NEWS ULUThe official newspaper of The winTer Games Monday, March 10, 2008 In today’s ULU news… The Games begin Opening ceremony welcomes participants to 2008 … See pages 3 and 5

Homecoming celebrates 20th AWG, fifth as host … See page 10

Founding father fires up Games Stuart Hodgson lights AWG cauldron … See page 7

medal count

Team Gold Silver Bronze Total

Alaska 0 0 0 0

N. 0 0 0 0

Greenland 0 0 0 0

NWT 0 0 0 0

Nunavik 0 0 0 0

Nunavut 0 0 0 0

Merle Robillard Saami 0 0 0 0 the 20th arctic winter games back in the nwt Yamal 0 0 0 0 Team marches excitedly into the opening ceremonies

Yukon 0 0 0 0 at the Yellowknife Mulitplex

Also inside: day in pictures • contingent profiles • athlete profiles • youth ambassadors 2 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 arctic winter games venue map

SCHEDULE OF SPORTING EVENTS – MONDAY MARCH 10 ArcTic SpOrTS - ST. JOe’S GYmNASium 1:30p.m.-3:30p.m. Shorty Female vs 1:00p.m. -5:00p.m. Two player Team 3:30p.m.-5:30p.m. Shorty Bantam Alaska vs Northern Alberta 9:30a.m. 11:30a.m. Open - Kneel Jump - YK AreNA, cOurTS 1 & 2 11:30a.m. - 1:30p.m. Jr. - Kneel Jump 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Shorty Bantam vs Yukon 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. Jr. male crt 1 Yukon vs Northern Alberta 1:30p.m. 3:30p.m. Open male - One Hand reach 8:00p.m.-10:00p.m. Shorty Female NWT vs Yukon 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. Jr. Female crt 2 NWT vs Alaska 3:30p.m. 5:00p.m. Jr. - Arm pull iNdOOr SOccer - ST. pATricK’S ANd WeledeH GYmNASiumS 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. Jr. male crt 1 vs Nunavut 5:00p.m. 6:30p.m. Open Women - Arm pull 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. Weledeh Jr. male Alaska vs Ya.m.al 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Yukon vs Northern Alberta 7:00p.m. 9:00p.m. Open male - Airplane 8:00a.m.-9:00a.m. St. pat’s Jr. Female Yukon vs Greenland 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Jr. male crt 1 NWT vs Alaska - Sir JOHN GYmNASium 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. Weledeh Jr. male Yukon vs Greenland 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Greenland vs Nunavut 8:00a.m. -9:00p.m. Jr. male/Female, Juvenile male/Female 9:00a.m.-10:00a.m. St. pat’s Jr. Female Nunavut vs NWT 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Yukon vs Greenland Singles/doubles, courts 1 - 4 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Weledeh Jr. male Nunavut vs NWT 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 NWT vs Yukon 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. St. pat’s intermediate Female 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Northern Alberta vs NWT - WeledeH GYmNASium Alaska vs Sa.m.i 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Alaska vs Greenland 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Jr. Female NWT vs Nunavut 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. St. pat’s intermediate Female 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Nunavut vs Alaska 1:00p.m. -3:00p.m. Jr. Female Ya.m.al vs Alaska Yukon vs Greenland 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 N. Alberta vs Nunavut 3:00p.m. -5:00p.m. Jr. male Yukon vs Alaska 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m. St. pat’s intermediate Female 2:00p.m. -3:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Greenland vs NWT 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. Jr. Female Nunavut vs Yukon Nunavut vs NWT 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 NWT vs Northern Alberta 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Jr. Female Alaska vs NWT 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m. St. pat’s Juvenile Female N. Alberta vs NWT 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Yukon vs Nunavut 9:00p.m.-11:00p.m. Jr. male NWT vs Nunavut 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m. St. pat’s Juvenile Female Yukon vs Nunavut 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Alaska vs Nunavut 3:00p.m.-4:00p.m. St. pat’s Juvenile male N. Alberta vs NWT SNOWSHOe - YK SKi cluB 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Northern Alberta vs Alaska 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. St. pat’s Juvenile male Yukon vs Nunavut 4:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Yukon vs Greenland 9:30a.m.-11:00a.m. individual competition 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. St. pat’s Jr. Female Yukon vs NWT 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Yukon vs NWT BiATHlON SKi - YK SKi cluB 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m. St. pat’s Jr. Female Alaska vs Greenland 5:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 NWT vs Greenland 2:15p.m.-4:30p.m. individual competition 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m. St. pat’s Jr. male Yukon vs NWT 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Northern Alberta vs Nunavut 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m. St. pat’s Jr. male Nunavut vs Ya.m.al 6:00p.m.-7:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Alaska vs N. Alberta crOSS cOuNTrY SKiiNG - YK SKi cluB 9:00p.m.-10:00p.m. St. pat’s Jr. male Alaska vs Greenland 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Greenland vs Alaska 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. classic diSt.ance events 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 Yukon vs Nunavut SNOWSHOe - YK GOlF cluB - YK curliNG cluB 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Jr. male crt 1 Nunavut vs NWT 100-metre Sprint 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Jr. Female crt 2 N. Alberta vs Greenland Draw 1 10:00a.m.-10:35a.m. Juvenile Female/male 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Jr. male 1 Northern Alberta vs NWT Jr. male/Female - mildred HAll GYmNASium Jr. male 2 Alaska vs Yukon 400-metre Sprint Tea.m. Competition Jr. Female 3 Northern Alberta vs Yukon 10:40a.m.-11:30a.m. Juvenile Female/male 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Nunavut vs Northern Alberta Jr. Female 4 NWT vs Nunavut Jr. male/Female NWT vs Northern Alberta GAmeS - ATHleTeS ceNTre mAiN ST.AGe 800-metre Sprint NWT vs Alaska 11:40a.m.-12:10p.m. Juvenile Female/male Stick Pull 1500-metre Sprint 10:30a.m.-12:30p.m. Jr. male CulTurAl SChedule 12:20p.m.-12:35p.m. Jr. male/Female Jr. Female 4 x 400-metre Relay perFOrmiNG ArTS luNcHTime cONcerTS 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m. Juvenile Female 3:00p.m.-3:10p.m. mixed Age Tree of Peace 12:00-1:00 p.m. Open male Baker Centre 12:00-1:00 p.m. 4:30p.m.-5:00p.m. FiNAlS - OlYmpic ice SurFAce Northern Arts and Cultural Centre 12:00-1:00 p.m. 2:30p.m.-8:30p.m. 777-metre Juvenile HOcKeY - SHOrTY BrOWN ANd OlYmpic ice SurFAceS 1000-metre Junior ViSuAl ArTS ArT iNSTAllATiON prOJecT 8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. Olympic Bantam NWT vs Yukon Kimberlite centre 10:00a.m.–6:00p.m. 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Olympic midget NWT vs Yukon - rANGe lAKe NOrTH GYmNASium 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m. Olympic midget Nunavut vs Alaska Preliminary Rounds ViSuAl ArTS cONTiNGeNT ViSuAl ArTS exHiBiTiON 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m. Shorty Female Nunavut vs Yukon 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m. Two player Team prince of Wales Northern Heritage centre 10:00a.m.–6:00 p.m. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 3 opening ceremonies Merle Robillard

