Team Nunavut hails from Canada and comprises the largest and newest territory of Canada. Nunavut, which means “our land,” was annexed from the Northwest Territories in 1999. This year, the 297 Nunavut participants in the 2024 Arctic Winter Games include athletes, coaches, managers, youth ambassadors, cultural performers, and mission staff. They will be representing Nunavut in 13 sports including hockey, table tennis, short track speed skating, figure skating, badminton, basketball, volleyball, arctic sports, dene games, futsal, wrestling, curling, and cross-country skiing.
During the opening ceremonies, badminton athlete Iris Sowdluapik was flag bearer for Team Nunavut. Iris comes from Pangnirtung and has competed several times in major games. She earned the bronze medal in doubles at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games and the 2023 North American Indigenous Games. She is a dedicated athlete, mentor, and coach to younger youth in her community. She believes in giving back to her community and the sport she loves so much.
The Youth Ambassadors joining Team Nunavut this year represent some of the best young leaders in the region. Youth Ambassadors hosting the Nunavut pop-up booth will offer giveaways and activities such as trivia and syllabic writing, as well as present an Arctic Sports/Inuit Games demonstration. Make sure you stop by to see what they have in store - their booth time and locations will be released in Ulu News tomorrow, March 14. These youth participated in training sessions in person and online in preparation for volunteering with the Host Society, and have trained in several skills, such as Marketing, Event Services, and Volunteer Services. The expertise they gain as Ambassadors to the Games help them develop irreplaceable talents and abilities and gain confidence to represent Nunavut and their people.
The Team Nunavut Pin Set is made up of six pieces which fit together as a group of family and friends. These characters are gathered around the qulliq (oil lamp) listening to traditional stories; stories which always have a meaning and moral to take away. The set was created and is being supplied by The Pin People, Laurie Artiss Limited. Make sure you get the complete set!
We at the Ulu News look forward to seeing what these athletes and young people have to offer. We can’t wait to see how they do. Naghe nduniyu (Welcome) to the Mat-Su Valley, Team Nunavut!