Arctic Winter Games Social Impact Report 2014

Arctic Winter Games 2014 Fairbanks, Alaska, United States Prepared by: Dr. Samuel V. Lankford Dr. Larry Neal Mr. Jordan V. Lankford Research Assistant Sustainable Tourism & the Environment Program Recreation Research & Service University of Northern Iowa

Introduction

In 1970, Government Officials from Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories (NWT) and Federal Members of Parliament worked together to host the first Arctic Winter Games [AWG]. Further, contingents from Northern Alberta, Greenland, the Sapmi people of Northern Scandinavia and the Russian Province of Yamal now participate in the Games. The goal of the Games has remained the same over the years: to furnish the opportunity through sport, the social and cultural meeting of Northern peoples regardless of language, race, or creed.

The Games are held biennially usually during the month of March. Prior to the start of the Games, participating contingents will determine which athletes will be participating on their representative teams at the Games. Several teams have a selection process which is used to determine the composition of their teams for the Games. This process is conducted by holding regional trials and then territorial trials. The regional trials are normally held in November/December while the territorial trials are held in January, preceding the actual games.

Introduction

The AWG is designed to include the promotion of traditional aboriginal games based upon survival in the north. There are three categories of sports that are included in the games: major sports, northern sports (Inuit games, Dene games, snowshoeing, dog mushing, Inuit wrestling), and emerging/potential sports. Overall, in 2014 there were more than 18 different sporting events. The Games offer a venue where developing athletes from across the north meet to enhance their athletic skills and to share their respective cultures.

The International Committee for the Arctic Winter Games promotes the following mission (role/purpose) in the Games: – Athletic Competition: “To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games themselves or in the team trials - and to provide a forum of competition for those other than elite athletes with competitive opportunities in the south.” – Cultural Exhibition & Social Interchange: “To promote indigenous cultural activities and exhibitions, and to get different groups together. To develop, amongst northern peoples, a geographic identity and to develop and maintain good relations.” – Spirit of Fair Play “The fundamental purpose is to encourage maximum participation by all ages of youth, cultures and walks of life in a broad range of athletic activities. The Games are to exemplify the spirit of fair play during the Games week.”

Introduction

In support of this three part mission; the Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) promotes the following values of: Cultural diversity awareness and understanding Fair play Access and equity Integrity Respect for self and others Partnerships Personal development Community enhancement

In support of this three-part mission, the Arctic Winter Game supports the development of competent certified coaches who play a key role in promoting these values and operating principles. The games allow both male and female participants to improve their skills and develop personal values and traits that enhance their self-esteem and thus their ability to have success in other aspects of their lives.

Introduction

Overall, the findings of this study are very encouraging and give a strong rationale for the continued development, advancement, and support for the Arctic Winter Games. The results have been consistent with the aforementioned mission and values of the Games as established by the International Committee. This study is the fourth initial examination of the personal, social and community benefits of the Games. This research focused on the use of a questionnaire developed and tested in the 1998 Arctic Winter Games. Since then, this survey has been revised and updated on several occasions.

Importantly, the data is conclusive and provides a clear rationale for generating non- governmental organization (NGO), government and private support for future Arctic Winter Games. The Games do not take place in a vacuum. There appears to be very strong linkages to the need for community programs to support these young people prior to, during, and after the competitions. These programs are related to community development and social service issues as well as recreation and sport programs.

History

Background to the Study of Personal and Social Benefits

In 1969 three visionaries, Stuart Hodgson and James Smith, then Commissioners of Canada’s Northwest Territories and Yukon, and Governor Wally Hickel of Alaska recognized the need for unique northern competitions and cultural exchanges amongst the youth of the north. One year later (1970), government officials from Yukon, Northwest Territories, Federal Members of the Canadian Parliament, and Alaska worked together to sponsor the first Arctic Winter Games in Yellowknife, NT, taking place over roughly one week. Today, contingents from Greenland, Sapmi of northern Scandinavia, and the Russian Province of Yamalia, and now participate in the games. The goal of the games has remained the same over the years: to furnish the opportunity through sport, the social and cultural meeting of Northern peoples regardless of language, race, or creed. The games are restricted to youth of the circumpolar region of the arctic. The success of the Arctic Winter Games over the years has in large part been due to the clarity, specificity, and importance of the mission and goals of the games.