Flag bearers from Greenland lead the march in the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife, NWT. Let the 2008 Games begin Athletes head into six days of competition in Yellowknife

by Lisa Scott this being the 20th edition of the Cathie Bolstad says was agreed also here to have fun and trade as circumpolar games and things have upon by organizers from the start. many pins as possible. s Arctic Winter Games come full circle for the original Performers from all contingents On Team Nunavut, Vincent Nin- International Commit- host city of Yellowknife. Once will showcase their languages, geongan was really excited by the tee president Gerry again, just as in 1970 when Pierre traditions, dances and music along- opening ceremonies and was ready Thick declared the 2008 Trudeau lit the torch to open the side the competition all week. for the Wrestling team competi- games open on Sunday, inaugural Games, Prime Minister Nearly 2,500 volunteers will be tion to start on Monday at 10 a.m. Aa great cheer erupted from the Stephen harper took the stage to working at sport venues across the “I’m hoping to win gold,” says crowd of athletes, coaches, visitors welcome all participants to what city as athletes vie for the distinc- the Coral Harbour athlete. Nin- and volunteers crammed into the he called “the most successful Arc- tive ulu medals during the week. geongan will compete in the 75 kg Yellowknife Multiplex facility. tic Winter Games ever … stronger The 20th Arctic Winter Games weight class. The feeling of excitement in and better than ever before.” have come a long way from the in- Despite their small team size, the air was almost as thrilling as More than 2,200 athletes, augural event in 1970, costing $6.5 the Saami contingent is also ready the fireworks that followed his coaches and officials will be partici- million for the city of Yellowknife, to play this week. Three-time pronouncement, shooting up into pating at these games from nine $3.6 million of that coming from Arctic Winter Games participant the air on the centre stage on the contingents above the 55th parallel the business community. Marja-Liisa Partapuoli is defend- olympic ice. over a period of seven days, from The athletes were hyper as ing four medals in cross-country The opening ceremony was the Yamal, , to Greenland and all they marched off the ice and onto skiing. culmination of two years of work the way to Alberta, . The buses waiting to take them back “I’m here to have fun and may- by the Yellowknife Host Society Arctic Winter Games are unique to their dorms before the first day be to win,” says the 18-year-old. and evidence of that work was all to the world, including distinctly of competition, which began this Entering her third Games’ around. With all nine contingents Northern sports like dog mushing, morning. For many of them it was experience is a bit less of a thrill for crowded onto the ice surface in Arctic sports, Dene games and a time to put on their game faces the veteran athlete, but she’s still varying shades of blue, red and snowshoeing. for a week of competition. excited to head into competition. black uniforms, the sense that the Cultural elements of each Jeff Diment of Whitehorse, The earliest games begin this Games had finally begun was all contingent will feature strongly Yukon is here to compete in dog morning at 8 a.m. with badminton, Merle Robillard around. in these games, something that mushing. While the competition hockey and indoor soccer starting Team Yukon raises their flags high Much mention was made of Yellowknife host society president is on his mind, the 11-year-old is off the day. during the opening ceremonies.

