Statement: 2012 Arctic Winter Games March 9, 2012 Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Email For Immediate Release March 9, 2012 Ottawa – The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission released the following statement on the occasion of the 2012 Arctic Winter Games: More than 2000 young men and women participated in 20 different sporting events this week at the 2012 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon. Traditional Dené games such as snowsnake, stick pull, and hand-games, along with other sports like speed-skating, skiing, curling, and wrestling do much to reinforce cultural identity, pride, and community spirit among Canadian northern youth. In 1970, former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Pierre Trudeau proudly opened the first Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife, NWT. Today, more than 40 years later, the games continue to be a fantastic demonstration of the athleticism and pride that our fellow Canadians of the North have in their unique culture and traditions. The Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission is very proud to recognize the organizers and volunteers of the Arctic Winter Games on job well done and to recognize the youth competitors who have traveled far-and-wide to represent their communities and showcase their talent and skill. Through their participation, they are demonstrating to the rest of the world that sport is an integral part of our history and is vitally important for the future health and prosperity of our people. Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and organizers on a successful 2012 Arctic Winter Games!” Mr. Justin Trudeau, Liberal Member of Parliament for Papineau and Post-Secondary Education, Youth and Amateur Sport Critic also had this to say: Nearly 42 years ago, my father opened the very first Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife with the goal of promoting, through sport, the wonders of Canada’s North and its people. This week, over 2000 young men and women gathered together in Whitehorse. We can all be proud of the values embodied by the Arctic Winter Games, which are those that we strive for in all youth activities and sports. I’m very happy to congratulate all the competitors in this year’s Arctic Winter Games!” Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Liberal Member of Parliament for St. Pauls and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Critic also released a statement: On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and the Liberal Caucus in Parliament, I would like to congratulate the over 2000 competitors who participated in this year’s Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse which highlighted traditional Arctic Sports and Dene Games. We encourage all Canadians from coast to coast to coast to take pride in Canada’s competitors from the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Northern Alberta, and congratulate them on a successful Games!” For more information on the 2012 Arctic winter games, visit: http://www.awg2012.org/ – 30 – For more information on the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission, contact: Kevin Seesequasis Vice-President (Communications) Contact Us