Team NT concluded the 2026 Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse with an outstanding showing across sport and culture, marked by record‑breaking performances, multiple gold‑medal moments, and a strong overall medal tally. These numbers reflect not only athletic success but the steady development of young athletes across the territory.

According to the official Arctic Winter Games medal standings, Team NT won 41 gold, 30 silver, and 27 bronze, for a total of 98 ulus (medals), ranking fourth overall among the eight competing contingents.  

One of the standout achievements for Team NT at the Games came from speed skating, where NWT athletes delivered a dominant opening-day performance at the Canada Games Centre in Whitehorse. Competing in the U15 and U19 1,000-metre events, Team NT athletes swept all four gold ulus and set two new Arctic Winter Games records, demonstrating the strength and depth of the territory’s speed skating program.

Throughout the week, Team NT continued to build momentum, securing 12 gold ulus in a single day on March 12. There were strong performances throughout the games in speed skating, figure skating, biathlon, wrestling, gymnastics, snowboarding, curling, hand games, and other disciplines. These achievements reflected a well-balanced delegation excelling across both modern and traditional events.

Beyond competition, Team NT also proudly represented the NWT's cultural strength. Cultural performers included a contribution from the Mackenzie River Dancers of Inuvik, whose traditional Métis and Delta‑style dances brought northern culture, youth leadership, and community pride to audiences throughout the Games.

The Government of the Northwest Territories thanks all athletes, cultural performers, coaches, mission staff, and volunteers for their leadership and dedication. Their efforts ensure that participation in the Arctic Winter Games remains a memorable and empowering experience for youth across the NWT.

Quotes

“Team NT’s performance at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games reflects far more than athletic ability. Our youth demonstrated leadership, respect, and the spirit of northern cooperation, qualities that matter long after medals are awarded. We are incredibly proud of how they represented their communities and strengthened connections across the circumpolar North.”

  - The Honourable Vince McKay, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick Facts

• Team NT competed across 19 sports and cultural disciplines during the Games and finished fourth overall among eight contingents competing at the Games, winning 98 total ulus: 41 gold, 30 silver, and 27 bronze.
• On opening day (March 9), Team NT swept all four gold medals in the U15 and U19 1,000-metre speed skating events.
• Team NT set two new Arctic Winter Games records in speed skating during the opening day events.
• Team NT won 12 gold ulus in a single day on March 12 and delivered strong performances in figure skating, biathlon, wrestling, gymnastics, snowboarding, curling, hand games, and other disciplines.
• The NWT delegation included 356 participants, including athletes, cultural performers, coaches, cultural managers, and mission staff.
• About 275 youth athletes and cultural performers represented Team NT. Participants came from 19 communities across all five regions of the NWT.
• The Arctic Winter Games bring together more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, and cultural performers from circumpolar regions including Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Northern Alberta, Greenland, and Sápmi.

Related Links

• Official AGW results site
• Team NT – 2026 Arctic Winter Games Participant Eligibility Policy
• Team NT Sport Integrity Policy
• Arctic Winter Games: https://www.arcticwintergames.org

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