Games culture
The Arctic Winter Games brings together athletes from across the circumpolar north. This week-long international sporting event is an opportunity for youth to participate in friendly competition and create life-long bonds with other athletes from across the globe! The Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games will host several activities and experiences for athletes, visitors, and alumni to enjoy.
Wood Buffalo 2023
Wood Buffalo 2023
Animal Ambassador
The chickadee will serve as the animal ambassador for the 2024 Mat-Su Arctic Winter Games. After a collaborative process with robust community input, as the Host Society we’ve opted out of the typical sports “mascot” program in favor of a new, more reverent representation of our animal and the spirit of the Games. Additional artistic representations of chickadees will be allowed with permission from the Host Society.
Angie Wade, Tribal Citizen and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer of the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, told us this about the Chickadee:
“My grandma, Katie Wade from the Chickaloon Village always told us that when you see a chickadee it shows that someone is thinking about you. In our culture, birds are messengers, and the chickadee carries the message of love and connection.”
So when you see a chickadee in our community, and as a part of our games, carry the story forward and know that a friend is thinking of you.