History

The Games are held biennially during the month of March, switching to a new location each time the Games are held. The various participating contingents prepare for the Games often times in their own ways. For example, several teams will hold regional trials and then final territorial trials in order to determine the composition of their Arctic Winter Games team, whereas other regions may not hold any sort of qualifying events for the Games. The opportunity to compete in the Games means that athletes come representing a wide range of communities. In the NWT alone, athletes in the regional, territorial and final Arctic Winter Games represent over 40 hamlets, towns, villages and communities. Most of the participants come from isolated communities. For the 2014 games, over 100 hamlets, towns, villages and communities from the arctic region were represented.

History

The Games are designed to promote traditional aboriginal games, sports and cultural activities based upon survival in the north. There are three categories of sports that are included in the Games: sports with wide participation (e.g. hockey, volleyball, soccer, cross country skiing), traditional northern sports (Arctic Sports which include Inuit and Dene games such as Alaskan high kick, wrestling), and emerging/potential sports (such as snowboarding, table tennis etc.). In the 2014 Arctic Winter Games in Fairbanks, Alaska, United States there were 18 different sporting events. The Games offer a venue where developing athletes from across the north meet to enhance their athletic skills, and to share their respective cultures. The Arctic Winter Games International Committee (AWGIC) provides for coaches who promote the values and operating principles. These games allow both male and females to improve their skills and develop personal values and traits that enhance their ability to succeed in life. These values, taken in their entirety, constitute rationale and basis for extensive support from government, NGO’s and businesses. Specifically, involvement in the Games does suggest that a number of important social, personal and community benefits are realized.

History

The findings of this study are very encouraging and show strong rationale for the continued development and advancement of the Games. The findings of our research support the above-mentioned mission and values of the Games as established by the International Committee. The findings of this report validate the benefits of the Arctic Winter Games as noted in the publication “Arctic Winter Games – The History and Organization.” As this study was the second examination of the personal, social and community benefits of the Games, this research focused on the continued use of a meaningful questionnaire and was distributed to all participants and a small number of coaches in attendance for the Fairbanks Alaska Arctic Winter Games. This study was expanded to include the participants from all of the contingents, whereas the initial study, which was conducted over a six-year study period, collected data only from the contingents that could speak English and were from the Northwest Territories. Participants, for which English was not their primary language, were still given the opportunity to answer and respond to the questionnaire.

History

Importantly, the data provides a clear rationale for generating NGO, government and private support for the Arctic Winter Games. In addition, there appears to be very strong linkages to the need for community programs to support these young people prior to, during and after the competitions. These programs are related to community development and social service issues as well as recreation and sport programs. Specifically, that sport participation (training and competition) is a major feature in the lives of young people from all of the participating contingents at the Arctic Winter Games.

AWG Goals

1. Athletic Competition: “To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition.” 2. Cultural Exhibition & Social Interchange: “To promote indigenous cultural activities and exhibitions, to get different groups together, to develop and maintain good relations amongst northern people.” 3. Spirit of Fair Play: “To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity.”

Primary Research Questions

1. What is the most exciting or important thing about being here for the Games? 2. How has your life changed by being involved in the Games? 3. In what ways have the Games changed life for young people in your town/community?

The results show that there were consistent answers among all athletes, regardless of what team they were representing. Athletes, coaches and spectators representing the northern people seems to have similar beliefs and values. The following pages show selected answers to the above three questions from athletes, coaches and spectators, sectioned by team affiliation.

Overview

The 43rd bi-annual Arctic Winter Games were held in Fairbanks, Alaska, United States from Saturday, March 15, 2014 through Saturday, March 22, 2012. Participants from all over the Arctic North gathered in celebration of sport and community. Not only were athletic competitions held throughout the week, participants, coaches, and spectators were given the opportunity to be a part of cultural experiences from different regions. With almost 1,500 athlete participants, the Arctic Winter Games are becoming more popular among the people of the Arctic North.

