Arctic Winter Games 2023 open with a rockin' outdoor party at –17 C

Black night skies spread above brightly lit arches and crowds of spectators on Sunday night as the teams competing in this year's Arctic Winter Games received their official welcome at the opening ceremony.

It was about –17 C Sunday night as athletes from the N.W.T., Nunavut and Yukon gathered outside in Fort McMurray, Alta., with fellow competitors to the sound of deafening cheers and whistles.

Blaring music, dancing lights and rousing speeches kept the energy high all evening, offsetting the winter chill. Just as the evening was winding down, The Halluci Nation took the stage to thunderous applause, ending the opening ceremony with a bang.

Earlier in the evening, the cold temperatures froze up the microphone at least once, but speakers pressed on to express their appreciation for being able to attend.

As dignitaries prepared to give speeches, Elder Alice Martin gave a blessing in Cree and English.

"I'm honoured to stand here in front of you, to ask our Creator to bless us, keep us safe, during this week of the Arctic Winter Games," Martin said.

"Good luck to everybody. Hiy hiy!"

Wood Buffalo Mayor Sandy Bowman gave a greeting in Cree and English, thanking Elder Rita Martin for giving him language lessons.

"Welcome to you all," he said. "I wish you nothing but the best for the next week of competition and cultural celebration."

Sunday's opening ceremony was meant to give people a show, said Nicole Clow, the general manager of the Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games Host Society.

Elder Lina Gallup and Olympian Brook Voigt carried in the torch by dogsled to light the cauldron, torch thrust high in the air as they rode in. It's the only time sled dogs will make an appearance this year, as they were left off the slate of sports.

The opening ceremony also featured dancers and singers performing the theme song of the Games, and fireworks.

Clow said excitement has been building in the community. Close to 2,000 people have offered to volunteer to help make the Games a success.

"It's a chance to show off, something to celebrate. It's been a while — it's been a lot of hard years, but we've got a lot of community support," she said.