The official newspaper of the 2008 Arctic Winter Games – published by Northern News Services – printed by canarctic Graphics Contact information Editor: chris puglia You can e-mail us at: ulunews@ Copy Editor: Adam Johnson nnsl.com. We are located at 5108-50th ULU NEWS Reporters: Jennifer McPhee • Lisa Scott • Daniel T'seleie Street. To speak with our editor call 873-4031. The ulu News accepts photo Photographer: merle robillard orders for any images that appear in Graphic designer: Steve Hatch our pages. For ordering information please call 873-4031 or e-mail us. 4 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 5 opening ceremonies Going toe to toe with Harper Prime Minister opens Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife

by Daniel T’seleie

hat has 4,000 feet, a thunderous roar and takes 45 min- utes to walk into an arena? Every athleteW in the 2008 Arctic Winter Games! The olympic ice surface was filled with all the competitors on Sunday night for the opening Daniel T'seleie Daniel ceremonies of the 2008 AWG. Nunavut wrestler Tanya Haulli was Guests and spectators packed excited to hear the PM – but thinks into the bleachers like weekday she would be him on the mat. commuters on a Tokyo subway. Now, in a conversation between The sold-out event was so popular a wrestler and a reporter one in- some ticket holders opted to stand evitable question had to be asked: by railings rather than fight their could you take him? “Yeah, big way in and out of their seats. time,” Haulli says smiling. Such con- Even Prime Minister Stephen fidence, but Harper said it himself, harper made an appearance to wel- today's AWG athletes are, “stronger come everyone from afar and wish and better than ever before.” the athletes good luck. This is the But there's more to the AWG first visit made by a Prime Minister than physical competition. The since Pierre Eliot Trudeau helped Merle Robillard Games have evolved to be a show- Prime Minister Stephen Harper reaches for the mike as he opens the 20th 2008 Arctic Winter Games in launch the first Games in 1970, also case of traditions and customs, a Yellowknife, NWT. in Yellowknife, NWT. The words meeting ground for all Northern of encouragement from Canada's cultures and an open forum for prayer sung by the Northwest Terri- to welcome the athletes and wish Shine,” saying that after years of head of state came as a pleasant artistic expression, both contempo- tories' Dettah Drummers kicked off them luck, including NWT Premier training it truly is these athletes' surprise to some. rary and traditional. Sunday's cer- the evening, and by the end of the Floyd Roland, Yellowknife Mayor time to shine. Yellowknife was also “They never told me [Harper emony was a shining example the night the crowd was hopping to the Gordon Van Tighem, Dettah Chief introduced to the 2008 AWG theme was coming]," says Tanya Haulli, a cultural open mindedness that has rap of Yellowknife's Aaron “God- Edward Sangris and Gerry Thick, song, Right Here, Right Now, writ- wrestler from Iglulik, Nunavut. I just become entrenched in the games son” Hernandez and the break- president of the AWG International ten and recorded by Chris Jonah saw him and was like, 'oh my God!'” themselves. The crowd was wowed dancing backup of Yukon's Ground- Committee. and Dave Hysert. She thinks the opening ceremonies with a variety of performances with work Sessions Funk Ensemble. The list doesn't stop there. In the words of Opening Cer- were “awesome,” and Harper's visit origins spanning countless genera- A number of other prominent Juno award winner Leela Gilday emonies emcee Robin Williams, was her favourite part. tions and multiple continents. A individuals took the opportunity performed her song, “Rise and “Go out and enjoy the Games!” 6 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 7 opening ceremonies Merle Robillard

