Traditional Sami joik will be heard in Canada when Mikkel Rasmus Logje and Risten-Marja Inga take the stage in Whitehorse, Yukon. Their strength is traditional joik and that is the reason why they were offered to join Team Sápmi in March 2012.

The organizers of this year’s Arctic Winter Games aim to stage a tremendous celebration of Arctic cultures during this year’s Games.

Alongside the sports competitions, there will be concerts with various artists from the Arctic region. Sápmi plays two sports, cross-country skiing and indoor football.

Government supports cultural branding

Yesterday, Yukon MP Ryan Leef, on behalf of Canadian Heritage Minister and Official Spokesperson, James Moore, said the Canadian government supports cultural branding at the Arctic Winter Games.

The Games will take place from March 4 to 10, and cultural events will include both daily art performances, concerts, workshops, art exhibitions and interactive digital art projects.

“The cultural program will, among other things, feature residents of remote northern communities and the opportunity to meet professional artists,” say the organizers of this year’s Arctic Winter Games.

– Our government has a mandate from Canadians to invest in jobs and growth in northern communities, Moore tells lobbyist website

Newswire Canada

.

The budget for the Arctic Winter Games Cultural Festival in Whitehorse is $300,000 (about NOK 1.7 million). Of this amount, the Canadian government allocated $150,000 per

Canada Arts Presentation Fund

(external link).

– By supporting important events like the Arctic Winter Games Cultural Festival, the government is helping to promote tourism and support Canadian art, culture and heritage, said Mr. Moore.