The NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) today announced that it will be providing significant support to the 2026 Labrador Winter Games. The Games are hosted by the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and will take place in the Upper Lake Melville Area from March 8-14.

NCC is making a direct investment of up to $10,000 to NCC communities taking part in the Games. This will be distributed among eligible community teams to enhance the participation of our people.

A cash contribution will also go directly to the Labrador Winter Games organization as part of their corporate sponsorship program, making NCC a Silver Sponsor. This is a milestone contribution as NCC celebrates 40 years as an Indigenous governing body in 2026.

The Labrador Winter Games organizes a variety of competitions, many of which promote the unique culture and heritage of Indigenous groups in Labrador. Some of the more traditional events include the Labrathon, the Dog Team Race, Northern Games and snowshoe races.

NCC continues to support initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of NunatuKavut Inuit and those in the wider community.

Quick Facts

• Started in 1983, the Labrador Winter Games was promoted as a way to celebrate the tremendous cultures and talents of the people of Labrador. In total, some 500 athletes, 600 volunteers, and many more spectators, make the Labrador Winter Games one of the biggest events in all of Labrador. It is hosted every three years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• NCC is the Indigenous representative organization for approximately 6,000 Inuit who reside primarily in south and central Labrador.
• NunatuKavut means “Our Ancient Land” in Inuttitut and is the traditional territory of the Inuit who belong to this territory.
• In July 2018, NCC entered into talks with the Government of Canada on the Recognition of its Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination (RIRSD). In September 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed.
• NCC is celebrating its 40th anniversary as an Indigenous governing body in 2026.

Quote

“We are honoured to once again sponsor the Labrador Winter Games. We hope that this year’s contribution will help to enhance participation from our communities and make these Games the best ever. The Games provide an incredible opportunity for the people of Labrador to showcase the traditions that has been carried on through many generations. This sporting event unites all communities and instills such a strong sense of pride in who we are and the places to which we belong.”
— Todd Russell, President

Associated Links

• To learn more about NCC and NunatuKavut Inuit, please visit our website at nunatukavut.ca. Please also join in the conversation at facebook.com/nunatukavut, X/Twitter @nunatukavut and Instagram @nunatukavutinuit.
• To keep up with the latest on the 2026 Labrador Winter Games, please visit labradorwintergames.ca

Media Contact

Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca