Over seven days, young athletes from across the circumpolar North will compete in a celebration of northern culture and sport, representing Team Alberta North against teams from Alaska, Kalaallit Nunaat-Greenland, Sápmi-northern Scandinavia, the Northwest Territories, Nunavik-Quebec, Nunavut and the Yukon.
Alberta’s government has invested more than $980,000 to support a delegation of 282 athletes, cultural participants, coaches and mission staff. This investment goes towards athlete training and selection, transportation to and from the games and team staffing and operations – helping young athletes represent the True North one competition at a time.
“Congratulations and good luck to all the athletes competing at the Arctic Winter Games. When you wear that Alberta blue, you carry with you the spirit of the North. I encourage all Albertans to cheer on Team Alberta North as they compete and celebrate northern sport and culture.”
The games will draw more than 2,000 participants, across 20 sports, from badminton, biathlon ski, curling and hockey to traditional Arctic Sports and Dene Games, including the Alaskan high kick, one-hand reach, knuckle hop, snow snake, pole push and hand games. Athletes from 29 communities above the 55th parallel earned their spot on Team Alberta North through competitive selection camps.
“The 2026 Arctic Winter Games are a unique opportunity for our northern athletes and cultural participants to compete on an international stage, while celebrating shared culture and values. It is a proud moment for the participants and their communities and an important step in their athletic development.”
Tula Sundholm, biathlon ski and Team Alberta North’s flag bearer for the opening ceremonies
“I feel very honoured to have been chosen to carry the flag for team Alberta North. This is my third Games and after changing sports from Alpine to Biathlon, I’m very excited to compete against people I would normally not and to ski somewhere new! Hopefully I can ski fast, shoot clean and do some pin trading in Whitehorse.”
Member of Team Alberta North delegation at the 2024 Arctic Winter games in Mat’Su Alaska
Athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze Ulu medals inspired by the traditional all-purpose knife used by Inuit women and reflecting the cultural roots of the Arctic Winter Games. Team Alberta North is entering the games with momentum, having finished third overall with 122 podium finishes at the 2024 Arctic Winter Games in Mat-Su, Alaska.
Quick facts
- Livestream for the Whitehorse 2026 Arctic Winter Games will be available with Hometeam Live
- The Arctic Winter Games are a biennial multi-sport event for athletes across the circumpolar North.
- Alberta has participated in the Arctic Winter Games since 1986.
- Alberta has hosted the Arctic Winter Games four times:
- 1994 in Slave Lake
- 2004 and 2023 in Wood Buffalo
- 2010 in Grande Prairie