The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released the Review of Team NT and the Multisport Games “What We Heard” Report, summarizing feedback gathered from athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, sport organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations, community representatives, and residents across the Northwest Territories (NWT).

The review supports the GNWT’s commitment to promoting active, healthy lifestyles and strengthening opportunities for residents to participate in sport, recreation, and physical activity. Multisport games are one part of the broader sport and recreation system. The Games contribute to athlete and leadership development, cultural exchange, volunteer development, community pride, and opportunities for residents to represent their communities and the NWT while showcasing northern cultures and ways of life. The review will inform recommendations for Team NT and the multisport games system, while advancing the Active Living Framework’s goal of fostering active, healthy, and connected communities.

The engagement process, supported by the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), included focus groups, interviews, and a public survey conducted through the GNWT's Have Your Say platform between May and July 2026. Feedback was received from participants representing all regions of the NWT and a wide range of roles within the sport and recreation system.

Key engagement statistics include:

• 124 public survey responses received through the GNWT's Have Your Say platform.
• Feedback was received from participants representing all regions of the NWT.
• Engagement included athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, Territorial Sport Organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations, community representatives, mission staff, and sport system partners.
• More than half of survey respondents identified as women or girls, and engagement included Indigenous residents, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority communities.
• Additional feedback from 147 Arctic Winter Games Trials Survey respondents, 61 Arctic Winter Games Survey respondents, and 44 Canada Games Survey respondents was also reviewed and considered.  

The report summarizes what was shared about the purpose and value of the Games, opportunities for participation, athlete selection processes, community representation, communication, and the long-term sustainability of the multisport games system. The review examined Team NT’s participation in the Arctic Winter Games, North American Indigenous Games, Canada Games, and Canada 55+ Games, and gathered perspectives on how these programs benefit athletes, coaches, volunteers, communities, and partner organizations across the NWT.

Participants highlighted the Games’ role in fostering youth development, leadership, cultural connection, community pride, and a sense of friendship and belonging. Across all engagement activities, respondents expressed strong support for Team NT and the continued role of the Games in communities across the NWT.  

Several common themes emerged through the review, including the need for greater clarity regarding the purpose of each Games, improved access to participation opportunities in small and remote communities, a review of Arctic Winter Games trials and selection processes, stronger guidance for volunteers and coaches, enhanced communication and coordination, and efforts to address financial barriers to participation.

The report does not contain recommendations or decisions. Instead, it summarizes the perspectives and experiences shared during the engagement process and will help inform future recommendations to the GNWT on Team NT and multisport games system.

To learn more and read the full report, visit:  https://haveyoursay.nwt-tno.ca/team-nt-multisport-games-review

For media requests, please contact:
Peter Tah
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Peter_Tah@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9162 ext. 21012