Janet Pacey stands by the cauldron she designed for the 2008 Arctic Winter Games. Torch connects past and future Games founder ignites cauldron Merle Robillard by Jennifer McPhee who carried it onto the stage. At the inaugural 1970 Games, AWG founder Stuart Hodgson directs the lighting of the torch at the opening Wearing a sealskin coat, Hodgson Wendy Foreman Williams was a ceremony of the 2008 Games in Yellowknife, NWT. he 20th Arctic Win- walked onto the stage, and, when starry-eyed, 15-year-old badmin- ter Games torch pass he pointed to the ton player. After that shoeing team in 1988, and com- Pacey. As for the snowflake, she was based around the cauldron, the two ath- first experience, she peted in Dene games from 1990 was searching for something that concept of connecting letes set it ablaze. The went on to compete to 2000. Taking part in the torch all the participating groups had Stuart Hodgson, one of crowd went wild. “I am really, in eight more Games, pass is a once-in-a-lifetime oppor- in common.“What better than Tthe founding fathers of the Arctic After the open- winning 17 medals. tunity, he said. “It feels great.” snow?” she said. Winter Games, with NWT athletes ing ceremony, torch really thrilled She was excited then, While Hodgson was igniting Unique to the torch are small from years gone by. bearer Eli Nasogaluak and is just as excited the inside cauldron, a crew was chunks of rock on each side, which Star alumni Wendy Foreman from Tuktoyaktuk, and now. busy lighting the cauldron outside. were imported from the repre- Williams was the first to hold the NWT said he was “I am really, re- Yellowknifer Janet Pacey designed sented contingent's region. torch last night before passing having trouble wiping honoured.” ally thrilled and hon- the torch and the three-metre- The idea behind these pebbles it to more than 20 other alumni, the smile off his face. oured,” said Williams, high cauldron outside the Yellow- was to capture the raw and rug- representing a broad range of He was “nervous at who now lives in knife Multiplex. ged nature of the North, said sport – symbolically and literally first,” which reminded Kelowna, B.C. “Sports Both are mostly made of pol- Pacey. linking generations of athletes. him of how he felt right before a and the Arctic Winter Games has ished stainless steel, with six sides The same way the torch is As they grabbed hold of the competition. “It's the same atmo- been very formative in my life. representing the six permanent passed from athlete to athlete, torch in the Multiplex, the an- sphere,” he said. Nasogaluak, who Through sports, I got to travel and members of the international this year's torch will be passed nouncer called out their names, currently lives in Ottawa, com- meet incredible people, and it's committee. along to future games. The sig- what sports they competed in, peted in Arctic sports in 1998, the very thrilling to be back here.” Each side bears the name nificance of this is just starting to and in what years. last year the NWT and Nunavut “I had some sadness in my life of one member, along with the hit Pacey. “It's a pretty exciting The last alumni to receive the were on the same team. In the recently,” she added. “I lost my international Arctic Winter Games feeling to think that I've created torch was Robin Sproule, who next games, he competed against husband. And I find this is picking logo, nine flames representing the something that will go on,” she saw action in five different sports his former teammates. It was a up my spirits. To see all the old nine participating nations, and a said. over the course of twelve Games, privilege to take part in the cer- friends is very heartwarming and representation of a snowflake. Pacey also designed the Foxy starting in 1976. Sproule then emony with former athletes from wonderful for me." The flames signify the beginning – the AWG's official mascot – passed the torch to two young as far back as the first Games, he Lloyd Lamouelle from Beh- of the games and the fire and characters on display signs around athletes from this year's Games, said. choko, NWT was on the snow- passion of everyone involved, said town as well as the Foxy pins. 8 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games the day in pictures

NWT mushers got a late start at trials the Friday before the Games began. Windchill of -50 C forced the postponement of the trials in February.

Spectators watch the action during the RBC Riders Cup at the Bristol Pit Saturday. photos Merle Robillard photos Adrienne Hynes, left, and Morgan Paul, of team Yukon huddle to keep warm during the cross-country Skiing and Biathlon opening ceremonies at the Yellowknife Ski Club on Sunday.

Yellowknife, NWT, rapper Aaron "Godson" Hernandez riles up the crowd during the opening ceremonies last night.

Renee LeVesque prepares vegetables for the athletes. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 9 the day in pictures

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Summers, Team Alaska junior dog musher, applies ointment to protect the dog's feet from ice and snow during practice runs on Back Bay Sunday. photos Merle Robillard photos Seventeen-year-old Stephan Angotialuk, left, of Team Nunavut, volleys the Darryl Tait of Yellowknife, NWT, lands a jump during the RBC Riders Cup at the Bristol Pit Saturday. ball while teammate Devin Aviugana, 16, tries to block.

Four student photographers from the are being mentored by professional photographers during the games under the Arctic Winter Games 2008 Youth Photography project. They are using Nikon D80 digital cameras and will be showing the best photos each day at a growing exhibition at the federal government. Greenstone Building. The students are: The Bristol Pit course is reflected in a competitor's goggles. Front left, Jessica Deane, Yellowknife and Christine Morgan, Hay River. Back left, Sophie Stefure, Tuktoyaktuk and Tom Koidhis, Fort Smith. 10 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games around the games 20th Games celebration Commemorative book reflects on Arctic Winter Games past

