The Arctic Winter Games are a biennial multi-sport and indigenous cultural event involving circumpolar peoples residing in communities or countries bordering the Arctic Ocean.
Designed to celebrate the unique sports and cultural heritage of the Arctic, the Games showcases a diverse range of competitions, traditional sports, and cultural events. With a strong emphasis on fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and athletic excellence, the Arctic Winter Games has become a platform for showcasing the talents and traditions of northern communities.
The next Arctic Winter Games are scheduled to take place in Whitehorse, Yukon from 8–15 March 2026.[3]
Sápmi - the region stretches over four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia
Contingents
Since 2004 the same nine contingents have participated in the Arctic Winter Games. Another four contingents have taken part in the games throughout the games' history: Russia, Magadan, Tyumen and Chukotka. In the table below is an overview of each contingent's appearances throughout the games.[4][5][6] Prior to the 2000 Arctic Winter Games Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories. After division in 1999, Nunavut competed as separate contingent.
An athlete performing a two-foot high kick at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games
Host cities have been in Canada, the United States, and Greenland.[7]
The Arctic Circle, currently at roughly 66° north of the Equator, defines the boundary of the Arctic seas and landsA political map showing land ownership within the Arctic region
The Hodgson trophy for fair play and team spirit is awarded at the end of every games. The trophy is named for Stuart (Stu) Milton Hodgson, former Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.[10]
The Arctic Winter Games International Committee consists of the following people[1]
John Rodda - Alaska, president
Leigh Goldie - Alberta, vice president
John Flynn - Yukon, past president
Ian Laegraee - Northwest Territories, secretary
Kyle Seely - Nunavut, director
Karl Davidsen - Greenland, director
John Estle - Alaska, joint interim - technical director
Alison Brown - Northwest Territories, joint interim - technical director
Marie Cairns - Yukon, director
Mariele dePuter - Nunavut, director
Don Wilson - Alberta, Treasurer
Jane Arychuk - Northwest Territories, director
Moira Lassen - Yukon, executive director (ex-officio)
Sports disciplines
A total of 29 sports have been represented at the Arctic Winter Games. Arctic Sports, badminton, cross country skiing, ice hockey and volleyball are the only sports to be featured in all editions of the Arctic Winter Games.[11]
The table below shows the sports and the years in which they have been a part of the Arctic Winter Games programme.
^Originally to be hosted by Yamal-Nenets, Russia, but withdrawn by committee due to war against Ukraine. Yellowknife declined to host the games that year and Whitehorse stepped in.[9]
^Originally slated to be held in the Northwest Territories but Vince McKay, Municipal and Community Affairs Minister, said the territory would not be hosting the games.[9]
†Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic ††Originally to be hosted by Yamal-Nenets, Russia, but withdrawn by committee due to war against Ukraine. Yellowknife declined to host the games that year and Whitehorse stepped in.
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