Number of Athlete Participants

283 289

Alaska Alberta North 62 Greenland Northwest Territories 33 182 Nunavik-Quebec Nunavut Sapmi Yamal 225 Yukon 91

53 274 Gender

49.9% Male 50.1% Female

Ethnic Background 1.4% 1.1% 5.0% 6.5%

Inuvialuit Dene Metis 24.2% Inuit 55.4% Non-Aboriginal Greenlandic Parents or Relatives Participation as an Athlete in the Games

46.0% Yes 54.0% No Participation in Past Arctic Winter Games

49.4% Yes 50.6% No Percent Who Volunteer for Special or Community Events

41.4% Yes 58.6% No Involvement in these Games Helped Become a Volunteer

47.7% Yes 52.3% No Community, Family, and Personal Benefits Being involved helps my family be 7.7% 28.0% 63.3% more active

Brings my family closer together 9.2% 35.0% 55.7%

Helps me to understand myself 5.6% 26.7% 67.7% better

Brings my community closer Disagree 5.5% 27.1% 67.3% together Neutral Makes me want to do better in Agree 14.2% 32.9% 53.0% school

Makes my community a better 10.0% 34.6% 55.5% place to live

These games help develop my own 1.7%14.6% 83.6% leadership skills

0.0% 50.0% 100.0% New and Challenging Experiences

4.8% Brings happy memories after the Event 0.3% 94.9%

Gives me the chance tfor new 0.3%4.2% 95.5% adventures and excitement

Provides interesting experiences which 3.2% 0.4% 96.4% I can tell my friends afterwards

Gives me a chance to see other 2.9% Disagree 0.8% 96.2% towns/places Neutral

Gives me an opportunity to enjoy 3.5% Agree 0.3% 96.1% sports

8.3% Provides me with a physical challenge 1.1% 90.6%

Gives me the chance to compete with 5.7% 0.8% 93.4% others

0.0% 50.0% 100.0% Overview

Throughout the week of the Arctic Winter Games, March 15 – March 22, 2014, participants and coaches were given a survey that collected information regarding their participation in the Games. As already noted, there were three main goals of the Arctic Winter Games: • Athletic Competition: “To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games themselves or in the team trials - and to provide a forum of competition for those other than elite athletes with competitive opportunities in the south.”

• Cultural Exhibition & Social Interchange: “To promote indigenous cultural activities and exhibitions, and to get different groups together. To develop, amongst northern peoples, a geographic identity and to develop and maintain good relations.”

• Spirit of Fair Play “The fundamental purpose is to encourage maximum participation by all ages of youth, cultures and walks of life in a broad range of athletic activities. The Games are to exemplify the spirit of fair play during the Games week.”

The three goals were the basis for the questions on the survey. The four charts on the next three pages will visually show the percentage of participants and coaches to “agreed” and “strongly agreed” to each question.

Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 30.1% 63.5%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 37.8% 53.3%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 32.7% 60.6%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 35.9% 50.7%

Challenges me in sports 28.8% 62.7%

Gives me something to do in my free time 36.8% 47.3%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 33.5% 48.3% community

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 2: To promote indigenous cultural activities and exhibitions, to get different groups together, to develop and maintain good relations amongst northern people:

Builds excitement in my community 43.6% 45.8% Encourages communities to support those who are 46.0% 41.3% involved in the Games

Gives me pride in being "Northern" 35.1% 53.3%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 32.0% 61.5%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 37.4% 49.9% Opportunity to find out something new about 42.9% 47.9% someone else

Helps me understand other cultures 35.5% 36.8%

Helps me take pride in my culture 33.8% 45.4%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 36.7% 28.5%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 40.2% 40.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 47.1% 36.8%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 43.9% 41.0% models

Allows me to have fun 26.7% 71.8%

Lets youth learn about different sports 38.9% 52.1%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Alaska

Team Alaska was represented by 289 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Alaska is a permanent member and has been participating in the Games since 1970.