by Daniel T’seleie

hen they began planning the 2008 Arctic Winter Games, the 2008 Host Society “didn’tW have any idea at the time that this would be the 20th set of games,” says host society president Cathie Bolstad. Once they real- ized the significance of this year’s games, they decided something had to be done to commemorate the milestone. “Our view is that we want this to be the best home- coming celebration of sport and culture,” adds Bolstad. The first Arctic Winter Games was held in 1970 in Yellowknife, then a town of about 6,000 people. Approximately 500 participants from the NWT, the Yukon and Alas- ka helped to organize or compete in the inaugural event. This week, Yellowknife is hosting 2,200 participants, coaches and athletes from five countries around the world, and with a budget of $6.5 million these games cost ten times more than the 1970 Games. “We’ve got to showcase the North, showcase how far the games T’seleie Daniel have come,” Bolstad says. Fran Hurcomb put together a commemorative book marking the past 20 There were opening and closing games. ceremonies at the first games, but commissioned by the host society closing ceremonies. not much else. “It was about the to produce the compendium. She Williams, then a “wide-eyed actual games themselves and that’s spent a year-and-a-half pulling 15-year-old,” first competed in the it,” says Fran Hurcomb, author of together the necessary photos and 1970 games, and ended her AWG “Inspired Dream,” a book com- interviews, and the search took her career in the 1990 games. She has memorating the 20th games. There as far as the National Archives of watched the growth and evolution were almost no cultural events Canada. of the games, and says one notable back then, with one notable excep- Despite the many changes to change is the shift in the ages of tion; there was a hugely popular the games over the past 38 years, competitors. demonstration of traditional organizers have always,“stuck with Today’s games are almost exclu- games. Now called Arctic sports the original tenets” Hurcomb says. sively for youth. The 1998 games Merle Robillard these events became part of official The games have always been a in Yellowknife marked a significant Wendy Foreman Williams, an AWG alumnus and medallist, catches up with an competition in 1972, followed by combination of “sports, culture and decrease in the number of adult old friend. The Arctic Winter Games have been building friendships since the Dene games in 1990. friendship.” categories. By the 2000 games in beginning. To commemorate the 20th Games, the 2008 Host Society invited The games have lost some Camaraderie also has always Whitehorse the only adult partici- 22 AWG alumni from the NWT and Nunavut to this year’s games. sports over the years. Fans are no been a significant part of the pants were in Arctic sports, Dene Trying to bring adult and youth should be directed towards youth longer drawn to their feet by the games. “I still have friends from games and on the cultural contin- athletes to the games would ef- is shared by Jonas Sangris, another thrills of competitions like judo some of the games in 1972 and gents. Williams used to think it was fectively double the number of AWG alumnus who has competed and boxing. Most recently, for the ‘74,” says Wendy Foreman Williams, unfair to exclude adult athletes competitors, says Williams, and in snowshoeing more times than 2006 games in Alaska the pee-wee who competed in badminton. She from the games, but now thinks it is it would be impossible to accom- he can remember. “I started in ‘72, hockey division was eliminated in has 17 AWG medals under her belt, the right thing to do. modate this many people in almost I can’t remember when I stopped,” an attempt to reduce the growing 16 of them gold. “It’s an amazing meeting of any Northern venue. The games are Sangris says. number of participants. Williams and 21 other AWG sport and culture that influences important for youth as they offer The pressure of competing every Finding all the information and alumni from the NWT and Nunavut young people for the rest of their an opportunity to meet people and two years kept the young Sangris in photos needed for a book on the were invited to the 20th games as lives,” Williams says. Her experi- learn about different cultures. line; he was always looking to the games was not easy. “There’s never special guests designated to carry ences as a youth competitor were “You learn about each other and next games, training hard and stay- been a history [of the Games] put torches in the opening ceremonies “instrumental” in forming her respect each other,” she adds. ing out of trouble. “[The games] together,” said Hurcomb, who was and distribute medals in the character. The opinion that the games made me who I am today.” scavenGer Hunt Spring has sprung- there are RAVENS about, You will find the hints in the ULU NEWS, Each day there will be TEN for you to scout out. You will have from TEN to FIVE daily to solve all the CLUES. Not those feathered black birds you see about town, These large COLOURED raven statues don’t fly around. This is the Arctic Winter Games - get out and have FUN! The PINS are all unique; you get the only one, Why HUNT for these birds you all want to know? To find a hidden raven and collect a priceless pin. Why subject yourself to RUN through the snow? Remember there are only TWENTY pins available to win. Because on FOUR of the ravens a ribbon you will find, That you can exchange for an Arctic Winter Games PIN - If you find a prized ribbon you’ll be the envy of the town, one of a kind. Claim your prize at the Pin Table in the Athletes Centre located downtown. For only FIVE DAYS you will have a chance to seek, Lucky Winners will be named in the Ulu News, These big Northern birds decorated like FLAGS from tail to beak. As the sharpest and the fastest to solve all the clues.

