More than half a century of partnership with the Arctic Winter Games

With less than three months to go, Whitehorse is preparing to welcome people from across the North for the 2026 Arctic Winter Games, the world’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for circumpolar youth. For Northwestel, being part of this incredible celebration is more than tradition. It’s a proud continuation of a 55-year partnership rooted in the belief that strong, vibrant communities grow through shared experiences and connections.
 

Our Games. Our Legacy.

Since the Games began in 1970, Northwestel has been a proud supporter. The Arctic Winter Games are a cornerstone of northern identity, celebrating culture, community, and personal growth across the circumpolar North.

As both a Legacy Sponsor and Arctic Champion Partner, we’re invested in helping the Games come to life in ways that feel inclusive, connected, and distinctly northern from the opening moments through to shared spaces throughout. As the countdown to opening ceremonies continues, anticipation is building. From the first arrivals to the final celebrations, we’re looking forward to sharing the moments that bring the community together.  

Our Games. Our Connections.

Connection sits at the heart of the Arctic Winter Games; between communities, cultures, and people who may be separated by vast distances, but brought together by a shared moment.

We are helping support how those connections are experienced during the Games. Through our network and the Host Society’s partnership with Home Team Network and our Northwestel Community TV, coverage is planned across selected sports and venues. This will allow communities across the North to follow along, cheer on their athletes, and feel part of the celebration, whether they’re in the stands or watching from home. Families and friends can share moments, follow events, and stay connected. Together, we’re anticipating the most extensive broadcast coverage of any Arctic Winter Games to date. 

Our North. Our Network.

Whether families are watching from home or international participants are communicating on-site, our network makes connection possible.

To ensure reliability in every environment, Northwestel is powering the Games with advanced connectivity solutions. Our fast fibre infrastructure supports everything from live broadcasts to seamless video streaming for families at home, while remote locations such as Mt. Sima are connected through mobile Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite units powered by OneWeb.  

Across all sites at the Games, our network is fortified by Fortinet, so broadcast crews, results teams, and volunteers can all stay connected securely. To support every aspect of the Games, three dedicated WiFi networks will be deployed for volunteers and results management, streaming and media coverage, and athlete connectivity. This is especially important for international participants without local data plans, helping ensure reliable access throughout the Games. Together, these technologies ensure the Games stay connected when it matters most. 

Our Games. Our Stories.

To mark our collaboration with the Arctic Winter Games, a shared visual identity has been developed through close partnership and creativity. Working together with the AWG team, we developed a co-brand that beautifully incorporates the 2026 Games’ dynamic look and feel. This visual identity reflects the energy of the event and will be seen on screen, at venues, around town, and on Northwestel Games​​ merchandise.

The firework snowflake design draws inspiration from northern winter landscapes and the shared experiences that define life across the circumpolar North. Alongside this work, Northwestel has made a commitment to incorporating Indigenous language translations that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve across our operating area. With more than 18 Indigenous languages spoken across the North, we want the Games to feel inclusive, representative, and respectful of the many cultures that make up the region.

We’re grateful to the AWG team for their partnership and creativity throughout this process. 

Our Games. Our Community.

We’re proud to be the Opening Ceremony sponsor, and we’re planning a technology-powered experience designed to energize every team and set the tone for the Games. It will be a shared moment of unity and excitement to kick things off.

Beyond the ceremonies, we’ve also been creating shared spaces for people to enjoy throughout Games-time. Visit us at the Northwestel Fan Zone in the AWG Exhibitor Alley at the Canada Games Centre (CGC). Whether you’re stopping by between events or spending time with friends and family, you can expect interactive experiences and Games-themed activations.

Highlights will include a fun digital Spin to Win experience with fantastic prizes, from Michael Jay plush toys and limited-edition swag to high-tech grand prizes like tablets and phones, along with an AI-powered photo booth featuring immersive backdrops and easy sharing options. A cozy living-room-style space will also be available for visitors to relax and connect. 

Our North. Our Home.

As a company firmly rooted in Canada’s North, Northwestel’s connection to the Arctic Winter Games is shaped by place as much as history. The traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council are especially meaningful to us. They are home to our headquarters, built last year in partnership with Chu Níikwän, and to a Yukon-based workforce that continues to innovate and serve communities across the North.

Those connections extend well beyond Whitehorse. Communities and traditional territories across the North are home to our colleagues, customers, and partners, and they are central to why we continue to support the Arctic Winter Games. Time and again, we partner with the Games because of our belief in the unifying nature of sport and the importance of bringing Northerners together through shared experiences. 

Delivering an event of this scale relies on strong partnerships that support both the foundation of the Games and the moments that bring communities together.

“Sponsors like Northwestel play a vital role in helping us deliver the Arctic Winter Games at their best,” said Paolo Gallina, manager of sponsorship, marketing and communications for the Arctic Winter Games. “That support allows us not only to deliver the core of the Games, but to create meaningful opportunities for community participation and connection. It’s what helps elevate the experience for athletes, volunteers, and spectators alike.” 

Reflecting on the Games, “The Arctic Winter Games bring northern communities together in a way few events can,” said Northwestel President Curtis Shaw. “Over our 55-year partnership with the Games, we have deeply valued the moments when people from across the North unite to celebrate sport, culture, and community. We are proud to continue that legacy as Whitehorse prepares to host the 2026 Games.”