What is the most exciting or important How has your life In what ways have the things about being here changed by being Games changed life for for the Games? involved in the Games? young people in your

town/community? “I get the opportunity to “This is the largest

meet new people from demonstration of “"Experience to around the world, and I community and respect remember for the rest get to watch and learn through sport in the of my life" - Athlete from these others.” - world.” -Spectator Athlete Gender

45.3% Male 54.7% Female Ethnicity 0.0% 0.0% 5.7% 7.5% 1.9% Inuvialuit Dene Metis Inuit Non-Aboriginal 78.6% Greenlandic Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition

Allows me to be in competitive sports 38.6% 58.8%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 31.3% 63.5%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 40.7% 52.2%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 41.7 47.8%

Challenges me in sports 32.5% 61.4%

Gives me something to do in my free time 34.8% 53.0%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 35.7% 41.7% community

Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 47.0% 41.0%

Gives me pride in being "Northern" 42.7% 38.5%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 39.3% 41.9%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 24.8% 69.2%

Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 34.2% 60.7%

Helps me understand other cultures 34.2% 60.7%

Helps me take pride in my culture 33.6% 39.7%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 29.1% 48.7%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 37.4% 29.6%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 39.0% 44.1%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 39.8% 42.4% models

Allows me to have fun 24.4% 73.1%

Lets youth learn about different sports 47.5% 45.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Alberta North

Team Alberta North was represented by 182 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Ever since the 1986 Arctic Winter Games, Alberta North has had a strong representative team.

How has your life changed by being In what ways have the What is the most involved in the Games? Games changed life for exciting or important young people in your things about being here town/community? for the Games? “The Arctic Winter This is a week to Games provide a truly “The Games encourage remember, embrace the unique opportunity for more connection experience!- Athlete athletes of the North to between the world.” come together and - Athlete bond.”- Athlete Gender

37.1% Male Female 62.9% Ethnicity 0.8% 0.8% 0.8% 8.8% Inuvialuit Dene Metis Inuit 88.8% Non-Aboriginal Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 29.3% 61.1%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 36.5% 54.5%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 34.4% 54.1%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 36.3% 51.0%

Challenges me in sports 29.3% 59.9%

Gives me something to do in my free time 32.7% 54.5%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 30.8% 52.6% community

Builds excitement in my community 43.4% 42.8% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 44.0% 42.1% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 34.0% 57.9%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 32.7% 61.0%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 32.5% 57.9% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 41.1% 52.5% Helps me understand other cultures 42.1% 42.1%

Helps me take pride in my culture 37.7% 48.4%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 38.0% 32.9%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 37.3% 47.5%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 46.5% 42.0%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 44.7% 41.5% models

Allows me to have fun 33.3% 66.0%

Lets youth learn about different sports 37.1% 56.6%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Greenland

Team Greenland was represented by 91 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Since 1990, Team Greenland has participated in the Games.

In what ways have the What is the most How has your life Games changed life for exciting or important changed by being young people in your things about being here involved in the Games? town/community? for the Games? “So far, it has been an “The arctic winter “I've learned a lot about amazing adventure games help make young how to get better at my coming to the games.” people better athletes sport.” - Athlete - Athlete and individuals.” - Athlete Gender

Male 35.0% Female

65.0% Ethnicity 0.0%

Inuvialuit 35.0% Dene Metis 65.0% Inuit Non-Aboriginal Greenlandic 0.0% Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 25.0% 50.0%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 43.8% 50.0%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 35.3% 58.8%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 41.2% 28.4%

Challenges me in sports 25.0% 37.5%

Gives me something to do in my free time 35.3% 52.9%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 29.4% 64.7% community

Lets me intereact with different cultures 35.0% 55.0%

Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 55.0% 30.0%

Helps me understand other cultures 40.0% 50.0%

Helps me take pride in my culture 45.0% 50.0%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 35.0% 50.0%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 50.0% 45.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 45.0% 20.0%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 55.0% 30.0% models

Allows me to have fun 25.0% 60.0%

Lets youth learn about different sports 30.0% 40.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Northwest Territories

Team Northwest Territories was represented by 274 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. The Northwest Territories was a founding member of the Games in 1970 and are a permanent member.

What is the most exciting or important In what ways have the How has your life things about being here Games changed life for changed by being for the Games? young people in your involved in the Games? town/community?