• Hurry hard to the House? • Not full of chopped liver? now it is so expensive they call it "Charles," Hints • Where you can hear what Canadians are • Bears fly North downtown, seriously? • The biggest 'Iglu' in Yellowknife? • Where would will find open water in March talking about? • Never second in the sky? • If your new to this town they have maps to in Yellowknife? • In a pinch we will hold all your sheets? • They used to call ground beef "Chuck" but get around? 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 1 1 contingent profile saami on the soccer pitch Contingent sends first ever team to the Games by Jennifer McPhee Team Saami is not an official member of the Arctic Winter his year marks the first Games, but has been invited to time Team Saami will com- participate for the past three years. pete in indoor soccer at Along with soccer, the 42-member the Arctic Winter Games. team includes a strong group of The eight-member cross-country skiers. At the 2004 Tintermediate girls team is “pretty and 2006 games the Saami took good” said Aslak Paltto, Saami Chef home 23 and 21 medals respective- de Mission. In fact, the first time ly, all in cross-country skiing. This the team played together last July year, Paltto says Team Saami has at the Saami Cup in , they high expectations for their cross- won the entire tournament. “That country ski team. was quite unexpected,” said Paltto, "Most of them will do very good an accomplished cross-country performances," he says. "Altogeth- skier who lives in a Saami village in er we have a strong team." with a population of just 50 Also making the trip is a small people. three person cultural contingent Soccer – or football as it's called consisting of Elle Sofe Hentiksen, in Europe – is quite popular in Swe- Inger Biret Gaup, and Ol-Julian den and , but not as much Gaup, who will yoik at the cultural in Finland where they are crazy gala on Thursday and Friday. Team about . All the girls on leader Hentiksen, who has attend- the soccer team hail from Norway. ed a dance school in London, also Paltto said the girls have played dances in the performance. Merle Robillard From left to right: Anna Stroemsnes, Heidi Andreassen, Ragnhild Fosshaug, Ann Solbritt E. Logje, Benedicte Elise Dahl. soccer since they were little, but Yoiking refers to the Saami usually play outdoors. Paltto is traditional way of singing, and are no words,” said Paltto. “You tions about the Saami people to- airport on Friday. He was supposed mildly concerned about the re- Saami people can tell which coun- hear from the tone whether it is day, Tuesday and Wednesday, and to travel from Copenhagen to duced-bounce ball, which the girls try or area a singer comes from fast, or sad or joyful.” in cultural workshops throughout Chicago before making his way to have never played with. “We'll wait by their yoik. Each yoik reflects The gala performance is “just the week, said Hentiksen. Yellowknife. However, now he must and see how that goes,” he said. a place – such as a mountain or bits and pieces of different yoiks Paltto hopes that Ol-Julian obtain a US visa from the embassy The team's first game takes river – or animal or person. The combined with modern dance,” Gaup – the sole male on the Saami in Norway, which was closed over place today at 10 a.m. “We're hop- yoiker attempts to transfer the es- said Hentiksen. “We also have cultural contingent – will arrive in the weekend. ing for the best,” said team captain sence of that person or place into some poems ... which we will be Yellowknife in time for his per- Hopefully, he'll secure his visa Ragnhild Fosshaug, who arrived song. Often, yoiks are completely reading.” formance. Because of problems on Monday and arrive in Yellow- with the team on Saturday night at improvised. “Many times, it's just a The cultural performers will also with his valid passport, he was knife on Tuesday afternoon, said 5 a.m. their time. couple of words; more often there take part in the informal presenta- turned away from the Copenhagen Paltto. 12 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games contingent profile is here to stay Team rejoined AWG in 2000, still building momentum by Lisa Scott Vanessa Aragutak of Kuujj- uarapik seems at ease with her unavik- has team members, despite the fact one of the smallest that they are from different com- teams at the 2008 munities. She says the thing she Arctic Winter Games, likes best about her team is their but for a contingent fur-hooded parkas. thatN only returned to the games She is participating in badmin- in 2000 after a nearly 15-year ab- ton and hopes that by competing sence, they are building momen- here, more youth in Nunavik will tum with each appearance. start playing and there will be “In Nunavik, everything is more sports action on her home relatively new. We don’t have the turf. structure in place where the kids “We want more players and are practising on a daily basis,” more games in our communities,” says Jean Dupuis, chef de mission. she says. The sports structure in Her teammate Minnie Anna- Nunavik-Quebec is really starting hatak agrees. “We want to show to come together as municipali- people back home that we had ties and government agencies are fun here,” says the athlete from recognizing the importance of Kangirsuk. sport and partnering to encourage The next step for this team in participation, says Dupuis. vibrant blue uniforms is to get With 14 communities spread into team sports competition for across 660,000 square kilometres, the 2010 games in , Nunavik-Quebec faces struggles Alta. As in many Northern regions, similar to many Arctic regions to hockey is a huge sport in Nunavik- Merle Robillard co-ordinate competition across Team Nunavik-Quebec is proud to be at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife as their participation in AWG Quebec, with arenas in all the large distances with small popula- increases. villages; a few even have artificial tions scattered in each village. ice. The capital of Kuujjuaq has games, snowshoeing and badmin- to show that our athletes are con- they hopped on planes from Kuujj- “Hockey is one discipline we’d 2,250 people, while Aupaluk, the ton. The team consists of a seven- tinually improving their competi- uaq to Iqaluit to Yellowknife. really like to be part of somewhere smallest community, has only 177 person cultural contingent as well. tion level,” says Dupuis. The majority of team mem- down the road,” says Dupuis. residents. The 45-person team is “Our participation in the Arctic Team members have been bers play Dene games and Arctic With a good mix of female and made up of members from across Winter Games is one that we bonding since regional trials began sports, as these traditional sports male athletes, this contingent the territory, competing in only take very seriously. We want to in the fall of 2007 and members are fostered through the regional heads straight into competition in four sports: Arctic sports, Dene continue coming here. We want knew each other well by the time school board. all four disciplines starting today. