Building excitement for the Arctic Winter Games: Partnership, pride and the road to 2026 Games

Wondering who the fox is? That’s Michael Jay, the official mascot of the 2026 Arctic Winter Games and the star of Northern Tails. Representing the spirit of the Games, Michael Jay brings northern pride and playful energy wherever he goes. His big debut happened on June 24, during the grand opening of our new retail location at Chu Níikwän Place, a celebration full of community connection and excitement.

"Michael Jay represents playfulness, courage, and heart of the Arctic Winter Games," said Tracey Bilsky, President of the Whitehorse 2026 Host Society. "Thanks to Northwestel's generous support, we're able to bring this character to life and share the Games' spirit with families, participants, and fans throughout the region."

Northwestel is proud to be a Legacy Partner and Arctic Champion of the 2026 Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games, supporting both the athletes and the communities who make this event possible. As a Legacy Partner – a title created in 2018 to honour organizations that have supported the Games since their inception in 1970 – Northwestel has been a dedicated partner of the Arctics for 55 years. As Whitehorse prepares to host the Games in 2026, we’re honoured to help build excitement and connection across the North, starting with moments that bring us together. That excitement kicked off with the One-Year-Out celebration held in March 2025, a family-friendly celebration event featuring games, cultural activities, and a community swim that marked the official countdown to the Games.

A new chapter in Whitehorse

While the store had already welcomed its first customers in recent weeks, the June 24 event gave us a chance to formally celebrate with the people we serve. The new space, located at 1-9027 Quartz Road, replaces our long-term downtown storefront with a modern, energy-efficient, and accessible environment.

Designed with a wheelchair-friendly layout, open concept service areas, and sustainable upgrades, the store reflects Northwestel’s expanding collaboration with Chu Níikwän LP and our continued investment in delivering a better experience for northern communities.

The celebration was packed with good energy; spin-to-win giveaways, party poppers, and custom Michael Jay cupcakes from Baked Café, all which made the event feel more like a celebration than a formal launch. Customers, families, local leaders, and volunteers all came out to mark the occasion and share the moment. At this celebration, Michael Jay was gifted by Northwestel an honorary employee ID badge and a beautifully hand-knitted wool scarf, created by Keala Banford.

At the centre of it all was Michael Jay, who made his first public appearance since being introduced as the face of the 2026 Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games. This clever and charismatic fox comes to us from one of Northwestel Community TV’s sponsored productions. Michael Jay, our furry friend, stars in the hit new series Northern Tails, created and developed by Kelly Milner and Shot in the Dark Productions. The cheerful fox mascot quickly became a crowd favourite, posing for selfies with adults and kids alike, and building excitement for what’s ahead.

And if you spot him again this summer? You might just win big. Anyone who snaps a selfie with Michael Jay and shares it on Facebook or Instagram using #MeetMichaelJay by October 3, 2025, will be entered to win a 65” LG NANO TV. Thanks to the 2026 Whitehorse Arctic Winter Games and Northwestel. Just imagine watching the Games, your favourite shows, or movies on Northwestel TV Plus, all because you nailed the right angle with the right fox.

As we look ahead to 2026, Northwestel is excited to continue supporting the Arctic Winter Games and the people, culture, and connections that make it all possible. This celebration was just one of many moments to come on the road to the Games, and we’re proud to share that journey with you.

Photography courtesy of Sarah Lewis.