“It's a wonderful “It is a surreal feeling, I experience, lovely “Youth feel obligated to love the chance to different things stick to soccer and stay travel.” combined like culture away from drugs.” - Athlete and tradition .” - Athlete - Athlete Gender

43.3% Male Female 56.7% Ethnicity 0.0% 3.2%

13.0% Inuvialuit Dene Metis 21.1% Inuit 55.7% Non-Aboriginal Greenlandic

1.6% Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 20.1% 73.2%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 36.9% 59.8%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 28.5% 68.2%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 28.5% 61.5%

Challenges me in sports 22.3% 72.1%

Gives me something to do in my free time 35.8% 49.7%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 31.3% 50.3% community

Builds excitement in my community 37.7% 54.1% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 41.8% 50.0% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 33.9% 55.2%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 35.5% 61.2%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 35.0% 51.4% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 42.4% 46.7% Helps me understand other cultures 37.2% 31.1%

Helps me take pride in my culture 39.2% 39.8%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 39.8% 29.8%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 42.0% 38.7%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 50.5% 36.3%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 45.0% 43.3% models

Allows me to have fun 20.6% 78.9%

Lets youth learn about different sports 36.8% 56.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Nunavik-Quebec Team Nunavik-Quebec was represented by 53 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Team Nunavik-Quebec has sent athletes to represent their territory in 1972, 1974, 1976, 1986, and every other year since 2000.

In what ways have the Games changed life for What is the most How has your life young people in your exciting or important changed by being town/community? things about being here involved in the Games?

for the Games? “The Arctic Sports are “I have made new part of my culture, so it “Representing my friends, and I developed allows us more contingent and wearing new skills.” opportunities to learn our colors.” - Athlete - Athlete about ourselves.” - Athlete Gender

Male 53.5% 46.5% Female

Ethnicity 0.0% 0.0%

6.8% Inuvialuit Dene Metis Inuit Non-Aboriginal Greenlandic 90.9% Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 30.1% 63.5%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 34.9% 44.2%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 41.9% 55.8%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 34.9% 39.5%

Challenges me in sports 41.9% 41.9%

Gives me something to do in my free time 53.5% 18.6%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 46.5% 46.5% community

Builds excitement in my community 54.5% 43.2% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 63.6% 25.0% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 31.8% 61.4%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 25.0% 75.0%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 40.9% 47.7% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 47.7% 52.3% Helps me understand other cultures 31.8% 47.7%

Helps me take pride in my culture 38.6% 50.0%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 48.8% 25.6%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 45.2% 45.2%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 51.2% 43.9%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 44.2% 51.2% models

Allows me to have fun 30.2% 69.8%

Lets youth learn about different sports 30.2% 62.8%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Nunavut Team Nunavut was represented by 225 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. The first representation in the Arctic Winter Games for Team Nunavut was in 2000 and they have competed every other year since then.

What is the most In what ways have the exciting or important How has your life Games changed life for things about being here changed by being young people in your for the Games? involved in the Games? town/community?

“It is a lot of fun and a “I have more “The games give me great experience. So appreciation for sports, something to look much to share and a lot while also experiencing forward to and train for of friends to make from new sports.” during the winter.” everywhere.” - Athlete - Athlete - Athlete Gender

Male 43.7% Female

56.3% Ethnicity

0.5% 1.1%

14%

81.4%

Inuvialuit Dene Metis Inuit Non-Aboriginal Greenlandic Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 32.8% 61.7%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 39.3% 46.4%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 25.4% 67.6%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 35.1% 52.4%

Challenges me in sports 24.0% 69.4%

Gives me something to do in my free time 36.8% 45.4%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 33.5% 53.5% community

Builds excitement in my community 39.4% 47.3% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 42.2% 44.4% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 33.2% 57.2%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 29.8% 62.8%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 39.2% 43.5% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 44.9% 44.9% Helps me understand other cultures 36.7% 36.2%

Helps me take pride in my culture 33.0% 51.1%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 39.2% 24.7%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 45.5% 38.5%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 47.3% 31.3%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 43.0% 43.5% models

Allows me to have fun 22.0% 76.9%

Lets youth learn about different sports 37.1% 54.8%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Sapmi Team Sapmi was represented by 33 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Although a small representation, Team Sapmi has been a strong representative since their first year of participation in 2004.

