’s North are in Mat-Su Valley, Alaska, this week to compete in the Arctic Winter Games.
The event began Sunday afternoon with opening ceremonies, where teams were welcomed to the region.
CBC North is in Alaska to cover the games this week. Follow our live updates from Sunday’s event, curated by Sarah Krymalowski.
5:34 p.m. MT: From Virginie Ann: Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon greets Yukon Commissioner Adeline Webber and Nunavut Commissioner Eva Aariak before taking on the stage at the opening ceremony.
5:28 p.m. MT: From CBC’s Virginie Ann: Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations Peter Johnston, who came not only as the Grand Chief, but to support his daughter who will be competing, talks about the importance of keeping the tradition of the Arctic Winter Games alive.
5:24 p.m. MT: From Cheryl Kawaja: The girls U-15 futsal team from Nunavut had three days to practice together before flying to Alaska.
Team members are from all over the territory including: Whale Cove, Baker Lake, Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit.
5:06 p.m. MT: From CBC’s Peter Sheldon: Robin Catholique and Breanna Brownlee from N.W.T. are getting a jump on the pin trading. They snapped up a Radio-Canada pin and are most fond of their Every Child Matters pin from the 2023 Wood Buffalo Games. Pin trading is an unofficial sport at this event. Such a helpful icebreaker for kids meeting new friends.
4:56 p.m. MT: From Jackie McKay: We got fans outside waiting to come! Some from close by like Anchorage, Alaska and others like Nancy Heart from Baker Lake, Nunavut.
4:48 p.m. MT: From CBC’s Peter Sheldon: Some high profile guests are at the Menard sports centre for the AWG opening ceremonies this afternoon, like this trio, playfully coined the “three amigos” by N.W.T. Commissioner Margaret Thom.
4:25 p.m. MT: An update from CBC’s Jackie McKay: An army of volunteers are filling the parking lot at the Menard sports centre for the opening ceremony of the Arctic Winter Games.
4:15 p.m. MT: Everything’s bigger in Alaska!
Members of the N.W.T. Futsal team practicing before the opening ceremonies, in advance of their first matches this evening.
4:00 p.m. MT: Team NT has announced its flagbearers for the opening ceremonies tonight. Athletes Keira Coakwell from Hay River and Sean Grandjambe from Fort Smith will be representing the team. Congrats to them both!
3:39 p.m. MT: From reporter Lawrence Nayally, some interviews with athletes and volunteers at the Anchorage airport yesterday. If you want to see more of our video coverage for the AWGs, check out our Tiktok acount @cbcnorth.
2:57 p.m. MT: Our CBC reporter team is in Alaska capturing the lead up to the AWG opening ceremonies tonight. To get the day started, here are some shots of the athletes arriving at the Anchorage International Airport in Alaska yesterday.