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 1 3 around the games ambassadors on the beat New program involves NWT youth in Games by Lisa Scott education and making them well- rounded people with a range of wenty-six smiling youth experiences.” will embody the spirit It has been a long week already of the NWT at the 2008 for the youth ambassadors. They Arctic Winter Games, this began orientation the week before week. the games. TFollowing in the footsteps of the For Delaney Poitras of Fort 2007 Canada Games in Whitehorse, Smith and Myles Erb of Norman the Yellowknife, NWT host society Wells, this is their second time serv- added a youth ambassadors pro- ing as ambassadors. Both took part gram to the 20th Games. in the pilot program in Whitehorse The program features youth as well. representing nearly every com- Poitras likes meeting new munity from across the Northwest people and getting the chance to Territories. These 16 to 21-year-olds visit other communities outside can be spotted by their dark green of Fort Smith. “It’s been pretty jackets and vests at cultural venues fun and we’ve been learning new across the city, helping to set up things,” says the 18-year-old. She and clean up for each event, give figures the host society needs as out information as needed and act Lisa Scott many volunteers as they can get as ambassadors for the host city. Laura Loe of Fort Liard hands out programs at the opening ceremonies Sunday night. Loe is one of 26 youth ambassadors at these games. and the youth ambassadors help to They are also a wealth of boost the volunteer numbers. knowledge, when not working at a Dave Hurley, general manager of whose time had come. daily hit of culture from the various Bobbi Rose of Fort McPherson venue each youth is ready to assist, the host society. “The purpose of the program contingents at different venues says she is looking forward to carting a backpack containing city In order to do this, youth in all is to expose youth who are not around town. talking to visitors to the city and maps, event information and even 33 NWT communities were invited athletically inclined to the activities “My hope is that they’ll learn guiding them around. She plans on information on first aid. to apply to the program. Each one of the games and to give them the how great it is to work with people, telling people where all the good The Yellowknife Arctic Winter had to meet tough criteria showing chance to meet all of the partici- that they’ll lose some of their souvenir shops are and wants to Games Host Society decided to them to be leaders in their commu- pants,” Youngblut says. shyness, that they’ll realize that all ensure everyone enjoys them- implement the ambassadorship nities, as well as provide two refer- There are lots of kids in com- people are the same … and that it’s selves. to get more youth involved in the ence letters and an essay describing munities that don’t get to take part fun to meet new people,” Young- The ambassadors began their games, which are predominantly why they wanted to take part in the in this special week because they blut says. week greeting contingents as they sports-oriented. Games. don’t play sports, she says. "They are ambassadors for their came off their planes. They’ll finish “The Games belong to the NWT, Kathryn Youngblut, the youth The ambassadors will focus on communities and for the NWT. up at the closing ceremonies. In not just to Yellowknife. What we ambassador co-ordinator, said the cultural events this week, taking They are learning to be all-around between, they’ll be hopping around wanted to do is to advocate the idea of involving youth in the games part in the opening and closing cer- kids who can work in any situation from cultural venue to cultural games throughout the North,” says in a non-sporting context was one emonies, the fashion show and the with any people. It’s adding to their venue, helping out as needed. 14 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games athlete profile champ hoists Yukon flag Prodigy hopes to lead young team to another gold ulu by Daniel T’seleie Canada National Championships But don't think for a minute that in Sherbrooke, Que. last August. Nguyen doesn't take responsibility eam Yukon is bringing The Northern team managed to for leading the team. It's apparent, a rookie team to these beat the teams from Prince Edward even after a short conversation, Games, but they have Island and Newfoundland, which that this young athlete knows a an ace up their sleeves: Nguyen describes as a “huge” lot about the “beautiful” game of returning Gold Ulu-winner accomplishment. Nguyen scored basketball, and uses this knowledge Tand captain Tony Nguyen. the game-winning basket against in his role as team captain. He's the only returning baller Newfoundland in overtime. “With the team, you have to on the team, but that's not the As the AWG returning champs, make sure everyone is focused.” sole reason he's the captain. The the Yukon team has some added He's keeping his eye on every detail 17-year-old excels in the sport, and pressure this year. – free throws, rebounds, defence – has for the seven years he's been “We're the team to beat,” and is making sure the team plays playing. He was also captain of the Nguyen says. as well as they can. champion basketball team at the Despite the predominance of Nguyen was chosen to carry the – the rookies on the team he has high flag for Team Yukon in the opening first time a Grade 9 student has led hopes. ceremonies. You could chalk this the team. He says the honour came “We're a little less experienced up to his many accomplishments, with a lot of pressure. [than the 2006 team], but have awards, honours or to the fact that “I had to prove that I could work a different style of play,” Nguyen he's a returning Gold Ulu winner, harder than everyone,” Nguyen says. The players are a little young- but he doesn't. says. “Sometimes I felt like I er, on average, and not as big as “It was more than just be- couldn't mess up.” the previous team, but their speed ing a returning athlete, it's more However, everything worked and wits will work to their advan- about character and respect for out swimmingly for Nguyen and tage. “Our team's quite smart, we the game.” Respect is something the team in 2006. They all worked know where to go.” Nguyen has no shortage of, and not their backsides off and took home As the captain and one of the just for basketball. the Gold Ulu, the Yukon's second in most experienced players you “I love all the sports here,” male basketball. would think Nguyen would take Nguyen says. Nguyen hasn't backed off since a lead in helping train the others, This will be his final year com- those Games. In the interim, he has and he does, but he's not the only peting in basketball at the Arctic been the captain of his high school one. He says the whole team has Winter Games, but he plans to team [which won the Yukon territo- been pitching in to help each other continue playing. rial competition last Thursday] and improve and excel over the past After he graduates from F.H. Daniel T'seleie Daniel the captain of an pan-territorial four months of training. Collins high school next year Nguy- Tony Nguyen is Team Yukon’s flag bearer and the captain of the male team – comprised of players from “We all help each other,” en hopes to attend the University basketball team. He was also captain in the 2006 Games, which at 15 made him the Yukon’s youngest AWG basketball team captain. They took the Gold the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut – Nguyen says, “as a team that's one of Victoria, where he will continue Ulu in 2006 and Nguyen is looking for a repeat. that travelled to the Basketball of our strengths.” his basketball career. 2008 Arctic Winter Games Issue 1, March 10, 2008 ULU NEWS 1 5 athlete profile a diverse, speedy squad Lisa Scott