How has your life In what ways have the What is the most changed by being Games changed life for exciting or important involved in the Games? young people in your things about being here town/community? for the Games? “I have noticed that people are very similar “They encourage people “Being together as a no matter where they to have a healthy team.” - Athlete are from.” lifestyle.” - Spectator - Athlete Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 40.0% 60.0%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 40.0% 60.0%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 40.0% 20.0%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 40.0% 20.0%

Challenges me in sports 20.0% 20.0%

Gives me something to do in my free time 60.0% 20.0%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 20.0% 20.0% community

Builds excitement in my community 80.0% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 40.0% 20.0% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 40.0% 60.0%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 40.0% 60.0%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 60.0% 40.0% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 60.0% 40.0% Helps me understand other cultures 40.0%

Helps me take pride in my culture 40.0% 60.0%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 20.0%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 20.0% 20.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 40.0% 20.0%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 40.0% 20.0% models

Allows me to have fun 40.0% 60.0%

Lets youth learn about different sports 40.0% 60.0%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Yamal Team Yamal was represented by 62 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. Team Yamal started competing as part of the Tyumen team in 1992; split from them in 2004, and since 2006 has been the only team to represent Russia.

“Thank you for the “Being exposed to “Telling my friends great experience, different cultures and about the different wonderfully hospitable. people.” cultures, lifestyles and Thanks Alaska! .” - - Athlete sports.” - Athlete Coach Gender

46.2% Male Female 53.8%

Inuvialuit Dene Metis Inuit Non-Aboriginal Greenlandic Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 20.0% 74.3%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 28.6% 62.9%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 22.9% 68.6%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 51.4% 31.4%

Challenges me in sports 25.7% 45.7%

Gives me something to do in my free time 40.0% 34.3%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 28.6% 57.1% community

Builds excitement in my community 31.4% 62.9% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 42.9% 51.4% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 22.9% 68.6%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 31.4% 68.6%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 37.1% 62.9% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 37.1% 60.0% Helps me understand other cultures 25.7% 57.1%

Helps me take pride in my culture 28.6% 62.9%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 20.0% 48.6%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 45.7% 42.9%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 31.4% 68.6%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 31.4% 51.4% models

Allows me to have fun 37.1% 62.9%

Lets youth learn about different sports 28.6% 68.6%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Yukon Team Yukon was represented by 283 athletes at the 2014 Arctic Winter Games. The people of Yukon were very excited to be selected as hosts for this year’s Arctic Winter Games. They have been a permanent member since 1970.

helped me become a “Youth that participate “Seeing up and coming better athlete and in the games develop youth try to make it to person.” international tolerance.” the top.” - Spectator - Athlete - Coach Gender

Male 43.7% Female

56.3% Ethnicity 2.3% 4.6% 1.7% 4.0% 1.7% Inuvialuit Dene Metis Inuit Non-Aboriginal 77.7% Greenlandic Goal 1: To involve as many athletes as possible either in the Games or in the trials, and to provide a forum of northern sport competition:

Allows me to be in competitive sports 33.5% 62.9%

Gets me invovled with other kids in sports 44.7% 46.5%

Helps me develop my skills and abilities 37.6% 56.5%

Keeps me healthy and physically fit 36.8% 48.0%

Challenges me in sports 35.3% 60.0%

Gives me something to do in my free time 38.2% 45.9%

Helps me be a role model to other youth in my 34.9% 37.9% community

Builds excitement in my community 53.1% 37.7% Encourages communities to support those who are involved in the Games 53.7% 33.1% Gives me pride in being "Northern" 39.4% 45.7%

Helps me meet new people and make new friends 35.4% 52.0%

Lets me intereact with different cultures 41.7% 38.9% Opportunity to find out something new about someone else 48.0% 36.6% Helps me understand other cultures 30.3% 29.7%

Helps me take pride in my culture 26.9% 36.0%

Gives opportunities to perform in cultural programs 29.9% 22.4%

Allows me to enjoy the cultural experiences 35.6% 30.5%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree Goal 3: To encourage maximum participation by all ages, and all walks of life in a broad range of athletic activity:

Allows me to see the emphasis placed on youth 52.0% 27.2%

Allows me to look up to others as good role 46.9% 31.4% models

Allows me to have fun 30.9% 66.9%

Lets youth learn about different sports 44.0% 41.1%

0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% Agree Strongly Agree