Whitehorse, Yukon – Abigail Arey of Aklavik, Northwest Territories, etched her name into the history of the Arctic Winter Games, securing the first gold ulu for Team NT in the Dene Games’ stick pull competition on Monday. The victory, celebrated by cheering fans at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre, marks a significant early achievement for the Northwest Territories contingent at the Games.
Arey navigated a challenging double-elimination format, winning six consecutive contests to claim the gold in the under-18 female division. The Dene Games stick pull is a test of strength and grip, demanding competitors to pull a heavily greased stick from their opponent’s grasp – a skill Arey likened to “holding a fish by its tail when ice fishing.”
“I just try my best and try get a fine grip,” Arey shared with CKLB Radio, as congratulatory messages poured in from family in the Beaufort Delta community watching the livestream. Her advice to aspiring young female athletes is simple and powerful: “Don’t worry about disappointment, just try your best and be proud.”
Coach Charlene Liske emphasized the importance of consistent physical activity in Arey’s training regimen. “It’s just staying active in your community, doing active things every day, and just keeping your body and your mind strong,” Liske explained.
The Arctic Winter Games, a biennial event celebrating Arctic sports and culture, brings together athletes from across the circumpolar north. This year’s Games, hosted in Whitehorse, Yukon, showcase a diverse range of competitions, from traditional Dene Games like stick pull to modern winter sports.
Arey’s gold wasn’t the only medal success for Team NT on Monday. Kobe White added to the tally with a silver medal in snowboarding’s rail jam, while Logan Doll secured a bronze ulu in the snowshoe biathlon event. These early successes position Team NT competitively as the Games progress.
As of Monday evening, the medal standings show Alaska leading with 39 total medals, followed by Yukon with 35, and the Northwest Territories with 12. The competition is fierce, and Team NT will be looking to build on this momentum in the days ahead.
The stick pull competition itself is a deeply rooted tradition within Dene culture. It’s a display of physical prowess, mental fortitude, and respect for ancestral practices. The greased stick, a central element of the game, adds an extra layer of difficulty, requiring competitors to maintain a firm grip under challenging conditions.
Arey’s victory is particularly meaningful as it represents the first gold ulu for Team NT at the 2026 Arctic Winter Games. The ulu, a traditional Inuit knife, serves as the Games’ medal, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of the Arctic region. Winning an ulu is a significant honor for any athlete competing at the Games.
The success of Team NT athletes extends beyond the medal count. The participation of these young athletes provides valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, personal growth, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The Arctic Winter Games serve as a platform for fostering unity and celebrating the unique traditions of the circumpolar north.
Looking ahead, Team NT will continue to compete in a variety of events throughout the week. Athletes will be vying for medals in sports such as badminton, table tennis, and speed skating. The team’s performance will be closely watched by supporters back home in the Northwest Territories.
Detonaze Paulette, representing the Northwest Territories, competed in badminton on Monday, showcasing the breadth of athletic talent within the team. Kathleen Cai and Karissa Sadowick earned a silver medal in U15 female doubles table tennis, falling to Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland) in the final. These results demonstrate the growing strength of Team NT across multiple disciplines.
The Arctic Winter Games are more than just a sporting event; they are a celebration of culture, community, and the spirit of the north. Arey’s gold medal serves as an inspiring example of the dedication, perseverance, and talent of the athletes competing at the Games.
Team NT will continue its pursuit of medals in the coming days, with opportunities for further success in speed skating and other events. The team’s performance will undoubtedly inspire young athletes across the Northwest Territories to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Team NT is continued competition across various events throughout the week, with results expected to be updated daily. Fans can follow Team NT’s progress and results on the official Arctic Winter Games website and through CKLB Radio’s coverage.
What are your thoughts on Team NT’s early success at the Arctic Winter Games? Share your comments and support below!
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