Nunavut speed skating coach John Maurice works with his team at the first practice on Yellowknife ice. Nunavut skaters a multicultural mix by Lisa Scott 14-year-old picked up the sport team isn’t just diverse, but also fast. Now her younger sister has features some defending medal hat do you started to lace up as well and has winners from previous games. Ma- get when you joined the Iqaluit Arctic Terns nasie Kendall won five gold medals combine six Speed Skating Club. at the 2006 games in Alaska as a ju- Newfoundland- “After I started competing I venile skater. Now 15 and entering ers, six Inuit, one got the adrenalin rush and it was into the difficult junior category, Canadian-bornW Sri Lankan, and pretty exciting,” she says. Kendall is aware that the competi- one Canadian-born Pakistani? The This is her first Arctic Winter tion may be pretty fierce in the answer: team Nunavut’s speed Games and she’s coming in with 16-athlete field. skating team. some serious momentum. She’s “In the junior category there is Coach John Maurice says his hoping for a medal and is primed going to be a lot of tough competi- team is a multicultural mix that for this meet after beating her tion,” he says, citing Angus Smith works really well on the ice and personal best time and cracking and Ian MacDougall, of Team NWT, is fairly common for the sport of a minute in the 500-metre at the and Troy Henry, of Team Yukon. speed skating. All but one of the Eastern Ability meet in Ontario last “I know they are fast and good athletes is from Iqaluit, with Zach- month. competition,” says Kendall. ery Roberts joining the team from Sarah Ali represented Nunavut Despite that, the juvenile gold Cambridge Bay. at the Canada Winter Games in ulu holder knows he’s one to “It’s a multicultural sport that Whitehorse in 2007. The 16-year- watch on the ice and hopes to get attracts all kinds of athletes,” he old from Iqaluit has been speed in some personal best times and says. Maurice has helped a little as skating for five years. She was born individual medals. He’s also hoping well, recruiting students from the in Iqaluit, but her family originates Team Nunavut can take home the classes he teaches that wouldn’t from Pakistan and the sport of gold in the 3,000 metre relay, an necessarily be attracted to the speed skating is new to the whole event coaches Maurice and Josee sport of skating or who have never family. Tremblay have had them training ice-skated before. “She’s got a lot of potential diligently for. Aloka Wijesooriya moved to and is a very talented athlete and This team, in their black, red Iqaluit from Ontario in 2003. She is a good student in school,” says and yellow speed suits should of Sri Lankan descent and admits Maurice. He adds that his team of be an entertaining one to watch Lisa Scott to never putting on a pair of skates athletes adds a nice multicultural on the ice, competition starts Sarah Ali of Iqaluit helps make up the diverse speed skating squad from Nunavut. until 2004 at the urging of Maurice. contribution to this year’s games. this afternoon at the Yellowknife It was a shaky start, but the Team Nunavut’s speed skating Multiplex. Games Talk

what are you looking forward to most over Elle Renhard, 16, Riley Simpson-Fowler, Devon Tordoff, 17, Ivan Snedden, 14, Daria Pervushina, 16, badminton, Team Alaska 15, breakdancer, hockey, Team NWT snowshoeing, Team singer, Team Yamal the next week? playing my sport and Team Yukon i’m looking forward to Alberta North i want people to learn meeting new people. Getting to know different competing in my first meeting people and more about the culture of people. Arctic Winter Games. doing my best in the the Yamal and i wish our snowshoeing event. team success in the games. 16 ULU NEWS Issue 1, March 10, 2008 2008 Arctic Winter Games