(Whitehorse, Yukon – March 13, 2024) – The Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) is proud to announce its adoption of Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #91 as a guiding principle in its planning and operations. This significant decision was finalized ahead of the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska and underscores the AWGIC’s commitment to promoting reconciliation, understanding, and respect within its organization and the contingents it serves.
Call to Action #91, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report, calls upon officials and host countries of international sporting events to ensure that Indigenous peoples’ territorial protocols are respected, and local Indigenous communities are engaged in all aspects of planning and participating in such events.
“The Arctic Winter Games have always been about bringing communities together through sport and cultural exchange,” said John Flynn, AWGIC past president. “We recognize the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous peoples to the Games and the circumpolar North as a whole. It is imperative that we integrate the principles of reconciliation into every aspect of our planning to ensure that the Games continue to serve as a platform for unity and understanding.”
In alignment with this commitment, the AWGIC will work closely with host societies and leaders to incorporate Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and practices into the planning and execution of future Arctic Winter Games events.
“I commend the Arctic Winter Games International Committee for their dedication to reconciliation and their willingness to engage Indigenous communities in its planning and operations,” said Peter Johnston, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief and 2026 Arctic Winter Games Board of Director member. As we look ahead to the 2026 Games in Whitehorse, we are committed to working collaboratively with the International Committee to ensure that Indigenous voices are heard and respected, and that the spirit of reconciliation permeates throughout the event.”
For more information about the Arctic Winter Games International Committee and its commitment to reconciliation please visit our website.
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Arctic Winter Games International Committee
The Arctic Winter Games International Committee is the rightsholder, and responsible for the long-term stewardship and management, of the Arctic Winter Games, a biennial premier circumpolar sport and cultural event for youth from Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, Alaska, Kalaallit Nunaat, Nunavik (Northern Quebec), Northern Alberta and the Indigenous people (Sami) of Norway, Sweden and Finland.
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